“Technology Must Solve Real Problems,” Says Mutati as Zambia Launches Broadleaf Homes Housing Platform
Zambia has taken a significant step towards digitalising its housing and real estate sector with the official launch of the Broadleaf Homes Digital Application, a locally developed platform designed to improve access to affordable, transparent and well-planned housing solutions.
The launch brought together Government leaders, private sector players and local innovators, reflecting a shared commitment to using technology to address socio-economic challenges linked to rapid urbanisation and fragmented property markets. The event was officiated by Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Mutati, MP, and Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Sialubalo emphasised that housing and land use are central to urban growth, infrastructure planning and community development. He noted that local authorities continue to face challenges arising from informal property transactions, weak coordination and limited access to reliable data.
He described the Broadleaf Homes Application as a timely innovation that enhances transparency, traceability and accountability in the housing market, while supporting evidence-based planning and development control.
The Minister said the platform aligns with the National Decentralisation Policy, the Urban and Regional Planning Act and broader urban development frameworks. He added that digital platforms such as Broadleaf Homes provide councils with reliable data to guide investment decisions and ensure that public investments, including those under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), deliver sustainable impact.
He also commended the solution’s local development, underscoring Government’s commitment to supporting home-grown innovation.
Hon. Mutati reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring technology reaches every Zambian through expanded digital infrastructure and affordable smart devices. He said technology must address real challenges, noting that the real estate sector has long been characterised by fragmentation, manual processes and inefficiencies.
He praised Broadleaf Urban Properties for creating a verifiable digital footprint that builds trust, enhances transaction integrity and reduces uncertainty in property dealings.
The Minister further stressed the importance of interoperability between digital systems, calling for platforms to work seamlessly across sectors to support complete and secure transactions. He noted that improved efficiency and compliance in the property sector would stimulate economic activity and increase resources for community development.
Broadleaf Homes Board Chairperson Mr Sobrick Sakala described the launch as the result of years of engagement with homeowners, tenants, estate agents and investors. He said the application offers a secure, centralised and customer-centred platform that promotes professionalism and trust across the property value chain.
He highlighted that property listings are restricted to registered and verified members of the Zambia Institute of Estate Agents, a measure aimed at protecting the public and reducing fraud.
Mr Sakala added that the platform marks the beginning of a broader vision to strengthen Zambia’s real estate sector, support economic growth and expand access to safe and reliable housing in line with the country’s digital transformation agenda.
