The Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) in Tanzania has been urged to expand its educational financing products, deepen collaboration with the private sector, and improve digital loan repayment systems. This call was made by Mwanza Regional Commissioner Salum Hamduni on September 23, 2026, while representing the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda. The directive aims to align with the National Development Vision 2050, which targets to enable at least 25 percent of Tanzanians to access higher education by 2050.
Commissioner Hamduni emphasized that student loans are crucial in building an inclusive education system and expanding higher learning opportunities for Tanzanians. He clarified that the vision aims to broaden funding scopes rather than guarantee 100 percent financing for every student. The Commissioner also launched the College Loan Officers' Guide, aimed at strengthening the officers' duties and improving services for higher education loan beneficiaries.
The guide was launched during the 15th Working Session between HESLB management and loan officers from higher and middle-level colleges in Mwanza City. The two-day meeting, themed "Strong Cooperation, Quality Service: Let's Invest in Students," brought together over 200 loan officers nationwide, alongside student representatives from the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Students Organization (TAHLISO) and the Zanzibar Higher Learners Federation (ZAHILFE).
HESLB executive director Dr Bill Kiwia urged loan officers to ensure timely and accurate student data submissions to avoid disbursement delays. He emphasized that loan repayments are crucial for sustaining the revolving fund, ensuring future generations benefit. Dr Kiwia also highlighted the government's investment in student loans and grants, which has expanded from Sh916.7 billion for the 2025/26 academic year to Sh1.06 trillion for the 2026/27 academic year.
The increased budget is projected to support 292,463 beneficiaries, up from 252,773 students in the previous academic year. Dr Kiwia encouraged loan officers to serve as efficient links between institutions, students, and HESLB by leveraging ICT systems to streamline communication and resolve grievances promptly.
Commissioner Hamduni reiterated that higher education loans will continue to be a vital tool to enable needy students to access higher education. He urged college loan officers to work efficiently in serving as links between institutions, students, and HESLB.
The meeting concluded with a call for strengthened cooperation between HESLB, loan officers, and students to ensure quality service delivery and investment in students. The new College Loan Officers' Guide is expected to standardize operational procedures and enhance service delivery.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government aims to enable at least 25 percent of citizens to access higher education by 2050.
- The student loans and grants budget has expanded from Sh916.7 billion to Sh1.06 trillion for the 2026/27 academic year.
- The Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) has launched a new College Loan Officers' Guide to standardize operational procedures and enhance service delivery.
