HESLB Signs Digital Transformation Deal With South Africa’s Adapt IT
The Higher Education Student Loans Board (HESLB) has entered a new phase in its digital transformation journey after formally signing a cooperation agreement with Adapt IT, a South African international technology company known for its extensive experience in developing education and financial systems across Africa. The brief signing ceremony was held on December 8, 2025, at the HESLB Coastal Zone offices in Dar es Salaam and was attended by leaders from both institutions.
This agreement marks a major step toward strengthening the management of higher education loans by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and data security. For several years, HESLB has been implementing digital reforms to address the growing number of students applying for loans, the rising demand for transparent loan information, and the need to improve loan recovery systems for graduates.
Strengthening Technology and Improving Service Delivery
Through this partnership, Adapt IT will support HESLB in upgrading technological systems and introducing new tools that make access to information easier and more reliable. The cooperation also focuses on improving data security infrastructure an essential requirement for protecting sensitive information belonging to students, graduates, employers, and other stakeholders.
Improved digital systems are expected to accelerate loan service delivery, reduce operational delays, and provide user-friendly platforms capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly expanding customer base.
Leadership Remarks Highlight Commitment to Innovation
Speaking during the ceremony, the HESLB Executive Director, Dr. Bill Kiwia, emphasized that the collaboration is part of the Board’s broader strategy to ensure loan services are delivered more effectively. He highlighted that Adapt IT brings extensive experience in higher-education digital solutions, serving institutions in more than 41 countries worldwide.
“We believe that technology is the foundation of quality service delivery. This partnership with Adapt IT strengthens our ability to provide better and timely services by modernizing our systems to become more secure and more friendly to users,” said Dr. Kiwia.
On the other side, Adapt IT Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Luxolo Rubushe, expressed readiness to offer the expertise and innovation required to provide HESLB with globally recognized digital systems. He noted that the company works with universities across Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Ghana, and many other countries within and outside Africa.
“We are committed to supporting HESLB in achieving positive transformation through technology. This partnership is an opportunity to collaborate in improving loan services offered and managed in Tanzania,” said Mr. Rubushe.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The agreement focuses on three major areas that aim to support HESLB’s digital transformation agenda:
1. Strengthening Digital Collaboration
Enhancing cooperation between HESLB and Adapt IT through digital platforms to improve student loan management and compliance.
2. Joint Activities and Capacity Building
Identifying and implementing joint initiatives such as awareness campaigns, technology solutions, and staff capacity-building programs.
3. Exploring Technology Opportunities
Studying Adapt IT’s technology solutions and how they can support HESLB in advancing digital reforms in loan administration.
Expected Impact on Students, Graduates, and Stakeholders
The partnership is expected to significantly improve several core operational areas, including:
- Faster and more efficient loan processing for higher-education students
- Increased loan recovery rates through improved systems
- Reduced challenges caused by information delays or system downtime
- Better access to essential loan information for beneficiaries, employers, and stakeholders
As a result, users will benefit from modern, stable, and reliable systems that make it easier to track loan status, access services, and communicate with HESLB.
A Major Step in Tanzania’s Higher Education Digital Transformation
The agreement between HESLB and Adapt IT represents a major milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to modernize higher-education financing through technology. It demonstrates a national commitment to improving public service delivery, protecting public resources, and using digital solutions to support thousands of students every year.
By investing in advanced systems and international expertise, HESLB continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution prepared to meet the demands of a growing education sector and a digital-driven economy.