His research focuses on comparative institutional economic development with specific emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Current research projects examine effects of multiple dimensions of social fragmentation on economic performance in developing countries, with an emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. Other research areas are: economic development theory, political
economy of ethnicity, and economics of
governance. 

His publications have appeared in The American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Journal of Economic Issues, Journal of Socio-Economics and The American Economist. He has also contributed several book chapters in edited volumes. 

Tade teaches Principles of Microeconomics (ApEc 1101).

Tade has a joint appointment in the Department of African American and African Studies.