On December 27, 2023, Clare Akamanzi was formally appointed CEO of NBA Africa, with an official start date of January 23, 2024.Clare Akamanzi began her career in 2004 while working at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Rwandan government nominated her to the position of special trade negotiator and diplomat at the WTO. She then moved to the Rwandan embassy in London, United Kingdom, where she was appointed as a commercial attaché or commercial diplomat.
With nearly two decades of experience, Akamanzi has played pivotal roles in various leadership positions within the country. Notably, she served as the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) from 2017 until September 2023, where she played a crucial role in establishing RDB as a prominent economic development board, investment facilitator, and tourism agency.
During her tenure, Akamanzi led substantial business reforms that elevated Rwanda’s global rankings in the World Bank’s Doing Business index. She also spearheaded innovative campaigns like “Visit Rwanda,” fostering strategic collaborations with renowned sports organizations such as Arsenal, PSG, NBA, Bayern Munich, and others.
In addition to her contributions to economic growth, Akamanzi actively participated in high-level panels and conversations, connecting with African leaders in the public and private sectors. Among other things, she oversaw the Secretariat of the African Union Reform group and worked closely with President Paul Kagame to improve the continental organization.
Akamanzi’s extensive professional background includes advisory roles for organizations like the WHO Foundation and Africa Nenda, as well as chairing ATL—a holding company overseeing RwandAir, Akagera Aviation, and Kigali International Airport.
She has won various awards during her career, including the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader designation, Forbes’ recognition as one of Africa’s Top 20 Young Powerful Women in 2013 and 2020’s Top 50 Women, and Jeune Afrique’s listing of her as one of the Top 25 Women in Africa, among other noteworthy distinctions.
In 2022, Akamanzi was awarded the Grand Prix by the Choiseul Institute, underscoring her exceptional contributions to leadership and development.
Akamanzi possesses a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Additionally, she has acquired a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, also located in Kampala.
Her expertise extends to trade and investment law, as evidenced by her Master of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Furthermore, she holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. In recognition of her contributions, she was granted an honorary degree in Laws from Concordia University in June 2018
