Student Stories: Powershoring, New Perspectives, and Moroccan Hospitality

Ashania Rahmadhani is a second-year MPP student at Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2026 Summer Internship Program and contributed to the ongoing project in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
The Growth Lab internship satisfied my criteria for a summer internship: 1) a development project on site, 2) new geographical exposure—in this case, Morocco and Africa—and 3) room to integrate my previous backgrounds in engineering, investment, and policy.

What did you work on?
I worked on one of the ongoing joint projects between the Harvard Growth Lab and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) on powershoring, which assesses the attractiveness of green energy opportunities in Morocco to invite energy-intensive industries (both from manufacturing and non-manufacturing) to locate and build their operations in the country.

In what ways were you challenged?
There are many interesting aspects that we could deep dive into within a specific industry, let alone multiple industries at the same time, so the scope of the work could become very broad. When I did the industry research, I tried to put myself in the shoes of the broader powershoring research team at the Growth Lab, asking myself multiple times what would be most helpful to move the research forward and fill existing gaps. Identifying your focus early made life much easier.

Another challenge was that I had never learned about Growth Diagnostics in class before this internship. That challenge became an opportunity to explore not only how to translate what I read on paper into the research, but also other potentially alternative/complementary approaches. For example, I used system dynamics to map the interlinkages between different factors in one of the industries I looked into and displayed how they connected with one another.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
Immersing myself in a new society and meeting people both within the university complex and outside of it. At the same time, getting to see the different and beautiful landscapes of Morocco made the internship even more memorable.

People were incredibly friendly, warm, and welcoming. There were many occasions when I was welcomed by total strangers in cities I was visiting over tea and Moroccan snacks, and we ended up having meaningful conversations—from understanding the culture and beliefs to discussing living challenges and politics. These experiences built up my perspective on Morocco, not only in terms of its economic priorities, but also the broader social norms and dynamics.

The timing of the internship was also interesting, as it coincided with the World Cup and Morocco made its way to the quarterfinals. Seeing how emotionally tied and connected people were to football, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere around it, was memorable. I also saw firsthand some of the government infrastructure projects connected to Morocco’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.

What advice would you give to future interns?
Taking relevant classes on growth diagnostics before the internship will prepare you with technical skills that can be helpful throughout your internship, so I would really recommend doing so!

I also found that the internship work environment accommodated English-speaking interns well, even as someone with limited French and Arabic. Outside the university, I did not find normal day-to-day conversations to be much of a hassle either. Moroccans in general are known to be multilingual, and many young Moroccans have been learning English. So, do not hesitate to apply if you are worried about the language barrier!

What’s next for you?
The project expanded my view beyond renewable energy and the specific industries we studied. I was particularly drawn to the development of the digital economy in Morocco and Africa more broadly, where the areas I had previously researched can, in a way, play a role as foundational infrastructure. Therefore, I am planning to dig deeper into this topic and explore it further for my final-year PAE.

Student Stories: Data Tracking and Infrastructure in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Erina Nishizaki is a second-year MPP student at Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2026 Summer Internship Program and contributed to our North American Cities research agenda, where we are applying our City Growth Diagnostics framework to understand the unique economic challenges of these urban environments.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
With three years of experience at the Japanese Ministry of Finance, I increasingly perceived a disconnect from the entirety of the policy cycle. As a ministry official, I became adept at distilling policy implementation using data from private-sector counterparts and at facilitating coordination across departments within the Ministry and with other ministries in Tokyo. However, I lacked the technical proficiency to independently compile and analyze data. I believe any public official should possess the expertise to formulate policy, the competencies to execute it, and the communication skills to articulate it. I was especially motivated to contribute at the subnational level, to actively engage with the PDCA cycle, and to invest in my development as a policymaker.

