The President of the African Association of Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA), Dr. John Machayi, has emphasized the need for higher education to remain accessible, equitable, and transformative for all students across the continent.
Dr. Machayi, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Zambia’s Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), made these remarks while officiating the 20th-anniversary celebration of Tanzania’s Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.
He commended HESLB for its role in expanding access to higher education in Tanzania, noting that since its establishment in 2005, the institution has been a pillar of support for thousands of students pursuing their academic dreams.
“As we reflect on 20 years of remarkable progress, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible, equitable, and transformative. Let this celebration be a reminder of the power of collective action and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” Dr. Machayi stated.
AAHEFA plays a crucial role in advancing higher education financing across Africa by fostering collaboration and innovation among member agencies. Its mission is to increase student access to education both within and beyond the continent, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations.
As the demand for higher education continues to grow in Africa, Dr. Machayi urged stakeholders to strengthen efforts in mobilizing resources, improving loan accessibility, and promoting sustainable funding models to benefit future generations.