Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board - Zambia

HELSB Labour Day Internal Awards Ceremony 2026

8th May, 2026

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) held its 2026 Labour Day Internal Awards Ceremony, a special occasion dedicated to recognising the dedication, professionalism, innovation, and excellence of its staff in advancing the institution’s mandate.

The ceremony featured six award categories, celebrating staff members whose consistent performance and commitment continue to strengthen service delivery and enhance access to higher education and skills development in Zambia.

Individual Award Recipients:

This year’s awards were presented as follows:

1. Ms. Jessy Zulu – Excellence in Performance
2. Mr. Goodson Sikazwe – Teamwork & Integrity
3. Mrs. Priscal Mulusa – Outstanding Client Service
4. Mr. Hector Simungala – Outstanding Client Service
5. Mr. Fred Kanshamba – Innovation & Continuous Improvement
6. Ms. Chabota Chaambwa – Excellence in Performance

HELSB congratulates all award recipients for their outstanding achievements, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service excellence. Your contributions continue to strengthen the institution’s impact in widening access to higher education and supporting the development of a skilled workforce for national development.

CEO’s Special Award

In a special highlight of the ceremony, the seventh award was the CEO’s Award, traditionally reserved for the Outstanding Employee of the Year was uniquely presented to a team in recognition of exceptional collective effort.

The award was given to the team that successfully coordinated and organised the AAHEFA Conference hosted by HELSB in Livingstone in 2025. Their dedication, teamwork, and tireless effort ensured the successful planning and delivery of the event, marking a significant achievement for the institution.

The recognised team comprised:
1. Manager Finance – Mr. Kabwe Lupambo
2. Manager Human Capital and Administration - Ms Chiluba Hamusunse
3. Manager Corporate Affairs – Ms. Chiselwa Kawanda
4. Manager Procurement – Mr. Mathews Sakala
5. Manager Strategy and Partnerships – Ms Kasikwa Gondwe

Their achievement reflects the value of collaboration, efficiency, and commitment to excellence in delivering institutional success.

HELSB extends sincere appreciation to all staff for their continued dedication and invaluable contribution to the institution’s mission of promoting equitable access to higher education in Zambia.

HELSB Commemorates 2026 Labour Day: Supporting a Secure and Skilled Workforce

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) joined the nation in commemorating the 2026 Labour Day, recognising the vital role workers play in driving Zambia’s socio-economic development. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme, “Securing Zambia's Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All.”

In line with this theme, HELSB continues to strengthen its commitment to expanding access to higher education and skills development. By supporting students to acquire relevant and competitive competencies, the Board contributes to preparing a workforce that is adaptable to the evolving demands of the labour market and better positioned to access sustainable employment opportunities.

Through its mandate, HELSB plays an important enabling role in advancing job security by equipping citizens with skills that enhance employability and resilience. While not directly responsible for employment creation or pension systems, the Board’s investment in human capital development supports the broader foundation upon which decent work, income stability, and long-term financial security are built.

The Board’s efforts align with national priorities aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening workforce capabilities, and safeguarding the future of work in Zambia. Through its programmes, HELSB remains a key partner in fostering opportunities that uphold dignity, productivity, and shared prosperity for all.

HELSB joins the rest of the country in celebrating the contributions of workers across all sectors and wishes all Zambians a meaningful and inspiring Labour Day.

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY HOLDS COMBINED SPECIAL CONVOCATION AND 12TH GRADUATION CEREMONY UNDER THE THEME “TOWARDS COMPETENCE-BASED EDUCATION FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP”

Kwame Nkrumah University today, Thursday, 9th April 2026, hosted a combined Special Convocation Ceremony and its 12th Graduation Ceremony held under the theme “Towards Competence-Based Education for Transformative Entrepreneurship.” The event marked a significant moment in the University’s academic calendar, bringing together government officials, academia, students, and stakeholders in education to celebrate leadership, academic excellence, and national development.