What did you work on?
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, I completed an eight-week graduate internship with the Economic Development Department. While learning the city’s key economic incentives through the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) and Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB), as well as through site visits and stakeholder meetings, I discovered the city lacked a comprehensive, reliable dataset on these incentives. With my supervisor’s endorsement, I initiated a project to compile a definitive list of all LEDA and IRB projects authorized since their inception and to create an analytical slide deck to visualize the findings. I tracked IRB projects from 1979 and LEDA projects from 2004 through 2026, recording approval dates, company names, approved amounts, and other pertinent data. After assembling two Excel sheets for each incentive, I synthesized my findings into a slide deck of more than 20 pages. The central insight was that the city requires a more robust data infrastructure to fully comprehend these incentives.

In what ways were you challenged?
For IRB projects authorized prior to 1999, I had to rely on departmental paper records, which often contained fragmented and inconsistent information. Consequently, I adjusted the project’s scope from tracking project execution to tracking authorizations. Achieving a comprehensive execution status will necessitate cross-departmental collaboration, and I intended this summer project to serve as an initial milestone toward broader progress in the upcoming months.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
The internship underscored the significance and inherent complexity of data tracking. At the Ministry, our department frequently generated slides to visualize data sourced from private-sector partners. This summer, I engaged directly in data collection, which illuminated the necessity for a streamlined and systematic tracking mechanism in policy execution. Regardless of country or governmental tier, robust data is essential to substantive policy rationales and to garner widespread public support.

What advice would you give future Growth Lab interns?
It is crucial to clearly define the skills or experiences you aim to acquire during the internship and recalibrate your objectives as necessary. Articulate your personal motivations for investing time away from a hectic school life, and demonstrate strong initiative in steering your internship experience toward successful completion.

What’s next for you?
I see my project deliverables as a foundation for ongoing progress for both the city and me. With the city’s IRB program, in particular, facing increasing scrutiny, there is a pressing need for a data-driven, comprehensive strategy. A key lesson from this internship was the striking parallelism between the city and Japan regarding policy mechanisms and socioeconomic challenges. The department and I are eager to continue advancing this project to catalyze further progress.

Student Stories: Designing a Teaching Pilot in Bolivia

John Steenrod is a second-year MPA/ID student at Harvard Kennedy School. He was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2026 Summer Internship program and was a Visiting Scholar at Universidad Católica Bolivia “San Pablo” in La Paz, Bolivia.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
For my summer internship, I wanted a chance to engage with education policy research, design, and implementation. I was initially intrigued by the opportunity to teach at UCB while working on a research project, and decided to apply when I found out that the project would relate to education.

What did you work on?
Along with Veronica Rosich (a fellow Growth Lab intern from HGSE), we began designing a Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) pilot for implementation in Bolivia. The Growth Lab team’s previous work in Bolivia found foundational learning gaps and identified TaRL as a potential policy solution. TaRL programs have been effectively implemented in many countries and contexts around the world. We connected with local and international stakeholders, researched the Bolivian education system to better understand the local context, and even had a chance to visit some schools to meet with students, teachers, and administrators. 

In what ways were you challenged?
Bolivia had a moment of political crisis right before the start of the internship, which resulted in the resignation, among others, of the previous Minister of Education, who had been expected to play a driving role in the design of the TaRL pilot. As the ministry underwent a leadership transition and the country’s priorities were being reassessed, we had to determine how our work could best support future efforts to strengthen the country’s education system and, therefore, contribute to positive change for Bolivian students and communities. This uncertainty was challenging at times, but I ended up working on a project I never would have imagined before the summer and ultimately learned a lot about education policy, adaptability, and my own capacity to contribute in uncertain circumstances.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
We had the opportunity to visit local schools, sit in on classes, meet with teachers and administrators, and present our plans for TaRL implementation. It was a great chance to get stakeholder feedback on our design and see what changes needed to be made to give the project a good chance of success. But the most surprising moment was when, after our presentation, the meeting turned into a lunch party with everyone we had met that day. At the end, they even gave us baskets full of local produce to take home!

What advice would you give to future interns?
Embrace the chance to shape your own internship experience. I arrived expecting a more traditional research project, but some of the most fulfilling parts of my internship experience came from taking the chance to push the research forward into design and implementation.

What’s next for you?
I’m excited to start my second year in the MPA/ID program at HKS! I’m still figuring out what comes after that, but I’m sure that my experiences in Bolivia will continue to shape my search.

Learn more about the Growth Lab’s research collaboration with Universidad Católica Boliviana.

Student Stories: Analyzing Productive Development Programs in the Province of Córdoba

Martin Finkelstein is a second-year MPA student at Harvard Kennedy School. He was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2026 Summer Internship Program and contributed to the Growth Lab’s research in Córdoba, Argentina.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
I first became interested in the Growth Lab internship after seeing the work the Lab carried out, following Professor Ricardo Hausmann’s class. I have always been interested in what governments can do to grow more sustainably over time—an experience I hope to apply to my own country. That’s why the Growth Lab’s agenda immediately caught my attention. When I saw the opportunity to work in my own country, I knew I wanted to take it.

What did you work on?
I worked on the analysis of productive development programs in the province of Córdoba, mapping and analyzing existing programs to identify areas for improvement, redundancies, and gaps. This involved close collaboration with the Secretariat of Economic Policy of Córdoba and the Growth Lab team, as well as participation in field visits to a wide range of stakeholders across the province, including the private sector, universities, various ministries, and state agencies.

In what ways were you challenged?
One of the main challenges was engaging with people who have extensive experience in their fields and understanding how to add value through my internship in a very short timeframe.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
One highlight was gaining an immersive understanding of Córdoba’s productive landscape in a short time. This included numerous in-person interviews and visits to factories, energy plants, plantations, and facilities in sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, and the space industry, as well as visits to universities and government ministries. Two experiences I particularly enjoyed were spending a week with the Growth Lab team during their fieldwork in Córdoba and being invited to a two-day course on productive development, where I met future leaders from across the province.

What advice would you give to future interns?
Time flies. If something isn’t clear, or if there are activities you’d like to join or spaces you’d like to contribute to, speak up and be proactive. Make the most of the time and opportunities outside of the internship as well. In my experience, people were extremely friendly, genuinely curious about the experience of Harvard students, and happy to engage outside of the workplace.

What’s next for you?
I am excited to begin my second year at Harvard Kennedy School, where I look forward to continuing to expand my expertise through coursework and being part of different teaching teams across HKS. I also plan to stay involved in student organizations such as the Latin American Policy Association. As for what comes after graduation, I am beginning to think about how to pursue opportunities to work toward the development of my country and my region.

Student Stories: Tourism and Economic Development in the Navajo Nation

Kishaya Delaney is a second-year MPP student at Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2026 Summer Internship Program and contributed to the Four Corners project.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
I came to HKS after working as a lawyer in Australia, and my first year gave me skills I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to use in practice. I sought a summer internship where I could take those tools out of the classroom and test them against an actual problem. 

As a proud Indigenous Wiradjuri woman, much of my career has focused on enhancing the participation of Indigenous people in legal, political, and economic systems in Australia, so the opportunity to work with the Navajo Nation made it a clear priority for me. It was a chance to see how a tribal government works from the inside, which was something I was really interested in. I had also never worked directly within a government department before. I’d always been on the periphery, and I wanted to see what it looked like from within.

What did you work on?
My primary research focus was completing a preliminary tourism diagnostic for the Navajo Nation. I spent my first weeks learning about the Nation itself: its government structures, its major visitor sites, and how decisions move through Navajo processes. After that, my work centered on stakeholder engagement. I interviewed tour operators and others connected to the sector and reviewed existing reports and available materials to begin applying the Growth Lab’s diagnostic framework. This is the opening stage of a twelve-month engagement, so the goal was to lay the groundwork to inform future work on the project. I also worked with a group of Navajo college interns who researched other parts of the project.

In what ways were you challenged?
Research within a government that spans multiple states and counties makes many routine tasks difficult. The data limitations changed the direction of the work, as I had to prioritize relationship-building and qualitative research. The second challenge was establishing trust. Being there in person mattered a lot, but it was difficult given the size of the Navajo Nation, so communication styles were important when I had to rely on a phone call. I was also fortunate to have colleagues in the Division of Economic Development who helped me understand cultural norms and communication styles, which allowed me to understand the insights I’d collected in a different way.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
The Navajo Nation Economic Summit, hosted by the Division of Economic Development at Twin Arrows Resort, was such a highlight for me. It was a fast, substantive introduction to how the Nation approaches economic development, and it put me in a room with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, including business owners and government officials from across the nation, such as President Buu Nygren.

