By Zanji Valerie Sinkala
Corruption in land administration has long been a thorn in Zambia’s governance. As a nation rich in
natural resources and cultural heritage, the misuse and mismanagement of land pose significant risks
to sustainable development and equitable access to resources. Land corruption denies citizens their
rights, undermines trust in institutions, and exacerbates social inequalities, especially for vulnerable
groups such as women, Youth, People with Disabilities and those in informal settlements.
Recent reports reveal the pervasive nature of land corruption in Zambia. Cases of forged land
documents, irregular allocation of public lands, and manipulation of land-use processes have eroded
public confidence in the country’s land governance systems. A 2022 study by the Zambia Bribe Payers
Index found a troubling 62.6% prevalence of bribery in accessing land services. Furthermore,
corruption in land governance has been linked to the abuse of power by officials, exploitation of
customary land systems, and opaque land registration processes.
The dual land tenure system in Zambia—comprising leasehold tenure and customary land tenure—
has created gaps that are frequently exploited. For example, customary land, which is managed by
traditional leaders, often lacks proper documentation and oversight. This leaves communities
vulnerable to land grabs, unregulated sales, and the conversion of land to leasehold tenure without
proper consultation. Meanwhile, state-administered land allocation processes are riddled with
discretionary practices and limited transparency, allowing corruption to flourish.
High-profile incidents highlight these risks. In 2024, the Ministry of Lands revoked the Kafue Town
Council’s land agency following allegations of fraudulent allocations in the Lusaka South National Park.
Such cases demonstrate the urgent need for systemic reforms to curb these practices.
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z), in partnership with its global network, is taking decisive
action to address land corruption. Through its “Land and Corruption in Africa” project, TI-Z has
identified key gaps in Zambia’s legal and institutional frameworks and proposed actionable
recommendations to build a more accountable system.
One critical area is the under-developed land registration system. Currently, the Ministry of Lands
issues certificates of title only in a few provincial centers, creating bottlenecks and fostering corrupt
practices to bypass delays. The lack of integration with modern technology further compounds the
problem, making records susceptible to manipulation. TI-Z advocates for the digitization of land
records and a robust, centralized land administration system to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Community participation and transparency are central to fighting land corruption. TI-Z urges the
government to implement measures that promote citizen oversight, such as publishing land allocation
lists, mandating community consultations for customary land conversions, and incorporating anti
corruption bodies and interested parties in land allocation committees.
Gender-sensitive approaches are also critical. Despite the National Land Policy’s commitment to
allocating 50% of available land to women, the absence of supporting legislation leaves women
vulnerable to extortion and discrimination. TI-Z recommends incorporating these provisions into
relevant Acts and ensuring that women are protected from practices such as sextortion during land
allocation processes.
Land corruption is not just a governance issue; it is a social justice crisis that demands collective action.
TI-Z calls on the government, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize reforms in land
governance. Through ensuring comprehensive legislation, technological advancements, and
empowered communities, Zambia can secure its land resources for future generations.
For a deeper understanding of the challenges and actionable solutions to land corruption in Zambia,
we invite you to explore the full report and recommendations on our dedicated Land Portal at
landtransparency.org.zm. Together, we can work towards a future where land governance is
transparent, equitable, and free from corruption.