The proceedings began with a Special Convocation Ceremony at which the Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Education, Douglas M. Syakalima, MP, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Education (D. Ed) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the education sector and the nation at large.

In his acceptance remarks, the Minister expressed sincere gratitude to the University for the honour and dedicated it to all education stakeholders across the country. He emphasized the need for a transformed education system that is practical, skills-based, and aligned with national development priorities. He further noted that education must remain a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth, urging institutions to produce graduates who are problem-solvers and job creators.

The Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University, Prof. Alfred M. Mwanza, PhD, congratulated the Minister on the conferment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and service to the education sector. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing competence-based education, strengthening research and innovation, and deepening industry linkages. He further highlighted that the theme of the ceremony reflects the University’s strategic focus on producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating employment and driving transformation.

Following the convocation, the University proceeded with its 12th Graduation Ceremony, during which a total of 1,791 students were conferred with various qualifications.

In his remarks as Guest of Honour for the graduation ceremony, the Minister congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to embrace resilience, discipline, and innovation as they transition into the world of work. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to create value in their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development, while upholding integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The Vice Chancellor also congratulated the graduating class, commending them for their dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. He encouraged them to remain ambassadors of the University and to actively contribute to entrepreneurship, innovation, and service to society.

The Student Representative Council President, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, expressed gratitude to the University management and academic staff for their guidance and support. He acknowledged the challenges faced during their studies, noting that these experiences had strengthened their resilience and determination. He urged fellow graduates to uphold the values of the University, remain innovative, and use their skills to positively impact society and contribute to national development.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the judiciary, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders in the education sector, all united in their commitment to strengthening human capital development and promoting sustainable national progress.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) was represented by Manager Finance Mr. Kabwe Lupambo , Executive Assistant to the CEO Ms IzukanjiNamonje, Officer Credit South Ms. Hellen Lesa and Customer Care Associate Mr. Stephen Chileshe , who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education and supporting students across the country.

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY HOLDS COMBINED SPECIAL CONVOCATION AND 12TH GRADUATION CEREMONY UNDER THE THEME “TOWARDS COMPETENCE-BASED EDUCATION FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP”

Kwame Nkrumah University today, Thursday, 30th April 2026, hosted a combined Special Convocation Ceremony and its 12th Graduation Ceremony held under the theme “Towards Competence-Based Education for Transformative Entrepreneurship.” The event marked a significant moment in the University’s academic calendar, bringing together government officials, academia, students, and stakeholders in education to celebrate leadership, academic excellence, and national development.

The proceedings began with a Special Convocation Ceremony at which the Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Education, Douglas M. Syakalima, MP, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Education (D. Ed) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the education sector and the nation at large.

In his acceptance remarks, the Minister expressed sincere gratitude to the University for the honour and dedicated it to all education stakeholders across the country. He emphasized the need for a transformed education system that is practical, skills-based, and aligned with national development priorities. He further noted that education must remain a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth, urging institutions to produce graduates who are problem-solvers and job creators.

The Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University, Prof. Alfred M. Mwanza, PhD, congratulated the Minister on the conferment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and service to the education sector. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing competence-based education, strengthening research and innovation, and deepening industry linkages. He further highlighted that the theme of the ceremony reflects the University’s strategic focus on producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating employment and driving transformation.

Following the convocation, the University proceeded with its 12th Graduation Ceremony, during which a total of 1,791 students were conferred with various qualifications.

In his remarks as Guest of Honour for the graduation ceremony, the Minister congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to embrace resilience, discipline, and innovation as they transition into the world of work. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to create value in their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development, while upholding integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The Vice Chancellor also congratulated the graduating class, commending them for their dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. He encouraged them to remain ambassadors of the University and to actively contribute to entrepreneurship, innovation, and service to society.

