The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–based customer service system dubbed BWANABOOM, in a move aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness in services for students and education stakeholders nationwide.
The system, which will operate 24 hours a day, was officially unveiled at HESLB Headquarters in Dodoma, with the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Daniel Mushi, serving as the Guest of Honour.
The event was attended by HESLB Board Members, senior ministry officials led by the Director of Higher Education Dr. Maryam Ismail, HESLB management, and student representatives from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), St. John’s University, and the College of Business Education (CBE) Dodoma Campus.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Mushi praised HESLB for embracing digital innovation to improve public service delivery, describing BWANABOOM as a significant step in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation in the education sector.
He said the system will strengthen direct communication between HESLB and stakeholders, reduce service delays, and enhance convenience for students seeking loan-related information and support.
Prof. Mushi urged the Board to continue upgrading the system in line with rapid technological changes, strengthen data protection measures, and ensure the platform becomes more inclusive by exploring features such as digital sign language to serve people with hearing impairments.
HESLB Executive Director Dr. Bill Kiwia said BWANABOOM is part of the institution’s long-term strategy to modernize service delivery using advanced digital technologies, with the goal of improving efficiency, transparency, and ease of access to information.
He noted that the system is expected to reduce physical visits to HESLB offices, cut travel costs, and bring essential services closer to students through the HESLB website and the student loan portal SIPA.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jaqueline Humbaro, President of the University of Dodoma Student Government, welcomed the innovation and pledged to encourage students to actively use the new platform to benefit from faster and more reliable services.
BWANABOOM is expected to play a key role in improving engagement between HESLB and education stakeholders, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence to support education development and improve public service delivery in Tanzania.