The Summit also took me to a different part of the Nation, where I experienced the strength of Navajo culture, song, and collaboration. At one point, I watched as many people rolled the Little Sister Rug (a massive, historic traditional Navajo rug used as a backdrop during the summit) with such respect and care that it instantly reminded me of the unrolling of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in Australia. It was a poignant moment when I reflected on the similarities between our cultures, despite the many differences. 

What advice would you give future Growth Lab interns?
Don’t hold too tightly to your expectations of what the project will be. Stay resilient and adaptive as things shift, because they will. A summer isn’t long, but it’s long enough to contribute something meaningful, especially when your work sits inside a longer engagement. Make the most of it and contribute wherever you can.

What’s next for you?
I’m heading into my second and final year of the MPP. I’m looking forward to applying what I learned this summer and taking on opportunities that build on the skills I learned through my internship with the Navajo Nation.

Student Stories: Climate, Conservation, and Women’s Financial Empowerment in India

Dana Yoo is a second-year MPP student at Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2025 Summer Internship Program and contributed to an ongoing project in Meghalaya, India.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
I was genuinely excited about the Growth Lab’s approach of applying research and theory to real-world development challenges. Meghalaya also felt personally meaningful to me because my mentee from the Beyond Boundaries mentoring program is from the state. I was curious to better understand the region. At the same time, Meghalaya is known for pioneering Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in India – an incentive-based conservation model that compensates communities for protecting natural resources. As someone eager to learn more about climate change responses, I found the state particularly compelling to work in.

What did you work on?
My internship had two main pillars. The first was climate, where I worked on revising a water-conservation law that had been in place for decades but had never been implemented due to feasibility issues. Rather than relying on penalties for enforcement, I focused on fostering a sense of stewardship in local communities so that people would voluntarily protect their water resources.

The second pillar was the intersection of gender and climate. I worked on ways to improve women farmers’ livelihoods by supporting natural farming practices. Natural farming, which avoids the use of chemical fertilizers, is carried out by women. It not only protects the environment but also serves as a pathway for women’s financial empowerment. I identified barriers to scaling up natural farming, collected scattered and undocumented field data, and outlined a new five-year strategic plan. I also proposed two pilot programs to improve market access – one of the greatest challenges limiting women farmers’ income gains.

In what ways were you challenged?
It was common for government schemes to be implemented in a fragmented way by multiple agencies, which made it difficult to obtain comprehensive data. Through interviews with various departments, I learned about the challenges of overlap and duplication. Based on those findings, I suggested convening a steering committee to bring all stakeholders together to share information and coordinate efforts.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
Northeast India, including Meghalaya, is strikingly different from the rest of the country – geographically, culturally, and even in food traditions. For example, more than 70% of Meghalaya’s population is Christian, and unlike most parts of India, vegetarianism is uncommon. Living there allowed me to take a step closer to understanding the region’s unique history and culture. Another fascinating experience was seeing how decentralized governance works: in a state of just over three million people, there are around 7,000 villages, each with its own councils. These councils play an active role in community decision-making, which gave me a new perspective on participatory governance.

What advice would you give future Growth Lab interns?
Go with a clear idea of the area you want to focus on, and once you arrive, learn the organizational structure and ongoing programs quickly. Then, don’t hesitate to ask to work in the area that interests you most. Because the internship is only about two months, you will gain more if you approach it as independent research rather than trying to fully integrate as a regular staff member.

What’s next for you?
I am about to begin my second year in the MPP program. I hope to deepen my focus on gender empowerment and the environment, while also broadening my exposure to other fields of development. After graduation, I’d like to continue working in development, ideally in Africa.

