Clare Akamanzi
Former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Rwanda Development Board
Clare Akamanzi is a renowned Rwandan lawyer, entrepreneur, and public administrator, celebrated for her extensive contributions to Rwanda's development. In 2020, she earned recognition from Forbes Africa as one of the "50 Most Powerful Women of Africa." Currently, Clare serves as the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and is an esteemed member of the Cabinet of Rwanda.
Boasting over 15 years of expertise in the fields of economic development, private sector advancement, business environment reforms, and the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI), Clare has been instrumental in driving Rwanda's socioeconomic progress. Prior to her current role, she dedicated her skills as the Head of Strategy and Policy under the leadership of President Paul Kagame and held the position of Chief Operating Officer at RDB for more than seven years.
Clare’s journey began in Uganda in 1979, where she was born to Rwandan refugee parents. She embarked on her educational path across various regions of Uganda, eventually earning an LLB from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala. Furthering her academic pursuits, Clare acquired a Master of Laws in Trade and Investment Law from the University of Pretoria and a Master's in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard University.
Throughout her illustrious career, Clare has received numerous accolades for her exemplary contributions to economic development. She was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and listed among Africa's Top 20 leading women in economic development by Forbes in 2013. In her capacity as the CEO of RDB, Clare has been a linchpin in stimulating private sector growth and investment, thereby enhancing Rwanda's economic landscape and elevating its position in the World Bank's ease of doing business index. Under her visionary leadership, Rwanda has witnessed significant advancements in investment and tourism, underscoring Clare Akamanzi's impactful role in the nation's development.