Cambridge-Africa

Chilombo Musa's time as a Cambridge-Africa PhD student

Chilombo crop

About a decade before coming to Cambridge, I imagined a future in property investment and development. I was fascinated by the process of taking a building project from inception to completion and began my career in property management, seeing it as a pathway to fulfilling this ambition. However, my interests soon expanded beyond the physical structures themselves to the complex interplay between property, people, society, politics, and policy.

This passion led me to research roles at the London School of Economics and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, followed by a teaching position at the University of Lusaka. I developed a particular fascination with the idea of housing as both a social good and an investment asset. I observed how low-income residents had to craft their own space in an urban environment where the cost of land and housing exceeded their means. I was eager to understand how low-income households navigated these markets to establish their place in the city.

Given the lack of government policies on public or affordable housing in Zambia, I realised that various factors beyond economic principles were at play in allowing low and middle-income residents to coexist in urban areas. With a desire to explore these factors more deeply, I decided to pursue a PhD as I believed this would provide me with the perfect opportunity to delve into these complex issues and develop strategies for improving housing conditions for low-income residents in urban areas.

The Cambridge-Africa Scholarship and Coming to Study in Cambridge

When I received my conditional offer to study at Cambridge, I was over the moon that I would be able to carry out my research at a top University. But I knew I had another challenge ahead of me: how would I pay for it? I joined various online forums and searched for advice on how to secure funding for PhD research. While I had applied for funding at Cambridge, I knew it was a competitive process and I needed to consider other sources in case I was not successful. I spent the following three months agonising about how to fund my studies, until April 2018 when I received the news that I was awarded the Cambridge-Africa Scholarship. It was such a relief to know that I had secured the necessary funds to cover my tuition and living expenses, which lifted a significant burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my research. But the scholarship did so much more than that. It allowed me to attend conferences and conduct fieldwork in Zambia, which was a vital part of my research.

I still remember the feeling of excitement I had when I received an invitation to present my research at the World Bank Land and Poverty Conference in Washington DC, just two months after starting my PhD. Thanks to the scholarship, which covered the costs of the conference, I was able to attend and share my research with a wider audience. It was an incredible opportunity that I wouldn't have been able to experience without the support of Cambridge-Africa.

Beyond the financial support, Cambridge-Africa has been a community of support during my time at Cambridge. The staff and other scholars have been a constant source of encouragement. The community came together during the pandemic to provide a space of comfort and solidarity, and the staff at Cambridge-Africa went above and beyond their administrative duties. It has been an honour to be a part of this community and pursue my research goals with the help of such an encouraging community.

My Most Memorable Time in Cambridge

There were many memorable moments during my time in Cambridge, making it difficult for me to choose just one. However, I found that one of the most enjoyable aspects of studying in Cambridge was the opportunity to explore topics outside of my study area. I have always had a fascination with science and technology, so I made sure to attend lectures and presentations that were unrelated to my field. Even with the negative impacts of the pandemic, I appreciated the shift to online events as it provided more opportunities for me to attend webinars and other events without the physical constraints. This allowed me to broaden my interests and take a break from my research, especially when I felt overwhelmed. Additionally, having conversations with friends who studied in different fields was extremely interesting, and it sparked my interest in various subjects. As a result, I have become an enthusiastic listener of podcasts on neuroscience and financial management.

My Plans after my PhD

Following my PhD, I plan to continue research on land and housing issues and collaborate with policymakers to create policies that provide low-income households access to affordable housing, as well as public services such as water, sanitation, and public transportation. I believe that my research has significant policy implications, and I hope to contribute to policies that can have a positive impact on communities. Ultimately, my long-term career goal is to work in responsible investing in land and housing, which will enable me to contribute to more people-centred infrastructure investments, safeguard the environment, and guarantee a secure future.

Thoughts for Incoming Scholars

Do not get consumed by the PhD and isolate yourself from the wider University community. Explore the various opportunities available to develop skills, networks, and learn new things beyond your field. The PhD is an excellent opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Enjoy the journey and take advantage of everything that is available to you!