Tom Goodfellow

Professor Tom Goodfellow, based at the University of Sheffield's School of Geography and Planning, is a leading scholar in Urban Studies and International Development. His work bridges political economy analysis with urban development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

• PhD (LSE): Development Studies
• MSc (LSE): International Relations
• BA (Cambridge): Social and Political Sciences

His research examines urban political settlements, focusing on how power dynamics shape infrastructure, housing, and taxation systems. Key project themes include:

• Chinese influence on African urban development
• Land use conflicts and governance
• Political economy of property taxation
• Urban poverty and livelihoods

Recent publications like Living the Urban Periphery (2024) and Politics and the Urban Frontier (2022) demonstrate his focus on:

• Infrastructure politics in African city-regions
• Housing justice and urban inequality
• Urban governance under authoritarian regimes
• Historical comparison of urban development patterns

Professional Affiliations:

• Urban Institute - Associate Researcher
• Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute - Associate Fellow
• Sheffield Institute for International Development - Fellow

Active in PhD supervision and policy advisory roles for UN-HABITAT, DFID, and Oxfam GB, his work connects academic research with practical development challenges.