James Mlali – Regional Engagement Lead – East, Horn, and Great Lakes, (ISOKO – Global Impact Transformation Alliance)

James Mlali is a seasoned Advocacy and Communication Specialist with more than thirty years of experience driving social change in Tanzania and across Africa. Before accepting his role in the Alliance, he served as Director of Programs at Global Impact Transformation (GIT), where he led organizational strategy, program design, and implementation of initiatives that strengthen communities and institutions. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing youth, women, and community empowerment, while promoting inclusive development and climate justice.

James has held senior leadership roles with the Advance Family Planning (AFP) project under Johns Hopkins University’s Centre for Communication Programs (JHUCCP) Tanzania and previously with Health Promotion Tanzania (HDT). In these positions, he successfully influenced both central and local government authorities to improve policies and increase investments in health services. His expertise spans public policy and budget analysis, program management and evaluation, social accountability monitoring, leadership training, and resource mobilization. A certified global trainer in the SMART Advocacy Approach, he has facilitated capacity‑building workshops across East and Southern Africa, equipping civil society, youth, and faith‑based organizations (FBOs) with tools to engage decision‑makers effectively.

Beyond program leadership, James has coordinated parliamentary collaborations, linking Tanzanian legislators with global forums such as ICPD+25, Women Deliver, and the Network of African Parliamentary Committees of Health (NEAPACOH). He has contributed to influential literature on reproductive health advocacy, including guides on government health budgets, gender‑based violence (GBV) laws, and integration of maternal and child health into broader health systems. His academic background—spanning Development Studies, Bible and Theology, and Civil and Highway Engineering —underscores his unique ability to combine analytical rigor with values‑driven leadership.

Respected for his clarity, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit, James is widely recognized as a persuasive communicator and mentor. His work continues to inspire partnerships that advance health equity, empower youth and women, and strengthen accountability in governance. Whether engaging policymakers, training grassroots leaders, or speaking at international forums, James brings a powerful blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and unwavering dedication to building a more just and sustainable future.