Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted the high risk and corruption vulnerability presented by the high number of unregistered and unregulated estate agents operating in the land sector in Zambia. TI-Z has therefore taken the initiative to support the publication of the dully registered estate agents as issued by the Zambia Institute for Estate Agents (ZIEA) under gazzette notice No. 732 of 2023, which was published on the 1st of June 2023.
Under the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability focus area, TI-Z has been strengthening transparency and accountability in climate financing, land access and environmental governance. As part of this work, TI-Z has noted the rampant advertisement of large portions of land along major highways without following the due process and the escalating number of people defrauded during the process of acquiring land in many parts of the country. Furthermore, a recent study into the nature of corruption and money laundering in Zambia revealed that unregistered and unregulated real estate agents are conduits for corruption. These real estate dealers are facilitating for the laundering of corruption proceeds through the purchase and sale of properties.
In light of the above, Transparency International Zambia therefore supports the efforts of the ZIEA in calling on members of the public to use the registered and gazzeted estate agents in order to bring sanity to the sector. According ZIEA, there are over 5,000 unregulated land dealers in the sector, operating without licenses. These present a significant risk of money laundering and loss of property for unsuspecting members of the public. TI-Z is therefore collaborating with the ZIEA and relevant law enforcement agencies to contribute to improved integrity and corporate governance among the sector players in order to enhance land transparency, integrity and accountability. TI-Z also urges all members of the public to report to the ZIEA, Zambia Police Service, Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission or TI-Z though our social media and online pages any unregistered estate agents who are operating without valid certificates and involved in corrupt or questionable land dealings.
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm
Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
