Tanzania Launches Digital Land System to Prevent Disputes

Tanzania Launches Digital Land Management System to Eliminate Double Allocations

Dodoma, March 17, 2025 – Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially launched a groundbreaking digital land registration system, E-Ardhi, aimed at preventing the double allocation of land plots. The launch took place outside the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma during the unveiling of the 2023 edition of the 1975 Land Policy.

The new E-Ardhi system will facilitate the issuance of digital land titles, streamlining the process and addressing the long-standing issue of multiple individuals being allocated the same plot.

A Digital Revolution in Land Management

Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Deogratius Ndejembi, explained that previously, land titles were stored as physical documents, making them susceptible to misplacement and duplication. The introduction of E-Ardhi will ensure digital documentation, eliminating disputes caused by lost or duplicated records.

The system will integrate with other national databases, including the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), the National Identification Authority (NIDA), and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), ensuring a more secure and transparent land administration process.

Currently, E-Ardhi is operational in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha, with plans underway to extend its use to Mbeya. By 2027, the digital system is expected to be fully implemented nationwide, as the transition from physical to digital records is a meticulous process requiring significant time and resources.

New Digital Map of Tanzania

Minister Ndejembi also announced plans to update Tanzania’s national map, which was last revised in 1978. Given the significant changes in urban development, deforestation, and infrastructure, a modernized digital map is essential. The government has allocated over TSh 173 billion to conduct a nationwide digital mapping exercise using satellites, drones, and aerial surveys.

The new map will serve as a crucial tool for both government and private sector entities, including the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), ensuring accurate spatial planning and development.

Addressing Unplanned Urban Growth

The rapid expansion of Tanzania’s cities has led to an increase in unplanned settlements. Minister Ndejembi noted that urban growth rates have surged from 5.7% in the 1970s to significantly higher levels today, necessitating urgent intervention.

To address this, the government is initiating urban redevelopment projects in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya. Following President Samia’s directives, lessons learned from the Magomeni redevelopment project in Dar es Salaam will guide future urban planning efforts.

The government plans to collaborate with residents and private sector stakeholders to modernize informal settlements. More than 5,000 households have already been assessed for potential redevelopment into structured urban communities.

Responding to concerns about relocation, Minister Ndejembi assured that affected residents will be provided with alternative housing during redevelopment. Once projects are completed, they will have the opportunity to return to improved living conditions, while remaining areas will be utilized for public and governmental purposes.