Is the founder of Twaweza Microfinance Limited and Mapendo Capital and Financial Services Limited. He holds a PhD in Social Science (Minority Studies) from the University of Fernando Pesoa (UFP), Porto Portugal, an MA in Development Studies (Public Policy and Management) from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS), The Hague, Netherlands and a BA (Ed) Hons – History and Political Science from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Dr. Mallya has worked for a number of institutions including a teacher at St. Marian High School (Tanzania), National Assistant Coordinator for the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (Tanzania), Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Head of Department Political Science and Public Administration and Director of Consultancy Services at the Open University of Tanzania (Tanzania).

Dr. Mallya is an expert in governance and public policy, parliamentary studies and development. He has business interests in microfinance and agribusiness and he is regularly involved in consultancy activities related to project implementation and evaluation and leadership training.