Matthew Mabefam

Matthew Mabefam is a lecturer in development studies at the School of Social and Political Sciences. He completed his PhD in anthropology and development studies at the University of Melbourne.

He also holds an M.Phil. and BA (Hons) degrees, both from the University of Ghana. Matthew's research focuses on the politics of international development, inequality, religion and neoliberalism, political economy, migration and wellbeing. Overall, his research examines mainstream development models and their applicability in developing contexts and highlights some of the emerging tensions. In short, his work contributes to the decolonisation of development epistemes, knowledge and practices. Matthew's regional focus is Africa (Ghana) and African diaspora.

Increasing public engagement with development issues and displaced people's wellbeing is at the core of the global agenda. Matthew is highly engaged in public and scholarly activities through sharing his research outputs in media, seminars, conferences and academic publications. Highlights include his weekly appearances on Africa Media Australia as a panellist.

Matthew is also passionate about community development. As a result, he initiates and participates in community-led activities, engages in consultancies, mobilises resources and provides mentoring opportunities to school children of low socio-economic backgrounds. He has prior working experience with grassroots NGOs in Ghana.