Empowering Sustainable Development Solutions

Max Lock International Associates

Max Lock International Associates (MLIA) is a global, multi-disciplinary research and consultancy organisation, bringing together a network of international experts specialising in sustainable development. With decades of experience across Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Europe, we provide tailored solutions in land use planning, climate change, infrastructure, transport, and economic development. Our data-driven, GIS-based approach delivers rapid, cost-effective insights, while our focus on social inclusivity and environmental sustainability underpins every project. We collaborate with governments, international agencies, and communities to build resilient, thriving futures in even the most complex and challenging environments.

15+

40+

Years of experience

Countries

Our services

We advise governments, communities and organizations at all levels on spatial and infrastructure planning, design and impact assessment and environmentally, socially and gender-sensitive economic development in politically challenging and data sparse contexts.

Our key areas of expertise include:

Urban Analysis

Decoding cities through advanced morphological and demographic insight. We leverage spatial big data to profile urban areas, particularly in cities where reliable city-level data is often scarce. Our approach enables rapid, scalable assessments of urban trajectories, demographic and socio-economic characteristics, and urban vulnerabilities.

Urban and Regional Planning

We are committed to the principle of 'Planning by People.' Building on the legacy of Max Lock, we excel in urban and regional planning through civic diagnosis, community participation, and sustainable development. Our tailored, data-driven solutions ensure resilient, inclusive outcomes by engaging communities and addressing complex challenges both in the UK and global

Policy options and capacity development to assist governments and communities in building resilient, secure futures and effective urban and regional governance. We have experience working in complex environments, addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges related to climate change through nature-based solutions, circular economy practices, and renewable energy initiatives.

Sustainable and Resilient Development

Recent projects

Rental Market Assessment in Somalia

South Sudan: Assessing Urban Disaster Risks

This World Bank-funded project provides an in-depth analysis of formal and informal rental markets in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Garowe, focusing on diagnosing the sector and identifying interventions for the proposed Informal Settlement Upgrading Project.

Evaluation of the Profiling Exercise Implemented in Chihuahua State, Mexico

The evaluation aimed to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the profiling exercise implemented in Chihuahua State, Mexico, with support from JIPS and a Working Group of 21 organisations from civil society, government, and the international community. It provided valuable insights and lessons on how the profiling exercise contributed to transformative change at state and federal levels.

Rwanda – Neighbourhood Planning and Green Urbanisation

The objective of this FCDO-funded intervention is to enhance neighbourhood planning and development in Rwanda with a focus on climate resilience. This effort is crucial to facilitate neighbourhood plans, given the rapidly expanding urban settlements and previous inadequate design and implementation.

This World Bank-funded project aims to strengthen the knowledge base for evidence-informed and government-led disaster risk reduction investments in urban areas in South Sudan.

Ongoing work

Nigeria: Assess healthcare access for IDPs in Maiduguri

This ongoing consultancy, funded by Médecins du Monde and led by MLIA, examines challenges in IDPs' access to healthcare in Maiduguri. It aims to inform future initiatives on durable solutions and advocacy.

Somalia: Flood risk mitigation options in Bardere

MLIA is leading a consortium on this initiative, which aims to identify, assess, and recommend flood risk mitigation options to strengthen local resilience through comprehensive assessments and sustainable strategies. It also examines key gaps and challenges in disaster preparedness and response within Bardere’s communities.

Somalia: The lives and livelihoods of urban IDPs in Baidoa

MLIA is currently supporting Raagsan, the Somali firm leading data collection for a case study on urban IDPs in Baidoa, Somalia. The study is part of a three-year research programme (2024–2027) led by the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI, which focuses on urban livelihoods in displacement. The research aims to generate innovative, long-term thinking on how aid actors can better support IDPs in building sustainable livelihoods based on their own priorities and strategies.