PRESIDENT SAMIA LAUNCHES NATIONAL LAND POLICY AND E-ARDHI SYSTEM

Posted On: 18, March 2025

By Colman Charles, Ardhi Institute Morogoro (ARIMO)

Dodoma, March 17, 2025 – The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially launched the Revised National Land Policy of 1995, Edition 2023, along with the electronic Land Management System (e-Ardhi) at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Center in Dodoma.

The grand event, attended by over 3,000 participants, brought together a wide range of land sector stakeholders, including government officials, administrators, academicians, and practitioners. The ceremony was further enriched by exhibitions showcasing innovations in land management, digital mapping, surveying, and urban planning.

A Landmark Reform in Land Governance

The Revised National Land Policy 2023 represents a significant milestone in Tanzania’s commitment to modernizing land governance, promoting equitable land access, and addressing contemporary challenges such as rapid urbanization, environmental sustainability, and land tenure security.

In her keynote address, President Samia emphasized the vital role of land in Tanzania’s economic transformation, stating:

"Land is a critical resource for national development. This revised policy strengthens governance, ensures fair access to land, and promotes sustainable land use practices that will benefit both present and future generations."

She further highlighted the policy’s commitment to gender inclusivity, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized communities have equal opportunities in land ownership and decision-making.

e-Ardhi: Revolutionizing Land Administration

As part of the reforms, President Samia also unveiled e-Ardhi, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to streamline land administration and improve service delivery. The system is expected to:

Reduce Bureaucracy – Citizens can now access land services digitally, eliminating long queues and processing delays.

Enhance Transparency – Digital records will combat land fraud, corruption, and ownership conflicts.

Improve Accessibility – The public can apply for land services online, track application statuses, and receive digital land documents.

Facilitate Faster Land Registration – Title deeds and land certificates will now be processed more efficiently, boosting investor confidence in the sector.

Minister of Lands Commends the Reforms

Speaking at the event, Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Mr. Deogratius J. Ndejembi, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring efficient, transparent, and accountable land administration.

"The e-Ardhi system will simplify land transactions, improve service delivery, and enhance security of tenure. We are entering a new digital era where Tanzanians will access land services with ease and confidence," he said.

He also assured that the Ministry will work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new system through capacity building, system integration, and nationwide sensitization campaigns.

Stakeholders Applaud the Initiative

The launch was met with widespread support from key figures in academia, research, and professional practice.

Mr. Charles S. Saguda, Principal of Ardhi Institute Morogoro (ARIMO), commended the revised policy, stating: "This is a transformative step that aligns research and training with practical solutions in land governance. Institutions like ARIMO will continue to support these efforts through capacity building and innovation."

Dr. Aidan Kawinga, Principal of Tanzania National Geo-Innovation Centre (TNGC), emphasized the role of technology in land governance, saying: "The integration of geospatial technologies into the e-Ardhi system will revolutionize land data management, enabling better planning and decision-making."

Dr. Dorothy Deus, a lecturer and researcher from Ardhi University, praised the policy’s gender-sensitive approach, highlighting its impact on women’s economic empowerment: "For too long, women have faced barriers in land ownership. This policy and digital system provide a fairer framework that recognizes women as key players in national development."

Tumaini Setumbi, a Land Tenure expert from the Ministry of Lands, stressed that the e-Ardhi system will significantly reduce land disputes, noting: "With digital land records, cases of double allocation and fraudulent claims will be minimized, creating a more secure and transparent land administration system."

Exhibitions Showcase Land Sector Innovations

The ceremony also featured a vibrant exhibition, where various land stakeholders, including surveyors, urban planners, real estate developers, and GIS specialists, showcased modern solutions in land management. Innovations in remote sensing, digital cartography, and sustainable land use planning were among the highlights.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the government has outlined key priorities for the implementation of the Revised National Land Policy and e-Ardhi System, including:

• Training and capacity building for land officers and stakeholders.
• Integration of e-Ardhi with other national e-governance systems.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on policy changes and digital services.

With these transformative reforms, Tanzania is setting a new benchmark for land governance in Africa, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in the management of one of its most valuable resources—land.