Staff Reporter

Government has announced that 99-year land leases will now be bankable, bringing much-needed relief to the agricultural sector.

This move is expected to unlock financing for farmers, providing them with greater access to capital for their farming operations.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet media briefing.

Dr. Muswere highlighted the importance of this new policy, stating that it will enhance the security of tenure for beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme.

"All land held by beneficiaries under 99-year leases, offer letters, and permits will now be bankable, registrable, and transferable. This means that beneficiaries will now have enhanced security of tenure on the land they legitimately hold," Minister Muswere said.

He further added that this initiative would accelerate investment in agriculture and related value chains, such as irrigation, dam construction, and rural road infrastructure.

The Land Reform Programme, initiated to redistribute land from minority white farmers to the black majority, has always been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agrarian policies.

According to Muswere, the new bankable lease will make it easier for farmers to access funding, which has been one of the major challenges farmers face.

"Difficulty in accessing affordable and adequate finance has hindered the sustainable commercial agriculture we need to develop robust infrastructure and ensure long-term productivity," Minister Muswere explained.

Government is keen to ensure that the gains of the Land Reform Programme are irreversible, with mechanisms in place to safeguard the interests of beneficiaries and their successors.

Commenting on the developments, political commentator Kudzai Mtisi applauded the Government's efforts, specifically commending President Mnangagwa for the transformative nature of this decision.

"President Mnangagwa’s move here essentially sealed Zimbabwe’s land reform by permanently transferring land to indigenous Zimbabweans. As his legacy, ED will be known as the President who implemented consequential land reform. Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans will now own real estate," said Mtisi.

He further stressed the importance of proper implementation of the policy, emphasising the need for a modernised land registry.

"The implementation has to be done right. A digital database is the best way to ensure transparency and accountability in this case," added Mtisi.

Financial expert, Terrence Hussein added that, “The introduction of bankable leases is widely expected to have a profound impact on the agricultural sector and the wider economy, marking another milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

Farmers across the country have expressed relief and optimism about the new policy.

One commercial farmer, Tawanda Moyo from Mashonaland West, hailed the decision as a game-changer.

"For years, we have struggled with banks that refused to lend because we had no real security of tenure. Now that these leases are bankable, I can finally access loans to improve my farm and boost production," Moyo said.

Another farmer, Nokuthula Sibanda, from Matabeleland North, said, "This is a dream come true for us. We can now invest in proper irrigation systems and modern farming equipment, which was impossible before because no one would give us financing."

Farai Dube, a young farmer from the Midlands, echoed similar sentiments.

"This policy gives us hope. With access to funding, we can expand our farms, increase productivity, and contribute more to the national food security agenda. It also means that we can pass on these benefits to our children, securing their future."

Meanwhile, Government has also placed a moratorium on issuing new 99-year leases, offer letters, and permits for agricultural land to streamline the current tenure system.

A Cabinet Oversight Committee, chaired by Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, has been tasked with leading the reform process, while a technical committee will coordinate the implementation of the new tenure system.