A host of basketball enthusiasts believe new NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi has what it takes to take African basketball to greater heights. Akamanzi, 44, was officially appointed NBA Africa CEO Wednesday December 27, succeeding Sierra Leone-born Victor Williams who announced his resignation from the position in November. She will assume office on January 23, 2024. The former cabinet member, who most recently served as Rwanda Development Board CEO, becomes not only the first Rwandan but also the first female to assume the position at the institution which was particularly created to grow NBA’s presence on the African continent. “The presence of a woman leader in such a prominent position serves as a strong benefit from a wider range of perspectives, potentially leading to more thoughtful and inclusive policies and initiatives that benefit all stakeholders,” said FERWABA President Desire Mugwiza who described Akamanzi’s latest appointment as ‘exciting news for African basketball.’ “It is also a powerful representation for women in the sports industry and it sets an example and encourages more women to pursue careers in basketball and sports administration.” This appointment, Mugwiza said, will especially help drive community engagement initiatives and social impact programs, using the NBA's platform to address societal issues, promote inclusivity, and empower underrepresented groups. As part of the Basketball community in Africa, he said, “we commit our support and collaboration.” ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Akamanzi appointed NBA Africa CEO During her tenure, Akamanzi is expected to oversee the NBA’s business and basketball development efforts in Africa. She will also be responsible for continuing to grow the popularity of the sport, the NBA and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) across the continent, including through grassroots basketball development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families. “It's great to see a seasoned Rwandan strategist become CEO of NBA Africa,” said Kepler CEO Nathalie Munyampenda. Munyampenda, whose college will embark on its debut in the topflight basketball, sees great potential in Akamanzi as a person capable of “accelerating the already great initiatives that NBA Africa has on the continent and hopefully grow the game of basketball from the ground up in Africa. It's good to see women leading continental initiatives. She has brokered many big deals and I think we can expect more of the same.” For Jean-Luc Cyusa, a seasoned basketball fan, former player, and a close follower of the sport globally, Akamanzi’s appointment “is a great move from the NBA. “She (Clare) will bring her vast experience in international business and understanding of the African sport industry to help the NBA expand on its activities in Africa.” Under her leadership, Cyusa said, “we expect to see the development of basketball in Africa as a driver for economic development especially in the sub-saharan region where there is huge potential for the development of a sports industry.” Akamanzi’s appointment comes at a time when the NBA is pushing for a standalone entity on the African continent with the support of strategic investors and partners, to help establish the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as a world-class professional league that is about to embark on its fourth season, and expanding the league’s footprint across Africa. ALSO READ: Victor Williams to step down as NBA Africa chief BAL Country Lead Teta Ndejuru was “thrilled to witness Akamanzi's nomination as the first female CEO to lead NBA Africa.” “Her remarkable leadership skills, coupled with a keen listening ear, innovative vision, and unwavering belief in teamwork, undoubtedly mark a transformative era for both the NBA and the entire continent. Exciting times ahead. Akamanzi, a soft-spoken mother of two, currently serves on several advisory boards including WHO Foundation, Africa Nenda and also chairs ATL – a holding company that owns RwandAir, Akagera Aviation and Kigali International Airport.
