ZICA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF BILL 13, CITES THREAT TO PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ECONOMY.
The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has issued a strong warning against the enactment of the controversial Land Administration Bill No. 13 of 2024, citing potentially devastating consequences for the country’s economic stability, investment climate, and land administration systems.
In a statement delivered by ZICA President Mrs. Yande Siame Mwenye, the institute called on the government to immediately withdraw the Bill and conduct widespread consultations with stakeholders before moving forward with any legislative action.
One of the major concerns highlighted by ZICA is the legal uncertainty surrounding land ownership that the Bill introduces. The organization emphasized that unclear land tenure laws will scare away both local and foreign investors, particularly in agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing sectors where long-term land security is crucial.
“It is nearly impossible for any serious investor to commit to large-scale infrastructure or production projects without guarantees of ownership. Bill 13 severely threatens that security,” Mrs. Mwenye stated.
ZICA also pointed out the risk of property value impairment. If the government is allowed to revoke land titles at will, property values could plummet due to fears of future disputes or nullifications. This, the institute says, will create a chilling effect on Zambia’s land market.
From an accounting standpoint, land is traditionally classified as a non-depreciable asset with an infinite lifespan. However, the uncertainty created by Bill 13 may force reevaluation of that principle, especially if land ownership can no longer be guaranteed.
Financial institutions are another sector expected to suffer. ZICA warns that banks and lenders may lose confidence in accepting land as collateral, severely limiting access to credit for businesses and individuals alike.
“This Bill will disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, startups, and emerging entrepreneurs who rely on land-based collateral to access funding. Without it, many could be pushed out of business,” the statement read.
ZICA further cautioned that the ripple effects of Bill 13 could increase the cost of capital, as lenders raise interest rates to hedge against risk. In a country already battling inflation and economic uncertainty, this could worsen the financial strain on ordinary Zambians.
The institute stressed that while the intentions of addressing fraudulent allocations and double titling are valid, the Bill lacks sufficient safeguards and opens the door for abuse of power and administrative overreach.
ZICA’s call for action includes urging government to engage all key stakeholders, such as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), banks and financial institutions, business associations, civil society groups, and the general public before enacting any land reforms.
“Land is not just a legal matter; it is an economic pillar. Its regulation must be guided by transparency, accountability, and stakeholder consensus,” said Mrs. Mwenye.
©️ KUMWESU | July 29, 2025
How should professional associations lobby government? Is it helpful to merely speak to the media and then leave it at that? As the voice of an organised and recognised profession, the ZICA can do better than this. It should seek audience with government and share its concerns and government should then explain its side of the argument. It’s lone rangers who should behave the way ZICA is behaving.
There were similar sentiments expressed by the Zambia Farmers Union over Bill 13.
Something is very wrong with the entire governance system under the UPND government. There are just too many bills being rushed to Parliament without the expected consultations.
The Civil Society Bill, The Hate Speech Bill which sought outrageous prison sentences for hate and ridicule, the changes of the Educational Curriculum, the media Bill, Bill 7 on Constitutional Amendments , and now Bill 13 – the Land administration Bill.
Just adherence to the basics of government..the very minimum involved in governing is missing under Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
What is the government trying to fix concerning Land administration in Zambia?Explain the problems and intentions to the public,
Call stake holders for an input in what they see as challenges or inadequacies in the current Land administration Act , with adequate consultation , draft the bill, make it public, then present it to Parliament.
When the Bill is made public it enables our members of Parliament to interact with us, the people, to discuss it in full before it’s even taken to Parliament.
Again, We are not a secret society. We are a Democracy with laid down Procedures on how to make Laws in the country.
You don’t just wake up one day, and say stealing of Cows, Goats and Chickens is a non bailable offence… just because one of your chickens has been stolen! Bwafya. Twatekwa!