Pact to modernise student loan services signed

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Africa–based global ICT company Adapt IT, aimed at delivering faster, more secure and efficient loan services to higher learning students across the country.

The agreement seeks to modernise the Board’s loan management systems and expand access to higher education financing for thousands of beneficiaries nationwide.

The signing ceremony, held yesterday, marks a key milestone in HESLB’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, which prioritises transparency, reliability and improved access to loan services.

Speaking at the event, HESLB Executive Director Dr Bill Kiwia said the partnership would strengthen the Board’s technological infrastructure, introduce user-friendly digital platforms and reinforce data-security mechanisms to protect sensitive student and graduate information.

“Technology is the backbone of quality service delivery. This collaboration with Adapt IT will strengthen our capacity to provide timely, reliable and modern services through systems that are secure, efficient and userfriendly,” Dr Kiwia said.

He added that the collaboration forms part of HESLB’s long-term strategy to ensure loan services meet the growing needs of students, universities and employers.

Adapt IT brings extensive experience in higher-education digital solutions, having served institutions in more than 41 countries globally.

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“This partnership demonstrates the government’s commitment to using technology to empower students and ensure public resources are managed efficiently,” he noted.

Adapt IT Chief Executive Officer Luxolo Rubushe affirmed the company’s readiness to deploy its expertise and innovation to support HESLB in establishing world-class systems.

“We work with universities and institutions across Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia and Ghana. Our partnership with HESLB is an opportunity to transform higher-education loan management in Tanzania using technology,” Rubushe said.

The agreement will focus on enhancing digital collaboration, conducting public-awareness campaigns, building staff capacity and exploring technological solutions that boost efficiency, strengthen loan recovery, and improve overall service delivery.

Through the upgraded systems, students, employers and other stakeholders will have easier access to accurate and timely information.

HESLB expects the improved platforms to streamline loan applications, strengthen repayment management and eliminate delays associated with outdated systems, thereby enhancing service quality and reinforcing public accountability.