Student Stories: Understanding the Challenges Facing Rural Areas in New Mexico

Andrea Vega is a Master’s in Public Policy student at Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2025 Summer Internship program and contributed to the ongoing project with New Mexico.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
When I started applying for summer internships, I knew I wanted to gain real, on-the-ground experience. When I learned about the Growth Lab’s program, I realized it aligned with my goals and would provide a unique opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and apply what I had learned so far in the program.

What did you work on?
During my time in Silver City, I developed various Comprehensive Plans and an Economic Development Plan for villages in the county. This involved visiting the villages, working closely with the mayor’s office, and attending community meetings. I also had the opportunity to participate in meetings with various actors, including the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor herself, which gave me a broader understanding of how local governments operate and provided valuable experience.

In what ways were you challenged?
I was born and raised in Mexico City, so transitioning from a large city to a small town was a significant adjustment. The first couple of weeks were challenging as I adapted to a different lifestyle. However, having this immersive experience helped me gain a deeper understanding of the issues the community faces, which I was then able to reflect that in my work.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
I was surprised by the strong sense of community in the region. Whether it was someone smiling at me at the supermarket or offering to check in my bags at the airport so I wouldn’t have to pay extra, people were always eager to help. That spirit of cooperation is reflected in how the local government works: collaboration and a constant focus on improving as a region, rather than focusing only on individual goals. I was also surprised by the unique blend of American and Mexican cultures. 

I also had the opportunity to visit a military and first responders facility, which was one of the most shocking experiences I’ve ever had. Witnessing the resources available and the current research they are conducting was remarkable.

What advice would you give to future interns?
Embrace the unexpected and go beyond the internship requirements. Engaging in different activities outside of work will not only enrich your experience but also help you better understand the culture and everyday challenges that people face. Try talking to locals about their daily lives and the challenges and opportunities they see in their town. There is no better way to learn than by hearing first-hand stories.

What’s next for you?
I am excited to begin my second year at Harvard Kennedy School. As for what comes after completing the program, I look forward to opportunities that allow me to keep learning and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of society.

Photo caption: Growth Lab intern Andrea Vega (center) with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (right) and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales (left).

Student Stories: How Pioneering Farmers are Overcoming Barriers in Azerbaijan

Palakshi Nerkar is a second-year MPP student at the Harvard Kennedy School. She was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2025 Summer Internship Program and contributed to ongoing research in Azerbaijan.

Why did you apply to be a Growth Lab intern?
I was particularly interested in expanding my current on-ground field experience by exploring agricultural policies on a broader scale. The Growth Lab’s work in Azerbaijan specifically appealed to me as it allowed me to merge my interests in agriculture with economic development and real-world policy engagement. The experience helped me understand why some producers thrive in tough ecosystems and how governments can scale those bright spots into a larger economic transformation.

What did you work on this summer?
I researched “positive deviants”- producers or exporters in Azerbaijan who succeeded against all odds- and analysed global case studies that could leverage these positive deviants to cause a significant positive impact. I also collaborated with the Growth Lab team in Azerbaijan to analyse interviews of various stakeholders involved, from producer pioneers to research centres and ministries. This study helped narrow down drivers and barriers to scaling the success of these unique cases to a national level.

In what ways were you challenged?
Coming from a tech-focused background, a deep dive into the world of economics was initially intimidating. Moreover, analysing a full value chain across unfamiliar crops and regions was a big leap from my earlier fieldwork with smallholder farmers in India. I had to understand logistics, certification bottlenecks, export finance gaps, and post-harvest constraints within weeks, all the while accounting for insights from stakeholder interviews. The biggest challenge was translating very diverse qualitative field data into a coherent policy narrative that is locally grounded but also nationally relevant.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
My experience was filled with small but meaningful surprises. It was incredibly exciting to discover stories of farmers and exporters who took massive leaps of faith, and even more fulfilling to see them succeed through innovative thinking. I also didn’t expect to enjoy mapping regional logistics corridors or analyzing the melon diaspora trade routes as much as I did! Every meeting with my Growth Lab team taught me something new, and I truly enjoyed those collaborative moments.

