Higher Education Indaba Delivers Results as CEEC Launches Landmark Loan Product for HEIs
The Inaugural Higher Education Indaba convened by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is already delivering tangible results, with the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) launching a dedicated Loan Product for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), a direct outcome of the historic national dialogue.
Held under the theme “Unlocking Zambia’s Potential Through New Investments in Quality Higher Education,” the Indaba was deliberately designed as a bridge between HEIs and financing partners. That vision has now translated into action. Through the Indaba platform, HEA strategically linked HEIs to CEEC, which subsequently developed a bespoke loan product aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial and infrastructure capacity of tertiary institutions.
CEEC’s participation at the Indaba was itself intentional. At the invitation of HEA, the Commission made a presentation titled “Linking Higher Education to Citizenry Economic Empowerment for National Development,” underscoring the central role of universities and colleges in driving economic transformation. The launch of the HEI Loan Product marks the realisation of that conversation, moving decisively from dialogue to implementation.
The Loan Product for HEIs is designed to support institutions seeking to undertake strategic investment projects in 2026, including the development of campus infrastructure, laboratories, innovation centres, student accommodation, renewable energy systems, ICT facilities, agro-industrial units and student entrepreneurship hubs.
It reflects a growing recognition of higher education as both a public good and a viable investment frontier.
In an exclusive interview with HEA’s Corporate Communications Unit, CEEC Manager for Public Relations and Communications, Mr. Michelo Mukata, confirmed the direct influence of the Indaba on the development of the product.
“This loan product exemplifies CEEC’s responsive and collaborative approach to empowerment,” Mr. Mukata said. “Following strategic engagements and consultations with partners such as the Higher Education Authority, the Commission saw it fit to develop a product that specifically targets the entrepreneurial side of tertiary institutions, making them more competitive, sustainable and impactful in delivering quality education for socio-economic development.”
Mr. Mukata added that the product offers affordable access to finance, tailored to the unique needs of HEIs, and signals CEEC’s confidence in higher education as a driver of inclusive growth.
Applications for the Loan Product for HEIs are open until 13th February, 2025, and the full call for applications can be accessed here: https://www.ceec.org.zm/2026-call-for-applications/.
The fact sheet for the product is available here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1329404409231483&set=a.346765444162056
This milestone affirms the Higher Education Indaba as more than a conference, it is a catalyst. As institutions begin to access financing and translate ideas into brick-and-mortar investments, innovation hubs and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the Indaba’s legacy is already taking shape.
From conversation to capital. From vision to vehicles for growth. The Higher Education Indaba is bearing fruit and this is only the beginning.
The inaugural Higher Education Indaba was held from 8th to 10th October, 2025, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone.
#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia
————————————————————
📍 Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.
Take the National Graduate Survey! https://hea.org.zm/nationalgraduatesurvey/
#NGS2025 #NationalGraduateSurvey
📚 Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/
📲 Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I
📲 Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.
🌐 Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.
📌 Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm
