As Zambia approaches the general elections scheduled for 13 August 2026, public debate is intensifying across the country. While political parties have placed strong emphasis on agricultural support, economic priorities and service delivery, there is a growing need for greater attention to land governance, an issue that remains central to the livelihoods and wellbeing of millions of Zambians, particularly small-scale farmers and vulnerable communities.
The Lands Act of 1995, which is the principal law governing land administration in Zambia, is widely seen as no longer fully responsive to present-day realities. Ongoing efforts to review the law, following earlier consultations, present an important opportunity to strengthen protections for land rights and to address longstanding concerns around tenure security, especially on customary land.
With more than 80% of the country’s land held under customary tenure and under the custodianship of traditional leaders, the need for clear, secure and equitable land governance remains pressing. For many rural households, particularly small-scale farmers, limited documentation and insecurity of tenure continue to pose serious challenges. At the same time, national aspirations for more inclusive land allocation, including commitments to women’s ownership of land under the National Lands Policy (Objective 8 (ii) and the National Gender Policy of 2023 (Objective 2(a) Gender Equity and Equality Act (Part V (3) (b), are yet to be fully realised.
There is also increasing public interest in greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of land for investment. Communities and citizens continue to seek clearer information on land allocated to investors, investment benefits accruing to host communities, and the adequacy of compensation and resettlement measures for those affected by displacement. In many cases, compensation has not sufficiently addressed the broader impact of land loss on livelihoods and social wellbeing.
Over the past five years, the government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving land governance, including the development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, advancement of the National Land Titling Programme, revision of the National Resettlement Policy, and introduction of the Resettlement and Compensation Management Bill. These are important steps, but further progress is needed to address persistent inequalities and tenure-related challenges.
As the election campaign continues, stakeholders may wish to encourage broader discussion on how Zambia will strengthen land rights for small-scale farmers, particularly those on customary land, and how Gender Equality and Social Inclusion can be more effectively integrated into land administration and allocation processes.
The stalled stakeholder consultations on the Customary Land Management Bill also highlight the importance of renewed dialogue on establishing a legal framework for customary land governance. Key concerns that continue to require attention include:
- insecurity of tenure on customary land
- limited progress toward women’s and youth land allocation targets
- displacement and insufficient compensation linked to investment projects
- environmental degradation associated with some investments
- inadequate transparency and community participation in land allocation
- livelihood losses resulting from insufficient compensation for land acquisition
There is broad recognition among experts and stakeholders that a stronger legal and policy framework is needed to secure customary land rights while supporting sustainable and inclusive development. Meaningful citizen participation in land-related decision-making remains essential to ensuring fairness, accountability and respect for the rights of all communities.
As Zambia moves toward the 2026 elections, land security and good land governance deserve a more prominent place in the national conversation. Greater focus on these issues will help protect the rights and interests of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups who are often disproportionately affected by weak land governance systems. This conversation will also contribute to more equitable development outcomes and help ensure that customary landholders are not left behind.
This is an important moment for political leaders, policymakers and all stakeholders to give due priority to land governance as a foundation for sustainable development, social justice and shared national prosperity.
Signed:
For and on behalf of:
the National Land Coalition (NLC) Zambia
Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA)
Paralegal Alliance Network (PAN)
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z)
Disclaimer:
This press statement has been produced with the assistance of the European Union and the International Land Coalition (ILC Africa). The views and opinions in the statement are the sole responsibility of ZLA, TI-Z, and PAN, and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union and the ILC Africa.