The Student Representative Council President, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, expressed gratitude to the University management and academic staff for their guidance and support. He acknowledged the challenges faced during their studies, noting that these experiences had strengthened their resilience and determination. He urged fellow graduates to uphold the values of the University, remain innovative, and use their skills to positively impact society and contribute to national development.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the judiciary, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders in the education sector, all united in their commitment to strengthening human capital development and promoting sustainable national progress.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) was represented by Manager Finance Mr. Kabwe Lupambo , Executive Assistant to the CEO Ms IzukanjiNamonje, Officer Credit South Ms. Hellen Lesa and Customer Care Associate Mr. Stephen Chileshe , who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education and supporting students across the country.

HELSB Strengthens Partnerships to Expand Equitable Access to Higher Education in North-Western Province.
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Government efforts to expand equitable access to higher education through strategic partnerships that link education financing to national development priorities.
HELSB Chief Executive Officer Dr John Machayi made the remarks during a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Dr Chief Mumena in North-Western Province, where he emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional leadership, industry players, and education financing institutions in advancing human capital development.
Dr Machayi noted that HELSB continues to play a key role in widening access to tertiary education through student loans and scholarships, in line with Government’s broader agenda of ensuring inclusive access to education. He further highlighted that the institution is strengthening its approach by aligning education financing with key productive sectors such as mining, agriculture, and technical industries.
He commended North-Western Province as a strategic growth hub due to its expanding mining and agro-industrial base, noting that targeted partnerships in the region would further enhance skills development and local participation in economic activities.
Dr Machayi cited leading industry players such as Barrick Gold and First Quantum Minerals as potential partners in supporting a structured revolving student loan and skills development initiative aimed at strengthening the link between education and employment.
“We are encouraged by the opportunities for collaboration that exist within the province. With the support of traditional leadership and industry, we can strengthen a sustainable model that ensures more young people benefit from higher education and contribute directly to local economic growth,” he said.
The proposed initiative seeks to support students in priority fields such as mining, engineering, agriculture, and technical disciplines, with a deliberate focus on enhancing employability and retention of skills within local communities.
Dr Machayi referenced the KCM Scholastic Excellence Program as a successful example of industry-supported education financing, which has already benefited over 120 vulnerable students in relevant fields of study.
He further indicated that HELSB is currently supporting more than 43,000 students under its national loan programme, while 1,366 students are benefiting from bilateral scholarships abroad. In addition, over 2,400 female learners are being supported under the Keeping Girls in School Initiative, reflecting Government’s commitment to inclusive education.
Despite these gains, Dr Machayi noted that demand for student financing continues to grow, with HELSB currently meeting approximately 60 percent of applications received nationwide.
He further highlighted that North-Western Province accounted for 4.2 percent (677 students) of total beneficiaries in 2025, underscoring the need for continued outreach and sensitisation to improve access to opportunities.
Dr Machayi reaffirmed HELSB’s commitment to working closely with traditional leadership structures to enhance awareness, improve access to information, and ensure that more eligible students benefit from available financing opportunities.
“This engagement reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits of education financing are felt across all provinces, particularly in areas driving national economic growth,” he said.
In response, His Royal Highness Dr Chief Mumena commended HELSB for its continued efforts in supporting access to higher education and welcomed the proposed collaboration with industry stakeholders in the province.
He expressed optimism that strengthened partnerships would expand opportunities for young people, particularly in mining areas, and contribute to broader community development.
His Royal Highness also encouraged intensified sensitisation efforts to ensure that more eligible students are reached and informed. He further extended an invitation for HELSB to participate in the upcoming Lubinda Tongo Traditional Ceremony, which will serve as a platform for community engagement and dissemination of information on student financing opportunities.
HELSB reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Government’s education and skills development agenda through inclusive, partnership-driven approaches that promote national development and youth empowerment.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) proudly participated in the Kenneth Kaunda Marathon held in Lusaka. The team’s involvement not only showcased the Board’s strong commitment to teamwork and unity, but also reinforced its dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging an active, well-balanced workforce among staff members.