News / National
Zimbabwe govt unveils digital title deeds processing
03 Jun 2025 at 09:29hrs | Views
In a landmark move set to transform land ownership documentation in Zimbabwe, the Government has introduced a Digital Land Administration Platform (DLAP), allowing farmers and landowners to apply for and process title deeds online. This initiative is expected to streamline land transactions, reduce fraud, and enhance transparency across the agricultural sector.
The development follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa's March launch of the Title Deeds Programme, which aims to provide full ownership rights to farmers who benefited from the Land Reform Programme. The initiative is designed to improve the bankability of land and boost agricultural investment and productivity.
Under the new system, applicants can now submit their title deed applications electronically using email or WhatsApp from any location, removing the need to travel to Harare or provincial offices.
"This is a major convenience for thousands of farmers," said Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri. "More than 5,000 farmers have physically visited our offices seeking information on title deeds. With online access, they can now receive assistance right from their homes."
The digital platform was officially introduced through a Statutory Instrument published in last Friday's Government Gazette by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The notice defines DLAP as "an automated land administration system that allows online processing of deeds and documents," and outlines the nominal fee structures, which can now be paid manually or electronically via the digital system.
Officials say the shift to online registration will protect valuable land documents, reduce bureaucratic delays, and allow for more efficient processing of ownership claims.
Experts view the digitalisation of land records as a crucial part of Zimbabwe's broader push toward modernising its agriculture sector and improving ease of doing business.
The platform also aligns with the country's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises digital transformation in public services.
The development follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa's March launch of the Title Deeds Programme, which aims to provide full ownership rights to farmers who benefited from the Land Reform Programme. The initiative is designed to improve the bankability of land and boost agricultural investment and productivity.
Under the new system, applicants can now submit their title deed applications electronically using email or WhatsApp from any location, removing the need to travel to Harare or provincial offices.
"This is a major convenience for thousands of farmers," said Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri. "More than 5,000 farmers have physically visited our offices seeking information on title deeds. With online access, they can now receive assistance right from their homes."
The digital platform was officially introduced through a Statutory Instrument published in last Friday's Government Gazette by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The notice defines DLAP as "an automated land administration system that allows online processing of deeds and documents," and outlines the nominal fee structures, which can now be paid manually or electronically via the digital system.
Officials say the shift to online registration will protect valuable land documents, reduce bureaucratic delays, and allow for more efficient processing of ownership claims.
Experts view the digitalisation of land records as a crucial part of Zimbabwe's broader push toward modernising its agriculture sector and improving ease of doing business.
The platform also aligns with the country's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises digital transformation in public services.
Source - The Herald
