The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th season of the BAL (BAL5) and brought together Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa; Amadou Gallo Fall, BAL President; and Leah McNab, Head of International Operations for the NBA.
Also in attendance were Rwanda's Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
According to a statement from the presidency, their discussions centred on Rwanda's role in hosting the league's inaugural season and the rapid growth the BAL has experienced over the past four years.
The leaders also explored the deepening partnership between Rwanda and the NBA, particularly in efforts to nurture basketball talent across the continent, as well as the broader economic opportunities that sports can unlock for Africa.
Rwanda has become a key partner in the NBA's African expansion, with Kigali's BK Arena serving as a regular host for BAL playoffs and finals under a multi-year agreement with the RDB. NBA Africa's engagement has also included grassroots court projects, youth clinics, and high-profile branding through the "Visit Rwanda" initiative.
Earlier in the evening, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined a sold-out crowd at BK Arena for the opening of the 2025 BAL Nile Conference. The energy in the arena peaked as Rwanda's APR Basketball Club secured a resounding 92â€"63 victory over Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder, their first win in the weeklong tournament.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
