Hichilema Calls for Sustainable Land Use to Drive Development
Hakainde Hichilema has called for stronger and more sustainable land administration systems to unlock economic value and drive wealth creation across Zambia.
The President made the remarks during the official opening of the 2026 National Land Conference, held in Livingstone, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
The two-day conference, organised by the Zambia Institute of Estate Agents (ZIEA) at the Avani Victoria Falls Hotel, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, investors and industry professionals under the theme “Unlocking Land Value Through Inclusive Partnerships for Sustainable Development”.
President Hichilema reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving land governance through reforms such as streamlined land titling processes, digitisation of land records and reduced transaction delays.
He stressed that sustainable development requires land use that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and transparently managed in both urban and rural areas.
“Land must be used productively. Idle land benefits no one, but productive land use must be guided by proper planning, environmental protection and equitable access. When properly managed, land is capital,” the President said.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts by government, in collaboration with traditional leaders, to empower women and young people through improved access to land ownership and security of tenure.
The Head of State noted that sound land valuation practices and coordinated planning would enable Zambia to unlock significant economic value from land resources, contributing to national development.
Meanwhile, Gift Sialubalo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, urged local authorities to effectively utilise Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) to manage land.
He said IDPs provide a comprehensive framework that integrates environmental and spatial planning, ensuring orderly and sustainable land development at community level.
Mr Sialubalo also called on stakeholders to develop inclusive strategies to formalise land ownership and address the growth of informal settlements, which remain a key challenge for local authorities.
