Tanzania’s National Land Policy of 1995, 2023 Edition: Incorporating Digital Technology in the Land Management Ecosystem.

Tanzania recently launched its 2023 edition of the National Land Policy. At the launching ceremony in the capital, Dodoma, the Head of State, President Samia Suluhu, said that the development of the new policy was long overdue. 

President Samia directed the review of the 1995 National Land Policy after coming to power in March 2021. This was the third attempt to develop a new land policy after two previous attempts, in 2010 and 2015, failed. 

This revised policy aims to develop the burgeoning real estate sector within the country, eliminate outdated traditions such as those that exclude women from land ownership, and enhance proper village and urban land planning, among other significant changes. 

Over and above this, the policy seeks to leverage the power of technology to resolve land-related disputes. By integrating ICT systems, the government aims to enhance land registration, secure property rights, and reduce conflicts by deterring fraudulent claims. Additionally, the policy supports the implementation of the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure project designed to facilitate digital mapping and redraw the country’s map for better land planning. One of the key advantages of this initiative is its ability to prevent duplication of land usage plans, thereby enhancing efficiency and accuracy in land management.

Leveraging digital technology in Tanzania’s land system

The technology-driven aspects embedded in the 2023 National Land Policy offer advantages to Tanzania’s land management ecosystem. ICT systems for enhanced land registration are expected to speed up the registration exercise (land remains public property entrusted to the President on behalf of its citizens, and almost 70% is unregistered).

Additionally, registration of title deeds is handled manually. This situation leads to revenue loss and fuels inequality, as some pay for their ownership rights while others evade this obligation without consequence. Incorporating ICT to enhance the land registry system increases transparency and accessibility, ensuring a more equitable land ownership framework. 

The rampant interpersonal and inter-village boundary conflicts have often led to property loss and, in extreme cases, loss of life, as seen in Kiteto and Kilosa. These persistent conflicts and their consistent escalation premised the 1995 National Land Policy and the Land Act. Therefore, geospatial mapping technology is bound to provide accurate boundary demarcation, reducing border disputes between communities and individuals. The digital mapping system creates visual evidence that can facilitate quicker dispute resolution and prevent such conflicts from escalating.

Moreover, integrating technology will improve urban planning through data-driven decision-making. City planners will be able to use geospatial data to identify suitable areas for infrastructure development, residential zones, and commercial spaces, leading to more sustainable urban growth. Finally, digital land management will enhance revenue collection for local governments through improved property taxation systems. With accurate land records, authorities can correctly identify taxable properties and ensure a more efficient revenue collection process to fund essential public services.

Potential benefits for investors

The technology-driven aspects of the land policy are promising for stakeholders operating in Tanzania. A digitally streamlined land acquisition process will allow businesses to secure land for operations with greater certainty. This will reduce investment delays, improve project timelines, and boost investor confidence. 

Foreign investors have cited land acquisition and ownership as a major ongoing challenge. Although the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) serves as the main agency facilitating land acquisition for investors, restrictions on foreign ownership often cause significant delays. Land not in the TIC land bank must go through a lengthy approval process by local-level authorities, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, Human Settlements Development (MoLHHSD), and the President’s Office to be designated as “general land,” which may be titled for investment and sale. With verifiable digital records, investors can be assured that their land rights are protected and legally recognised. The incorporation of ICT could help streamline the approval process.

The policy’s emphasis on women’s land rights also opens doors for women entrepreneurs who previously faced barriers to securing business premises. With legal recognition of their land ownership rights, women can now establish businesses with greater security and independence. By embracing this technology-forward approach to land management, Tanzania positions itself as a more attractive destination for business investment while simultaneously addressing long-standing challenges in land administration. 

Conclusion

While the 2023 National Land Policy presents promising advancements, its success hinges on effective implementation. Sustained political goodwill and cross-sector collaboration will be necessary. The policy’s success will depend on coordinated efforts between government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations. 

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process will help identify bottlenecks early and allow for necessary adjustments. Ultimately, the 2023 National Land Policy can transform Tanzania’s land sector. However, realising its full benefits will require strategic execution, strong institutional support, and public engagement. By prioritising effective implementation, Tanzania can ensure the policy is a foundation for sustainable land management and economic development.