Clare Akamanzi, born in 1979, is an accomplished international trade and investment lawyer and a prominent figure in Rwanda’s business landscape. On December 27, she assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Career Highlights
For nearly two decades, Akamanzi has held pivotal leadership positions within Rwanda. Notably, she served as the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) from 2017 until September 2023. During her tenure, Akamanzi played a crucial role in establishing RDB as a premier economic development board, fostering investment, and promoting tourism.
Under her leadership, Rwanda underwent substantial business reforms, leading to noteworthy improvements in global rankings, particularly in the World Bank’s Doing Business report. Akamanzi spearheaded innovative campaigns, including the highly successful “Visit Rwanda,” which forged strategic partnerships with global sports organizations such as Arsenal, PSG, NBA, Bayern Munich, and others.
Leadership Beyond Borders
Akamanzi’s influence extended beyond economic development. She actively participated in high-level discussions and panels, engaging with leaders from both public and private sectors across Africa. Notably, she coordinated the Secretariat for the African Union Reform team, collaborating closely with President Paul Kagame to enhance the continental body.
Her advisory roles encompassed prestigious organizations, including the WHO Foundation and Africa Nenda, while she chaired ATL, a holding company overseeing RwandAir, Akagera Aviation, and Kigali International Airport.
Accolades and Recognition
Akamanzi’s contributions have been widely acknowledged, earning her numerous awards and accolades. Notable among these are the Young Global Leader recognition by the World Economic Forum, Forbes’ acknowledgment as one of Africa’s Top 20 Young Powerful Women in 2013 and Top 50 Women in 2020, and inclusion among the Top 25 Women in Africa by Jeune Afrique.
In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix by the Choiseul Institute, a testament to her exceptional contributions to leadership and development.
Educational Background
Clare Akamanzi holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University, Canada. Her academic achievements include a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, an LLM in International Trade and Investment from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and an LLB (Hons) from Makerere University, Uganda.
As she embarks on her new role as CEO of NBA Africa, Clare Akamanzi continues to be a trailblazer, combining legal expertise, business acumen, and a commitment to leadership and development on both national and international stages.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa (Appointed on December 27) |
| Career Highlights | – CEO of Rwanda Development Board (2017 – September 2023) – Instrumental in business reforms and global rankings improvement – Led innovative campaigns like “Visit Rwanda” with global sports organizations |
| Leadership Beyond Borders | – Coordinated Secretariat for the African Union Reform team – Engaged in high-level discussions across Africa – Advisory roles for WHO Foundation and Africa Nenda – Chaired ATL, overseeing RwandAir, Akagera Aviation, and Kigali International Airport |
| Accolades and Recognition | – Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum – Forbes’ acknowledgment as Top 20 Young Powerful Women in 2013 and Top 50 Women in 2020 – Top 25 Women in Africa by Jeune Afrique – 2022 Grand Prix by Choiseul Institute |
| Educational Background | – Honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University, Canada – Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School – LLM in International Trade and Investment from University of Pretoria – LLB (Hons) from Makerere University, Uganda |
| Current Role | Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa |
Clare Akamanzi’s career is highlighted by her impactful roles in Rwanda’s economic development, global recognition for her leadership, and her recent appointment as the CEO of NBA Africa. Her achievements reflect a combination of legal expertise, business acumen, and a commitment to international collaboration.
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