Clare Akamanzi, a distinguished business executive and international trade and investment lawyer, has been appointed as the CEO of NBA Africa, according to an announcement by the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Wednesday.

According to NBA Africa's announcement via social media, Akamanzi is poised to assume her new role on January 23, 2024.

"The National Basketball Association (NBA) today named Clare Akamanzi – an accomplished business executive and international trade and investment lawyer – as CEO of NBA Africa. Akamanzi will start her position on Jan. 23, 2024, "NBA Africa announced.

Akamanzi's academic journey reflects a commitment to legal and business excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and further honed her legal skills with a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in the same city.

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Her pursuit of knowledge extended to the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where she obtained a Master of Laws in trade and investment law.

Notably, Akamanzi also holds a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Commencing her professional journey in 2004 at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Akamanzi quickly became a notable figure.

Recognizing her expertise, President Paul Kagame's Government appointed her as a diplomat and special trade negotiator at the WTO.

Subsequently, she brought her skills to the Rwandan embassy in London, where she served as a commercial diplomat.

In 2006, Akamanzi assumed the role of Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA), marking a significant step in her career.

Her ascent continued in 2008 when she became the Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Business Operations and Services at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Transitioning further, she later assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer at RDB, showcasing her versatility and leadership capabilities.

Her influence extended to the highest levels of government, where she served as the "Head of Strategy and Policy" in the President's Office.

Akamanzi's multifaceted career, marked by diplomatic expertise, business acumen, and strategic leadership, positions her as a formidable force to lead NBA Africa into a new era.

As Akamanzi prepares to take the reins, her appointment signifies not only a personal achievement but also a significant step towards advancing the NBA's presence and influence in Africa.

The basketball community eagerly anticipates the positive developments and transformative leadership that Clare Akamanzi is poised to bring to NBA Africa in the years ahead.