HESLB disburses 3.6tri/- in loans in five years
ARUSHA: DURING the five-year tenure of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has disbursed a record 3.6tri/- in loans to eligible students across Tanzania.
HESLB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bill Kiwia, announced this recently while opening a working meeting between the Board’s management and over 310 donor institutions and organisations supporting students nationwide.
The event was held at Nelson Mandela University in Arusha and attended by 160 participants. Dr Kiwia described the amount as unprecedented since the Board’s inception.
He credited President Samia’s efforts in promoting higher education, noting that these initiatives aim to produce skilled professionals who can drive national development and economic growth.
“The number of students receiving HESLB loans has steadily increased year by year. Between 2021/22 and 2025/26, both loans and beneficiaries have grown significantly, ensuring that Tanzania will soon have enough qualified professionals with the skills needed to boost the economy,” Dr Kiwia said.
He added that during this period, 17,872 students benefited from educational funding, including scholarships, provided by various local institutions and organisations to support learners from secondary schools and colleges.
Dr Kiwia thanked and commended the heads of these institutions for supporting students from lowincome families, helping them reach higher education levels.
He also highlighted the National Development Vision 2025, which emphasises higher education as a key driver of a modern, knowledge-based economy.
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The policy seeks to remove financial barriers through loans and scholarships, producing professionals ready to meet the demands of industrial and service sectors both nationally and internationally.
Dr Kiwia urged participants to collaborate in sharing experiences, building mutual understanding, and establishing strong foundations for managing student funding.
He stressed that government and stakeholder efforts must effectively reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely manner.
HESLB Director of Loan Planning, Dr Peter Mmari called on heads of donor institutions and organisations to strictly adhere to eligibility criteria when awarding loans.
“Following proper criteria will make it easier for the Board to fulfill its mandate without challenges,” he said.
Several heads of donor institutions praised HESLB’s leadership for organising the first meeting of its kind since the Board’s establishment, noting that such gatherings will help ensure smooth operations and timely benefits for students.
“We are here to strengthen collaboration with HESLB in managing and coordinating student funding. This partnership is vital to ensure that deserving students benefit fully,” said Adamu Masoud from Kagera.
