By 
The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has raised the alarm over the proposed Land Administration Bill No. 13 of 2024, warning that its enactment could have far-reaching consequences for Zambia’s economic stability, investment climate, and land governance systems.
ZICA president, Yande Siame Mwenye, had called on the government to immediately withdraw the Bill and undertake broad-based consultations with key stakeholders before pursuing any legislative changes.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, Mwenye said one of the institute’s primary concerns was the legal uncertainty the Bill introduces regarding land ownership.
She warned that such ambiguity would deter both local and foreign investors, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing—where long-term land security is fundamental to investment decisions.
Read more: Farmers union calls for withdrawal of lands amendment bill, demands transparent consultation process
“It is nearly impossible for any serious investor to commit to large-scale infrastructure or production projects without guarantees of ownership. Bill 13 severely threatens that security,” Mwenye stated.
She also cautioned that the Bill could lead to the depreciation of property values, explaining that if government were allowed to arbitrarily revoke land titles, fears of future disputes or nullifications could destabilize the land market.
“This Bill will disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, startups, and emerging entrepreneurs who depend on land-based collateral to access financing. Without it, many could be pushed out of business,” she said.
Mwenye further noted that such instability could prompt lenders to raise interest rates to hedge against increased risk, thereby inflating the cost of capital for businesses and households.
While acknowledging the Bill’s intention to address issues such as fraudulent land allocations and double titling, ZICA criticized it for lacking adequate safeguards—warning that it could open the door to abuse of power and administrative overreach.
ZICA urged the government to engage extensively with stakeholders including the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), financial institutions, business associations, civil society, and the general public before proceeding with any land reform legislation.
“Land is not just a legal matter; it is an economic pillar. Its regulation must be guided by transparency, accountability, and stakeholder consensus,” Mwenye emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) has called for safeguards in the proposed Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to prevent unintended consequences that could disrupt agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The Bill proposes to grant the Chief Registrar authority to cancel Certificates of Title under specific conditions, including fraud, error, or violations of the law.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, AIZ President Professor, Kavwanga Yambayamba, urged the government to ensure the process is transparent, consultative, and subject to independent oversight to prevent potential abuse of authority.
Yambayamba stressed that secure land tenure is the foundation for sustainable agricultural investment, particularly for small- and medium-scale farmers.
He welcomed the inclusion of an appeal process in the Bill but cautioned against placing the appeal mechanism under a government minister, saying it may compromise neutrality.
“AIZ recommends that appeals be handled by an independent tribunal or judicial body to ensure impartiality,” he said.
Yambayamba also urged the Ministry of Lands to conduct extensive public sensitization, especially in rural areas, so that landowners fully understand their rights and responsibilities under the new law.
He further recommended that the Bill include provisions to protect innocent purchasers who may have unknowingly acquired land with prior irregularities.
“AIZ remains committed to supporting policy and legal frameworks that enhance land administration and promote responsible agricultural development,” he said.
Yambayamba added that the institute stands ready to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that while the amendment addresses historical injustices, it does not create new risks for farmers and land users in Zambia.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments