Clare Akamanzi
At a glance
| Born | 1979, Uganda, to Rwandan refugee parents |
|---|---|
| Office | CEO of NBA Africa since January 2024 |
| Earlier role | Chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board, February 2017 to September 2023 |
| Studied | Law, Makerere University; LLM, University of Pretoria; MPA, Harvard University |
Source: Wikipedia: Clare Akamanzi; CNN: The NBA’s new frontier, franchising Africa’s basketball boom (July 2026)1,2
Early life
Akamanzi was born in Uganda in 1979 to Rwandan refugee parents. She studied law at Makerere University in Kampala, then earned a master of laws in trade and investment law at the University of Pretoria and a master of public administration at Harvard University.1
Trade and investment
She began her career in 2004 as a trade negotiator for Rwanda at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, then served as commercial attaché at the Rwandan embassy in London. Back in Rwanda in 2006 she became Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency, which merged into the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in 2008, and held senior posts there.1
RDB and NBA Africa
Akamanzi led the RDB, a cabinet-level post, from February 2017 to September 2023. She became chief executive of NBA Africa on 23 January 2024, where she oversees the Basketball Africa League, whose games are played in Rabat, Pretoria and Kigali.1,2
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clare Akamanzi?
A Rwandan lawyer and public administrator who led the Rwanda Development Board from February 2017 to September 2023.
What does she do now?
She has been chief executive of NBA Africa since 23 January 2024.
How did her career begin?
In 2004, as a trade negotiator for Rwanda at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Clare Akamanzi
- CNN: The NBA’s new frontier, franchising Africa’s basketball boom (July 2026)
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
