The Government of Tanzania has unveiled comprehensive reforms in its land sector, aimed at strengthening governance, accelerating economic growth, and ensuring equitable access to land for all citizens.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Deogratius Ndejembi, during the International Land Sector Conference organized by the World Bank in Washington D.C. on May 6, 2025.
These reforms are guided by the revised National Land Policy of 1995 (2023 Edition), which was officially launched by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on March 17, 2025, in Dodoma.
The updated policy reflects Tanzania’s commitment to adapt to the evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the country.
“Our land sector must evolve to meet the demands of today and the future,” said Ndejembi. “The reforms are designed to address persistent issues such as land conflicts, rapid urbanization, and the impacts of climate change, while promoting fairness, sustainability, and inclusivity in land governance.”
One of the cornerstone initiatives in the reform package is the enhancement of land tenure security, particularly for farmers and pastoralists.
The government aims to protect land rights more effectively and ensure that land ownership and use are legally recognized and respected.
“We are taking deliberate steps to ensure that every Tanzanian, regardless of gender or background, has the right to own and use land securely,”Ndejembi emphasized.
“This includes rural communities, women, youth, and marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers.”
To improve transparency and accountability, the reforms introduce clearer procedures for land acquisition and compensation, and establish a new Land Commission to oversee service delivery and uphold integrity in the sector.
The Commission will serve as a regulatory and oversight body to streamline operations and resolve disputes more efficiently.
Another key element is the adoption of digital technologies through the e-Land System, which allows citizens to apply for land services online, track application progress, and access verified digital records.
“With the e-Land System, we are eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and increasing public trust in our institutions,” said the Minister. “It’s a major step toward modern, transparent, and citizen-centered land administration.”
The revised policy also emphasizes sustainable land use planning, both in urban and rural areas. It promotes the protection of ecologically sensitive zones and supports productive land use that attracts domestic and foreign investment.
Enhanced systems for land surveying, mapping, and geospatial data collection are also being implemented to support more accurate and strategic decision-making.
Notably, the policy places a strong focus on gender equality. It explicitly recognizes women’s rights to own and inherit land and mandates their full participation in land governance.
“True development cannot be achieved if women are left behind. We are committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected,” said Ndejembi.
During the conference, Tanzania was praised by international stakeholders for its bold efforts to strengthen land rights and governance.
These initiatives are aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1.4.2, which calls for universal access to secure land tenure for all people, especially vulnerable groups.
The Tanzanian delegation at the conference included experts from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, as well as representatives from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI).
The delegation expressed Tanzania’s readiness to collaborate with global partners to advance land sector reforms and inclusive development.
