Tanzania to redraw national map in bid to curb land disputes

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is embarking on a major initiative to create a new national map to address long-standing land disputes and improve border management.

The project aims to enhance land planning, ensure accurate land data and prevent disputes that have affected both urban and rural areas, as well as border regions shared with neighbouring countries.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan revealed this in Dodoma on Monday during the launch of the 2023 edition of the National Land Policy of 1995.

She said as part of preparations, $65 million was provided by South Korea to improve surveying and mapping infrastructure and emphasised the significance of the initiative.

The Head of State added that updating the national map is crucial for sustainable land use and efficient planning for future generations.

“This updated map is vital for digital planning, sectoral projects and resolving land use disputes. It will enable multiple sectors to collaborate on land utilisation and development.”

The initiative is anchored on the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) project, which will play a key role in the mapping process.

President Hassan said this effort will not only benefit government institutions but also private sector entities that rely on accurate land data for their operations.

“The Ministry of Lands, once focused on dispute resolution, has now become a central pillar for the country’s development.”

She also referenced Tanzania’s founding leader, Julius Nyerere, who described land as a key pillar of national prosperity.

Acknowledging previous administrations’ contributions, President Samia highlighted the increased budget for the land sector, which has risen from Sh133.6 billion in 2023 to Sh171.4 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year.

She said this investment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure secure land ownership, minimise disputes and enhance urban and rural planning.

“This event marks a major step towards ensuring that our land management systems are relevant, efficient and aligned with modern Tanzania’s needs.”

President Hassan said one of the key benefits of the new mapping system is its ability to prevent the duplication of land usage plans.

“It will enable different government sectors to coordinate their land use strategies, ensuring that infrastructure development, industrial expansion and agricultural projects do not overlap or dispute.

“The system will also support the underground placement of power infrastructure, helping the country advance while preserving its aesthetic appeal,” she added.

The President stressed the need to update Tanzania’s land policies to reflect contemporary demands. She noted that outdated policies have not kept pace with the country’s changing social and economic landscape.

“The updated policies will eliminate gender biases, ensuring equal land rights for all citizens. We will also enhance land use in sectors like the blue economy, focusing on the sustainable management of water bodies.”

The government has secured $114 million to support the ministry’s initiatives, with $49 million from the World Bank allocated to a project aimed at enhancing land ownership security.

Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development minister Deogratius Ndejembi said the government has set 2030 as the target for completing the surveying process.

He underscored the importance of efficient land management, particularly as Tanzania’s population has surged from 9 million in 1961 to over 68 million in 2025.

Mr Ndejembi noted that the government is committed to ensuring that land-related disputes are minimised and that land ownership remains secure.

He said the new mapping system will categorize land into reserved lands, government-owned lands and land designated for citizens.

“Land surveys are crucial to determining how our land can best be used to benefit both present and future generations.”

As Tanzania moves forward, the creation of a new national map, alongside policy reforms, is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable development, Mr Ndejembi added.