Rwanda’s Clare Akamanzi has been appointed as the new CEO of NBA Africa, marking a historic moment for the continent’s sports industry.
Akamanzi, who previously served as the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, will be responsible for overseeing the NBA’s business operations in Africa, including the league’s social responsibility initiatives, partnerships, and basketball development programs.
The appointment of Akamanzi is a significant step forward for the NBA’s efforts to expand its presence in Africa, which has become an increasingly important market for the league in recent years. With a population of over 1.3 billion people and a growing middle class, Africa represents a huge opportunity for the NBA to tap into new fans and revenue streams.
Akamanzi brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having played a key role in Rwanda’s economic development over the past decade. During her tenure at the Rwanda Development Board, she oversaw the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment, promote tourism, and develop its technology sector.
In a statement announcing her appointment, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Akamanzi’s leadership skills and her commitment to driving positive change in Africa. “Clare is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the African market and a strong track record of driving growth and innovation,” he said. “We are thrilled to have her on board as we continue to expand our presence in Africa and build on the momentum of our NBA Africa initiative.”For Akamanzi, the opportunity to lead NBA Africa is a chance to make a lasting impact on the continent’s sports industry and to help inspire a new generation of African basketball players.
“I am honored to join the NBA family and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team,” she said.
“I look forward to leveraging the power of basketball to drive positive change in Africa and to help create a brighter future for all Africans.”
