HELSB, SeedCo seal K1.5m scholarship deal to fund students pursuing agric-related courses

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has entered into a partnership with SeedCo Zambia Limited to fund tertiary education for students pursuing agriculture-related programmes. Speaking on behalf of the HELSB, Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Director of Finance, Floyd Ndabulula, confirmed that SeedCo Zambia Limited had committed K1.5 million to operationalise the initiative. The collaboration was announced during the launch of the HELSB-SeedCo Scholarship Programme in Lusaka on Monday, with Ndabulula noting a rise in education demand.

“We are therefore pleased to acknowledge SeedCo Zambia Limited’s generous commitment of K1.5 million, which has enabled the operationalisation of this scholarship initiative,” Ndabulula stated. Under the programme, 20 students have been awarded scholarships. They are currently pursuing Diploma programmes in Agriculture-related fields including Crop Science, Horticulture, Soil Science, and General Agriculture.

The beneficiaries are studying at selected institutions, namely the Natural Resources Development College, Zambia College of Agriculture – Monze, and Zambia College of Agriculture – Mpika. “This achievement reflects what is possible when government institutions and the private sector work together with a common purpose,” Ndabulula said. He added that the partnership was anchored on a shared vision to invest in young Zambians who will become the future drivers of agricultural transformation, innovation, and national food security.” HELSB also proposed strengthening the initiative’s long-term impact by evolving it into a recoverable revolving scholarship fund model.

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Under the model, a portion of support received would be repaid by beneficiaries after graduation to finance future students. “This approach presents several strategic advantages, including: Long-term sustainability of the scholarship programme; Expansion of support to more beneficiaries over time, enhanced ownership and responsibility among recipients,” Ndabulula explained. At the handover of scholarship certificates, SeedCo Zambia Head of Marketing Grace Marie Kalungu said the sponsorship formed part of SeedCo International’s 85th Anniversary celebrations, where 85 students across Africa were targeted.

“As SeedCo with now 86 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and develop human capital,” Kalungu said. Both institutions said they expect the initiative to serve as a model for similar public-private partnerships across other sectors of the economy. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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