MPs propose land agency after Rwanda visit

The National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing has proposed the establishment of an autonomous National Land Agency (NLA) to spearhead land management, policy implementation, and coordination across Namibia’s local governments. This recommendation follows the committee’s benchmarking mission to the Parliament of Rwanda from 21 to 28 September 2024. According to the committee’s report, Namibia stands to gain significantly by emulating Rwanda’s comprehensive approach to land reform, urban planning, and housing development. “Rwanda is transforming its urban landscape through strict land use regulations and innovative housing strategies, offering valuable lessons for Namibia and other African nations facing rapid urbanisation and land scarcity,” the report states. Launched in 2004, Rwanda’s sweeping land reform programme has yielded measurable results. Digital systems to enhance land governanceThe report notes that the initiative secured land tenure, reduced disputes, and embraced digital systems to enhance land governance. This solid foundation has enabled Rwanda to pursue “a series of targeted policies aimed at sustainable urban growth,” the committee found. Parliamentarians observed how Rwandan authorities enforce a National Land Use Master Plan to prevent illegal land grabbing and promote structured development. A key highlight was the country’s digital transformation of land registration, which is improving transparency, reducing delays, and making land services more accessible. Rwanda’s flexible co-ownership housing models were of particular interest, aimed at uplifting the urban poor and ensuring access to affordable, long-term housing. “The government has also fully serviced land under flexible tenure arrangements and provided subsidies to facilitate access for underserved populations,” the report notes. These measures are further supported by Rwanda’s focus on densification and high-rise developments, which optimise land use and create room for economic activity and green spaces. Rwanda’s integrated development programmes and model villages were described as “a blueprint for balancing urban growth with community resilience.” The report hails Rwanda’s pragmatic and strategic land governance, demonstrating how collaborative, policy-driven interventions can convert land scarcity into an opportunity for inclusive growth. Curb illegal developmentIn Kigali and other urban centres, authorities strictly enforce zoning regulations to curb illegal development and ensure orderly expansion. The Land Use Master Plan directs urban planning efforts by guiding zoning, construction standards, and land densification. Another standout policy involves decentralising urban growth by developing secondary cities and satellite towns, easing pressure on Kigali and distributing economic activity more evenly across the country. On housing, the report highlights Rwanda’s continued adoption of co-ownership models to prevent asset loss and promote financial stability among low-income earners. These initiatives are built around inclusive, affordable access to housing and public infrastructure. The committee also commended Rwanda’s nationwide land registration campaign—a landmark initiative that cost roughly US$60 million. This effort has drastically reduced land-related disputes and improved tenure security, enabling citizens to leverage land titles for development and financial access. Looking ahead, Rwanda’s ambitions are bold. In line with Vision 2050, the country aims for 70% urbanisation and plans to construct 150 000 new dwellings annually to accommodate a projected population of 22 million by mid-century. “Since 2004, Rwanda’s land reform initiatives have transformed land management, reduced disputes, and integrated cutting-edge technology. "Digital land registration has improved both transparency and efficiency,” the report read. nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

MPs propose land agency after Rwanda visit

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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MPs propose land agency after Rwanda visit

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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