Nicola Banks

Nicola Banks is a Professor at the University of Manchester's Global Development Institute. Her work focuses on urban poverty, youth development, and the role of NGOs in global development. She has conducted seminal research in Bangladesh, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond, emphasizing the intersection of urbanization, inequality, and socio-economic constraints. Her ESRC Fellowship explored youth poverty in Dar es Salaam, while her collaboration with Professors David Hulme and Dan Brockington has reshaped understanding of NGO limitations and UK development NGO sector dynamics.

Key achievements include launching the social enterprise One World Together (funded by a £45k ARC Accelerator award in 2023), which supports local and community organizations globally. She is actively involved in policy advocacy for aid system reform, emphasizing localization and equitable North-South partnerships.

Her research outputs span 41 works, including peer-reviewed articles in World Development and Development and Change, and editorial contributions on BRAC's 50-year legacy. Notable projects include 'Youth, Poverty and Inequality in Urban Tanzania' (2013-2016) and 'Tackling Youth Employment in Urban Tanzania' (2015-2017).

Awards and recognitions include her ARC Accelerator investment, extensive media engagements (e.g., The Conversation), and contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals. She teaches development studies, inspiring future professionals through research-to-practice integration.