Various basketball journalists across Africa have described Clare Akamanzi's latest appointment as the CEO of NBA Africa as an important development for the sport on the continent. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Akamanzi appointed NBA Africa CEO Akamanzi's appointment was announced on Wednesday, December 27. She takes over from Sierra Leone's Victor Williams. A host of African basketball journalists who spoke to Times Sports shared their reactions on the former cabinet member’s appointment and what it means for Rwanda whose basketball development has enjoyed a significant pace for the past couple of years. Here is what they had to say: Queen John-Moseph, Nigeria It is such a commendable feat to have her as CEO of NBA Africa. Looking at her successes recorded at the Rwandan tourism board over the years, she has the skills and qualities to handle such a huge position. ALSO READ: Who is Clare Akamanzi, the new NBA Africa chief executive? Rwandan basketball is in for a smooth ride and exciting times, having growth over the years across the boards, men and women, at Afrobasket, at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL), not to forget the U16. So with the steady growth of Rwandan basketball, one would expect nothing less than having more innovations that would affect Rwanda positively with this appointment. As the brains behind the transformation of Rwanda’s tourism, she would equally project Rwandan basketball to the international scene, serving as a good representative which would in turn propel a rapid growth in Africa Basketball. I am sure that Rwandans are proud of this new role for her. ALSO READ: Basketball fraternity backs new NBA Africa chief Akamanzi As CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, she used tourism as a tool to connect and partner with basketball like BAL. Having her as NBA Africa CEO would mean more opportunities for the people of Rwanda, more grassroots development in Rwanda and already the country has the foundation and is currently Africa's number one basketball destination. This would also mean more market for Rwanda as a people and Rwandan basketball too. But, first, her primary assignment is to take African Basketball to the next level which I am confident she would live up to expectations and Rwanda would feel a positive impact from her leadership at NBA Africa. Leonard Solms, South African journalist for ESPN I think her track record as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board speaks for itself, because the partnerships with huge brands like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are evidence that she understands the business of sports. I think this appointment is especially positive for Rwanda, because the country was ahead of the curve in creating a partnership with the NBA Africa but other countries will likely want to challenge their status as the best-placed country to host the playoffs. Having a Rwandan CEO who has experience in running the RDB means the NBA Africa will likely continue to see value in Rwanda for years to come. I am confident they would have remained one of the key partners to NBA Africa for a long time anyway but now it’s even likelier than before. With that said, this appointment is positive not only for Rwandans but for all Africans, because, from what I have read about her, her stints in Uganda and South Africa seem to have influenced her too. It is great to see that an African woman can come through African institutions and lead a global organisation like the NBA’s business on our continent. If she can do a good job, then it will surely create opportunities for many more African women and specifically Rwandan women after her. ALSO READ: Victor Williams to step down as NBA Africa chief Usher Komugisha, journalist for Al Jazeera, Super Sport Clare Akamanzi is an embodiment of excellence. She has already shown that in her past roles more specifically being at the heart of the Visit Rwanda partnership deals with Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, BAL and the African Football League. She comes with an impressive business acumen and global exposure that will drive the NBA Africa towards the direction that they are seeking – one of continued growth and innovation in an ever-changing world that has seen basketball transcend the action on the court.
