Renowned development economist Damali Ssali has been appointed Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Uganda, bringing nearly two decades of experience in trade, finance, and private sector transformation to the country’s food and nutrition sector.
Ssali, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), previously led multi-million-dollar investments at TradeMark Africa, where she oversaw the construction of major regional infrastructure, including the Gulu Logistics Hub and seven one-stop border posts at Busia, Malaba, Elegu, Mutukula, Mirama Hills, Goli, and Ntoroko.
Her leadership was instrumental in modernizing Uganda’s National Trade Facilitation Systems and securing the country’s ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. These efforts yielded over $32.9 million in annual savings for businesses and a 154% return on investment by 2018.
At the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, where she served as Chief of Programmes and Projects, Ssali designed the country's first $1 billion Private Sector Catalytic Fund and raised $10 million in project financing. Her Lead Firm Structure initiative generated over 174,000 direct and 523,000 indirect jobs for young Ugandans in partnership with 37 private companies.
“She demonstrated the private sector’s capacity to drive socio-economic development profitably,” noted observers familiar with her work.
Ssali’s academic journey includes executive training in leadership at Harvard Business School, impact investing at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and innovation management at Grenoble Graduate School of Business.
Now leading the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in Uganda, Ssali is tasked with driving inclusive, scalable, and sustainable solutions to improve the country’s nutrition outcomes.
“With her Afro-optimism, policy expertise, and people-centered leadership, Damali is positioning GAIN as a catalyst for lasting impact and positive change in Uganda’s food and nutrition landscape,” said colleagues familiar with her vision.
Her appointment comes at a critical time, as Uganda faces persistent malnutrition challenges affecting millions. GAIN’s mission under her leadership will focus on systemic transformation of food systems to ensure access to affordable, nutritious food for all Ugandans.
Beyond her professional duties, Ssali is an advocate for youth and women. She is a published author, founder of a platform that showcases African innovators, and a champion for Ugandan women entrepreneurs.
Her journey—from financial services in London to regional trade leadership in East Africa—now converges in one of her most ambitious roles yet: transforming Uganda’s food system for generations to come.
