Tagwirei unveils govt land purchase incentives

The Zimbabwean government has approved a new land purchase incentive framework aimed at expanding access to land ownership for liberation war veterans and public sector workers.

Announcing the measures, Land Tenure Implementation Committee chairperson Kudakwashe Tagwirei said the initiative, approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is designed to strengthen land tenure security, boost agricultural productivity and promote equitable access to land.

"The framework seeks to formalise land ownership, strengthen tenure security and enable productive agricultural investment through affordable land acquisition," said Tagwirei.

The package targets war veterans, ex-detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, collaborators and civil servants, recognising their contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and national development.

Under the framework, war veterans will access agricultural land at heavily concessionary rates depending on agro-ecological regions. In Region One, beneficiaries can acquire up to six hectares at US$10 per hectare, while Region Two offers up to 10 hectares at US$6 per hectare.

In Region Three, beneficiaries may access up to 20 hectares at US$3 per hectare, while Region Four allocations rise to 40 hectares at US$1.50 per hectare. Region Five offers up to 70 hectares at US$1.17 per hectare.

In addition, war veterans will receive a further 85 percent discount after the concessionary pricing has been applied.

Ex-detainees, restrictees and non-combatant cadres will qualify for a 30 percent discount, while collaborators will receive a 15 percent reduction.

Civil servants-both serving and retired-will benefit under a tiered system linked to years of service. Those with more than five years will qualify for a five percent discount, increasing to 10 percent after 10 years, 20 percent after 20 years and 30 percent for those with over 40 years of service.

"This measure recognises the long-term commitment of civil servants to national development and aims to provide a pathway to asset ownership and economic security," said Tagwirei.

The government says the initiative is aligned with efforts to modernise Zimbabwe's land reform programme in line with international best practices, while promoting rural development and intergenerational wealth creation.

Eligible beneficiaries have been encouraged to engage the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development for guidance on application procedures and documentation requirements.

Tagwirei added that individuals who had already made payments under previous arrangements would be reimbursed, with further details expected from relevant authorities.