Show Notes
What if sport could be one of Africa’s most powerful engines for economic opportunity?
In this episode of Breaking the Glass, Vimbai sits down with Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, to explore her journey from trade and investment law to shaping Rwanda’s economic development and now leading the growth of basketball across the continent. Clare shares why she chose to return to Africa after working internationally, how staying open to unexpected opportunities has shaped her career and why she believes some of the most meaningful work happens when we build something from the ground up. They also explore the business of sport beyond the court, from creating jobs and developing talent to building infrastructure and attracting investment, and what it will take to create a sustainable sporting ecosystem that benefits generations to come.
In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why Clare believes Africa offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful impact
How self-belief, preparation and consistency can help turn opportunity into progress
Why basketball has the potential to become a powerful economic driver across the continent
What it takes to align governments, investors and businesses behind a shared vision
Why delivering results and communicating them matters for women in leadership
The importance of resilience, reliability and showing up when opportunities arise
Why building lasting institutions means putting the mission ahead of personal legacy
A thoughtful conversation about leadership, possibility and the importance of building systems that create opportunities long after we’re gone. - Breaking the Glass Season One is supported by Econet Wireless Great ideas thrive when people, opportunities and communities are connected. Through its commitment to digital innovation and connectivity, Econet is helping Zimbabweans build businesses, unlock opportunities and shape the future. https://www.econet.co.zw/
This sponsorship relates solely to the podcast series and does not imply any commercial affiliation, partnership or endorsement between Econet Wireless and the guests featured or their associated organisations.
Vimbai is dressed by AMAYI. Shop now: https://amayilondon.com/
Follow Vimbai Website: https://vimbaimasiyiwa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vimbai_masiyiwa/ Substack: https://substack.com/@vimbaimasiyiwa LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vimbai-masiyiwa
Follow Clare Akamanzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-akamanzi-6a46a783/
Follow NBA Africa Website: https://africa.nba.com/
More from Breaking The Glass
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What does it take to hold conviction in Africa’s potential when the outcomes are uncertain and opportunity remains so unevenly distributed?
What does it take to build a business with someone you love and keep going when the journey gets difficult? In this episode of Breaking the Glass, Vimbai sits down with sisters Morongwe “Mo” Mokone and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib, to unpack the reality behind building and growing a business together. They share what they have learned about resilience, adapting when the original plan no longer works, dividing responsibilities according to their individual strengths and staying solution-driven through the inevitable highs and lows of entrepreneurship. They also open up about the culture they have intentionally built at Mo’s Crib, why leading from the heart matters and how they have worked to grow the business without losing sight of the people and values at its core. In this conversation, you’ll hear: • Why resilience is about more than simply pushing through • How to work with a business partner whose strengths are different from your own • Why being willing to say “I don’t know” can make you a stronger founder • How company culture shapes the business you ultimately build • What it takes to keep adapting when progress feels slow An honest conversation about sisterhood, leadership, resilience and what it takes to keep building. - Breaking the Glass Season One is supported by Econet Wireless Great ideas thrive when people, opportunities and communities are connected. Through its commitment to digital innovation and connectivity, Econet is helping Zimbabweans build businesses, unlock opportunities and shape the future. https://www.econet.co.zw/