What advice would you give future Growth Lab interns?
I’d advise all incoming interns to make the most out of the experience and knowledge of their Growth Lab colleagues. They are incredibly knowledgeable on their respective regional projects and were a treasured resource for me! I’d also recommend researching the country and its social and professional norms thoroughly, especially when engaging with local stakeholders outside the Growth Lab team.

What’s next for you?
This experience reaffirmed my commitment to working on agricultural transformation from various angles. I am deeply devoted to improving the livelihoods of agrarian communities in a sustainable, regenerative manner. As I return to HKS for my final year of the MPP program, I hope to use these lessons and build on my knowledge at the intersection of agriculture and climate, and contribute via public service.

Student Stories: Supporting Morocco’s Industrial Sector from the Inside

Adin Becker is a third-year Master in Public Administration and Master in Urban Planning dual-degree student at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2025 Summer Internship Program and contributed to an ongoing project with the OCP Group in Morocco.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
Before I applied to the internship program, I had heard from countless classmates and professors about the Growth Lab’s strong reputation on campus for combining rigorous economic analysis with meaningful in-country engagement. For me, it felt like the ideal opportunity to apply the international experience and skills I’ve been building over the past few years. I’ve led climate resilience work in Zimbabwe, supported grassroots economic development in India, and engaged with government officials and communities in more than a dozen countries, developing a passion for helping communities strengthen capabilities while advancing environmental and economic goals. The Morocco project offered an excellent opportunity to build on this experience.

What did you work on?
My work was mainly focused on mapping and strengthening Morocco’s supplier ecosystem in collaboration with OCP Group, the largest phosphate producer in the world and one of the country’s most strategic enterprises. My work included creating a detailed, sector-by-sector matrix of national support programs for companies in electrical, mechanical, and facility services, tailored to firm size and industry. I also analyzed supplier contract data, financing programs, and industrial policy tools from initiatives such as Maroc PME, Finéa, Fonds Hassan II, and the Bank of Africa’s Supply Chain Finance.

In what ways were you challenged?
Given that we were working within OCP, most of the relevant data we needed was proprietary. It took quite a bit of time, effort, and relationship-building to gain access to it. We also started with only a broadly defined objective, which meant spending the first few weeks narrowing down specific objectives while still ensuring we could deliver a meaningful report at the end. Ten weeks go by quickly when you’re defining your scope and executing at the same time! Another challenge was navigating Morocco’s industrial support landscape. There is a wealth of programs, which often overlap in scope, target different firm sizes, and use complex eligibility criteria. Producing a clear, practical tool required filtering and categorizing large amounts of data. Overcoming these hurdles improved my ability to work with ambiguity and transform complex data into actionable insights.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
One of the most memorable moments was the tour of JFC 4, one of OCP’s massive fertilizer production facilities. I had never been inside an industrial site of that scale before. Walking through vast halls filled with machinery, along catwalks over vats of acid, and into control rooms that monitored every aspect of the production process made me appreciate the level of coordination and engineering behind the enterprise. Reading about industrial capacity is very different from experiencing it on the factory floor. I was also struck by the extent to which OCP is woven into Morocco’s social and economic fabric. Many aspects of our daily lives in El Jadida related to the company in one way or another. We lived in an OCP apartment complex with hundreds of neighbors who were OCP employees or their families, and even the water used throughout the city was desalinated by OCP.

Outside of work, I took every opportunity to travel the country. It wasn’t my first time in Morocco, but its variety and beauty continue to amaze me. One could spend years exploring Morocco’s vast deserts, rugged mountains, jagged coastlines, and lush forests. The people are equally remarkable: endlessly generous, optimistic about the future, and eager to share their country’s history, cuisine, and traditions.

What advice would you give to future interns?
Ask a lot of questions. It might feel repetitive or even annoying at times, but gaining clarity from host-country counterparts early on will save you significant time and work in the long run. Reach out to as many relevant stakeholders as you can in the first weeks. Meetings can lead to valuable data, and stakeholders often refer you to others. But by week nine, there’s no time to act on those referrals.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people outside of work. A conversation with someone on the corniche may yield insights that deepen your understanding of the local context. Also, if possible, get in touch with counterparts before your arrival, but also embrace the work culture once you’re on the ground. Part of being successful in development work is learning to go with the flow: adapting to local rhythms and approaches.

