Ministry of Education has proposed the inclusion of learners from Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training in the acquisition of student loans.
Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku said the initiative should also provide loans to refugees through endowment funds adding that the proposal is meant to ensure that no deserving learner is left behind in the acquisition of loans.
Speaking when she officiated at the Lusaka Provincial Stakeholder Engagement for hosting the HELSB Bill 2025 in Lusaka, Ms Muneku said the proposed amendments of the (HELSB) Bill seeks to address governance issues, enhance social support for vulnerable students, reduce costs and improve mobilisation and strengthen compliance mechanisms.
Ms Muneku highlighted that the amendments are not merely administrative adjustments but represent transformative steps towards establishing a higher education financing system that is equitable, sustainable and aligned with the country’s development aspirations.
She noted that some of the critical areas under consideration include governance and role clarity to clearly distinguish the oversight role of the board from management’s operational responsibilities ensuring enhanced accountability.
Ms Muneku stated that the board composition is also being reviewed to reduce the size from 13 to seven members.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the reduction in the number of board members is meant to facilitate streamline decision making and improve governance social support provisions which are been strengthened in ensuring that the loans remain accessible to those most in need.
She added that loan protection costs are also being addressed through a transition to inhouse loan protection schemes thereby minimising costs and enhancing financial stability within HELSB.
“Resource mobilisation strategies including the introduction of voluntary service schemes and expanded partnerships are also being explored to boost funding resources. Compliance and inspection mechanisms are been enhanced by granting HELSB the authority to inspect employer records ensuring improved loan recovery and financial sustainability,” she said.
Ms Muneku further encouraged the stakeholders to share their observations, recommendations and constructive feedback which will be instrumental in refining the proposed bill before its presentation to Parliament.
And speaking earlier, Lusaka Province Education Officer, Felix Ngoma said that HELSB plays a critical role in ensuring that students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and places have access to the financial support necessary to pursue their academic dreams.
Mr Ngoma however stated that it is vital that the legal framework governing HELSB adapts to address emerging challenges and opportunities as the education landscape evolves.
He said the aim of the deliberation was to strengthen Zambia’s education system collectively resulting legislative framework that is inclusive, equitable, and aligned with Zambia’s developmental goals.
Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board Chairperson, Geoffrey Samukonga thanked the stakeholders for their positive impact in the formulation of the document.
Mr Samukonga congratulated the HELSB management team for working tirelessly to craft the document.
