​​A prestigious fellowship by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) has been awarded to PhD Economics Student Martina Mchenga of the Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU).

ODI's fellowship scheme gives postgraduate economists and statisticians the chance to work in the public sectors of developing countries as local civil servants on two-year contracts.

“These fellowships are much sought after internationally, and a huge honour for Martina, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the School," said Dr Jaco Franken, Manager of the Graduate School.

“Over the years ODI has sent more than a thousand economists and statisticians to countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific," he added. “Many of them embarked on successful careers in government, multilateral institutions, academia and the private sector."

A Malawi national, Martina's research area is health economics, especially issues involving mothers and children. She said her interest was sparked while studying for her Master's degree at the University of Malawi (Chancellor College).

“In most sub-Saharan countries there are huge disparities in the allocation of scarce resources in the health sector. Mothers and children are mostly the disadvantaged group," she explained.

Martina is working against the clock to finalise her dissertation by the end of July for graduation in December. “By mid-June I'll know in which country I'll be working for the next two years. After a one-week briefing session in July in London, I can take up my posting anytime between August and October."

She said her study leaders, Professors Ronelle Burger and Dieter von Fintel of the SU Department of Economics, deserved high praise. “I'll always be grateful for their guidance and support."

According to Prof Burger, the objectives of the ODI fellowship scheme are to provide developing country governments with high-calibre junior economists and statisticians, especially where there are gaps in local capacity, while giving postgraduates practical work experience in a developing country.

Martina said she was looking forward to the work experience. “I am more excited about exploring how research can be tied into the policy-making process."

She will not be relocating alone. Her 4-year old daughter, Ndamo (meaning “good morals" in Chichewa), will be at her side – as she has been ever since her mother arrived in Stellenbosch in January 2016 to join the full-time, residential doctoral programme of the Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences.

Then 7 months old, Ndamo was introduced to Babin Crèche in Stellenbosch.

"She loves it there," Martina said, "which reminds me: The only requirements I have for my country of posting is that there should be an English speaking school for her."

Any long-term plans? “Yes," she responded without hesitation, “I want to end up at the World Bank, whether at the head office or in Malawi, it does not matter."

“And that is where she's heading," said Dr Franken, who has followed her progress since she enrolled for her PhD studies.

But first there's a December graduation on the cards, and two red gowns are required, one of which has to fit a very small person.

• Photographs by R Beukes: Main photo: Martina Mchenga and (right) Ndamo.