What’s next for you?
I’m returning to Harvard for my final year of the MPA/MUP program, where I’ll be continuing my research on ecological sovereignties, examining how nations can leverage natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity as strategic assets. I’ll also continue my work with the Building State Capability program, supporting global practitioners in applying adaptive approaches to complex development challenges. In addition, I’ll be writing my thesis and leading the Climate, Energy, and Environment Professional Interest Council (CEEPIC). I will also be searching for post-graduation opportunities, likely in international development or climate resilience with governments, multilateral institutions, or research institutes. In the long term, I aim to help countries navigate the dual challenge of promoting sustainable development while adapting to and mitigating climate change.

Student Stories: A Policy Lens on Electricity Affordability and Life in Nigeria

Chu Fang is a second-year MPA/ID student at the Harvard Kennedy School. He was accepted into the Growth Lab’s 2025 Summer Internship Program and contributed to ongoing research in Nigeria.

Why did you apply to the Growth Lab Summer Internship?
Coming from a background in diplomacy and development, I was drawn to the Growth Lab’s rigorous, policy-oriented approach to economic growth. I saw the internship as an opportunity to apply both my experience in international cooperation and the analytical tools I’ve gained through the MPA/ID program, particularly in diagnostics and data analysis, to a real-world reform challenge. Nigeria’s electricity sector, currently undergoing significant transformation under the Electricity Act 2023, offered the ideal context to engage with complex policy issues on the ground.

What did you work on?
I worked on an electricity affordability study for Nigeria, conducting the preliminary analysis of electricity expenditure patterns, tariff structures, and subsidy policies in the context of ongoing sector reforms. As part of the project, I also conducted a cross-country comparative analysis of selected African and Global South countries, examining their energy pricing frameworks, tariff policies, and cost-recovery mechanisms. The goal was to identify best practices for affordable energy access and distill relevant lessons for Nigeria’s electricity sector reform. My internship supports the groundwork for future diagnostic efforts by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, aimed at informing pricing reform, targeted subsidies, and consumer protection as the country transitions toward a decentralized electricity market.

In what ways were you challenged?
One of the challenges was the limited availability of granular data, which is critical for designing effective affordability frameworks. Nigeria’s low penetration of smart meters and inconsistent electricity usage tracking make it difficult to assess consumption patterns, especially for low-income households. Funding constraints have also limited the scope and frequency of household-level data collection. As I worked on developing a diagnostic framework, I had to navigate these gaps by carefully reviewing existing household surveys and proposing ways to improve future data collection. This experience pushed me to think creatively about how to design affordability metrics and policy recommendations that are both data-informed and implementation-feasible in a resource-constrained environment.

What was your most exciting/surprising experience?
Spending the summer in Lagos was a deeply eye-opening experience. It was my first time on the African continent, and it left a lasting impression. I had the chance to connect with local colleagues, share meals, and explore the city together. These personal connections made the experience richer and more meaningful. I also witnessed the day-to-day realities of electricity affordability: from frequent outages disrupting businesses and households, to the constant hum of petrol generators filling in the gaps. These observations brought a human dimension to the policy challenges I had been studying, reminding me that affordability isn’t just a theoretical issue, but one that shapes livelihoods, productivity, and quality of life in very tangible ways.

What advice would you give to future interns?
Immerse yourself in the local culture and daily life. Meaningful insights not only come from reports or datasets, but also from conversations at lunch, walks through the neighborhood, and observing how people navigate everyday challenges. Try the local dishes, explore the city, and spend time with colleagues outside of work. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the context in which you’re working and make your internship personally enriching and unforgettable.

What’s next for you?
This internship has inspired my Second Year Policy Analysis, where I will delve deeper into electricity affordability in Nigeria and develop actionable policy recommendations to inform pricing and subsidy reforms. I hope to build on this foundation through further research and, after graduation, pursue opportunities in energy and infrastructure policy.