Lands Act, 1995 (Cap. 184).

Country/Territory: Zambia
Document type: Legislation
Date: 1995 (2006)
Source: FAO, FAOLEX
Original source: Laws of Zambia 2006, Vol. 12.
Long title: An Act to provide for the continuation of Leaseholds and leasehold tenure; to provide for the continued vesting of land in the President and alienation of land by the President; to provide for the statutory recognition and continuation of customary tenure; to provide for the conversion of customary tenure into leasehold tenure; to establish a Land Development Fund and a Lands Tribunal; to repeal the Land (Conversion of Titles) Act; to repeal the Zambia (State Lands and Reserves) Orders, 1928 to 1964, the Zambia (Trust Land) Orders, 1947 to 1964, the Zambia (Gwembe District) Orders, 1959 to 1964, and the Western Province (Land and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1970; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.

Subject: Land & soil
Keyword: Basic legislation Land tenure Traditional rights/customary rights Institution Lease Foreign land tenure Transfer
Geographical area: Africa, Eastern Africa, Landlocked Developing Nations, Least Developed Countries

Abstract: This Act provides for the continuation of leaseholds and leasehold tenure as well as for the continued vesting of all lands in the President who has the power of alienation (land held under customary tenure is subject to certain conditions) (sect. 3). It also provides for the statutory recognition and continuation of customary tenure (sect. 7), for the conversion of customary tenure into leasehold tenure (sect. 8) and establishes a Land Development Fund and Lands Tribunal (Parts III and IV). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law, instrument or document, but subject to this Act, all land in Zambia shall vest absolutely in the President and shall be held by him in perpetuity for and on behalf of the people of Zambia. The President may alienate land vested in him to any Zambian. The President shall not alienate any land situated in a district or an area where land is held under customary tenure. Any person aggrieved with a direction or decision of a person in authority may apply to the Lands Tribunal for determination (sect. 15). (32 sections)
Full text: English