Tanzania Unveils New Land Policy with Major Reforms

New Land Policy Brings Major Reforms in Tanzania

Dodoma, March 18, 2025 – President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced sweeping reforms under the revised National Land Policy, which builds upon the 1995 framework to address critical gaps and unlock new opportunities, including within the blue economy.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2023 edition of the National Land Policy in Dodoma, President Samia emphasized that the previous policy lacked provisions for several key aspects of land governance and management. The revised policy seeks to institutionalize six significant improvements aimed at enhancing land administration, investment, and security.

Strengthening Land Governance and Border Management

President Samia noted that, under the previous policy, several land administration activities were undertaken without a clear regulatory foundation. One major shortcoming was the management of Tanzania’s international borders. The new policy incorporates a structured approach to demarcating and reinforcing national boundaries, ensuring legal backing for border-related legislation and regulations.

Promoting the Blue Economy Through Land Tenure in Water Bodies

Recognizing the vast potential of the blue economy, the updated policy introduces mechanisms for managing water-based land resources. This includes surveying and legally allocating ownership in maritime areas. The President highlighted the need for diplomatic collaboration with neighboring countries to ensure seamless boundary mapping and avoid future territorial disputes.

“We are moving forward to survey our resources in water bodies. Effective diplomacy is crucial to align with our neighbors and define Tanzania’s maritime limits, preventing border conflicts for future generations,” she stated.

Opening Up Investment in the Housing Sector

A key change in the policy addresses barriers that have historically deterred foreign investment in real estate. Previously, the land ownership framework restricted foreign investors, thereby limiting capital inflow into the housing sector. The revised policy introduces provisions for leasing land to investors, enabling large-scale development of affordable housing, including high-rise buildings in rural areas.

Accelerating Land Registration and Formalization

Despite progress in land management, official records indicate that 75% of land in Tanzania remains unregistered. This gap not only limits revenue collection but also creates inequalities, as some landowners pay for land tenure while others do not. The new policy mandates systematic surveying, registration, and taxation of all land holdings to ensure equitable contribution to national development.

“This situation is unfair and unacceptable. Under the new policy, every piece of land in this country will be planned, surveyed, and registered. Landowners will be required to pay their dues annually,” the President affirmed.

To facilitate this transition, the government will simplify the registration process, making land ownership more accessible to all citizens. Additionally, measures will be put in place to enhance land tenure security and curb fraudulent practices involving fake title deeds and land grabbing.

Enhancing Land Dispute Resolution and Digital Systems

Land disputes have been a persistent issue in Tanzania, often exacerbated by inefficient legal structures. The new policy prioritizes conflict resolution by reinforcing land tribunals at village, ward, and district levels. Furthermore, technology-driven solutions will be deployed to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of document tampering and fraud.

“The policy will integrate digital land management systems to prevent unauthorized manipulation of records. Fraudsters who exploit manual filing systems will no longer be able to deceive citizens,” the President assured.

Improving Land Valuation and Compensation Practices

The final major reform focuses on refining land valuation and compensation procedures. The government has identified significant flaws in the current compensation system, leading to grievances over land assessments and payment delays. Under the new policy, enhanced mechanisms will ensure fair valuation, prompt compensation, and greater transparency in the expropriation process.

Encouraging Investment in Land Development

Given Tanzania’s growing demand for quality housing and urban infrastructure, the policy underscores the importance of attracting more investment in land development. Additionally, it establishes robust data management systems to streamline land transactions and curb revenue loss.

With these transformative measures, the National Land Policy aims to create a more structured, inclusive, and sustainable approach to land governance, fostering economic growth and social stability across Tanzania.