Africa-Press – Tanzania. CRDB Bank Foundation has partnered with the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) to equip university students with digital capabilities while reinforcing the importance of responsible loan repayment.
The collaboration, signed yesterday, also brings on board Basil Link, with the three institutions jointly launching the Smart Elite Initiative—a strategic program designed to prepare higher education students to participate effectively in the digital economy.
The CRDB Bank Chief Financial Officer, Mr Frederick Nshekanabo, said during the signing event that integrating education, technology, and entrepreneurship on a single platform demonstrates stakeholders’ commitment to enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to a modern economy.
“With today’s launch of the Smart Elite Initiative, we are building a bridge that connects students from the classroom to the realities of the job market and the innovation ecosystem that urgently needs their talent,” said Mr Nshekanabo:
“In today’s world, digital platforms are central to knowledge creation. Young people must be able to design, launch, and manage projects.”
He added that the partnership between CRDB Bank Foundation, Basil Link and HESLB establishes a practical, collaborative framework to address the challenges facing youth.
Under the programme, the Foundation will lead the delivery of financial literacy education, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to laptops for students in need through affordable financing arrangements.
“CRDB Bank and CRDB Bank Foundation recognise that laptops are essential learning tools for higher education students, yet many cannot afford them at market prices,” Mr Nshekanabo said.
The CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director of, Tully-Esther Mwambapa, explained that the Smart Elite Initiative targets any higher education student who is a beneficiary of HESLB.
“Key requirements include sound financial discipline and a strong sense of responsibility toward the opportunities provided.
“In partnership with Basil Link, we will provide laptops to students in need through flexible installment plans. We are confident these tools will enhance learning and enable beneficiaries to pursue income-generating opportunities,” she said.
HESLB Director of Loans, Dr Peter Mmari, reminded students that receiving a government-backed loan reflects trust and carries an obligation to repay so that future generations can also access higher education.
“We work with partners like CRDB Bank Foundation to educate our beneficiaries and ensure funds are recovered,” Dr Mmari said.
“A culture of borrowing and repaying builds credibility with financial institutions— an important lesson for our graduates. I urge all HESLB beneficiaries to honor their repayment obligations.”
Basil Link Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Basil, said the company has representatives in many universities nationwide to provide guidance and respond to student inquiries.
“Our goal is to see students graduate not only with academic qualifications, but also with practical skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong financial discipline,” Mr Basil said.
“As a former beneficiary of the IMBEJU Program, which I joined while still a student, I am confident that today’s students can gain similar value from this initiative.”
