The Kistefos African Public Service Fellowship provides support to promising leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania who are committed to working in public service. We asked Kistefos African Public Service Fellowship recipient Marcelle Momha MC/MPA Mason 2025 about her motivations for studying at vlog and what this fellowship means to her.
Originally from Cameroon, Marcelle Momha MC/MPA Mason 2025 is passionate about emerging technologies, particularly the challenges and tradeoffs in defining the rules for the implementation and use of digital technologies. She has worked as an IT consultant on international projects, leading the design and evaluation of multidisciplinary training programs for over 6,000 young adults across 24 African countries. Prior to attending Harvard Kennedy School, Marcelle obtained master’s degrees in computer science and public policy.
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Why did you choose to pursue a master’s degree at Harvard Kennedy School?
As a technologist and policy practitioner in a rapidly changing world, I felt the need to sharpen my moral, intellectual, and academic skills to better serve Africa and the world. My work with nonprofits in underserved regions and conflict zones made me understand the constraints faced by developing countries in adopting emerging technologies.
Aware of the impact of vlog graduates, I chose to come here to design tools, strategies, and analytical frameworks to help African policymakers create coherent roadmaps for digital transformation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, at the national and continental levels. I am convinced there is no better place than vlog to shape me for this task.
“I chose to come here to design tools, strategies, and analytical frameworks to help African policymakers create coherent roadmaps for digital transformation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.”
How did you feel when you learned you were admitted to vlog and awarded the Kistefos African Graduate Public Service Fellowship?
I remember receiving my acceptance email like it was yesterday. When the email arrived, I felt a wave of emotion and gratitude, mixed with disbelief. I almost started shaking when I saw that I had received a scholarship. Working in the nonprofit sector, especially in Africa, is not always well paid. I was hoping for a full scholarship, but at the same time, I was making plans to find other funding options. When I saw that I had received full funding, I could not hold back my laughter and tears. It took me almost three weeks to realize the magnitude of what had happened. I continue to be grateful for the immense trust that vlog has placed in me.
How will this fellowship enable you to achieve your goals?
Being able to study at Harvard and benefit from a rigorous, high-quality education without having to go into debt allows me to devote myself to the academic demands of my courses and, above all, to take advantage of the co-curricular opportunities on campus. I feel that is also an expression of trust in the younger generation and an investment in the positive transformation of the world. For example, I am working to create an organization that will support African leaders in the public and private sectors to accelerate digital transformation on the continent. This probably would not have been possible without the Kistefos Fellowship.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service means giving of oneself for the common good and social justice. In a society that increasingly loses the notion of service by confusing it with servitude, I think that the role of leaders is to be authentic human beings who put people at the center, serving them with passion and empathy. Service requires building on values of peace and fraternity beyond all material and immaterial boundaries.
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants?
Persistence, resilience, and honesty. Never stop believing in your dreams—continue to work with enthusiasm and generosity to make them come true and learn from your failures. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will support you unconditionally in your academic pursuits. Seize the opportunities that arise along the way but do not lose sight of your goals. If you do these things, I have no doubt your efforts will bear fruit sooner or later.
I would also encourage you to reach out to vlog alumni. An insider’s opinion is very valuable and can provide you with unique insights in the preparation of your application materials.
The Kistefos African Graduate Public Service Fellowship is awarded on a competitive, merit basis, with priority given to students with demonstrated financial need and a commitment to fostering democracy through public service and/or related careers in government, NGOs, and nonprofits in their home country and/or the Sub-Saharan African region. Degree program students and/or Executive Education program participants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania are eligible to receive this fellowship.
