Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri Updates Zimbabwe on the Title Deeds Rollout: The Era of Uncertainty is Over_!

For years, the dream of owning land in Zimbabwe required navigating traditional, manual verification processes that often-left farmers waiting. Questions about bankability and boundary disputes were common under the old paper-based systems. However, a landmark update today from the Permanent Secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, confirms that “this era of uncertainty is over!”.

The government has transitioned into the full-scale implementation of the Title Deeds Program. By moving to a decentralized, digital "One-Stop Shop," the Ministry has created a legally watertight system designed to turn land into a bankable and transferable asset. Whether you are a local farmer or a Zimbabwean in the Diaspora, the path to securing your heritage is now clear, digital, and faster than ever.

Addressing the media during the Land Tenure Title Deeds Program Interactive Session held this morning at the "One-Stop Shop", at Makombe Building in Harare, the Permanent Secretary outlined the following key pillars of the program:

Bankability: Your Land is Now Your Capital
The biggest breakthrough in 2026 is the total acceptance of title deeds by the banking sector. Prof. Jiri confirmed that five major banks are now physically stationed at the One-Stop Centre in Harare. These banks have vetted the new deeds and confirmed they meet two "golden standards"; Bankability: Banks now accept these deeds as collateral. Farmers can finally secure loans for tractors, irrigation, and high-tech equipment. Transferability: The land is now private property that can be legally transferred or inherited, creating lasting generational wealth. This is no longer just about farming for food; it is about farming as a business. By utilizing mortgage facilities, farmers are now protected from the unpredictability of weather through "Productivity Booster Kits" that include essential irrigation systems.

The Digital Shift: No More Unnecessary Trips to Harare
A significant milestone of the program is the decentralization of the entire process. Farmers no longer need to travel to the capital to initiate their applications. Digital Entry: Applicants can request and submit data forms via WhatsApp or email. The One-Stop Shop: A centralized hub where the Ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Finance, Justice and Ministry of Local Government and Public Works work under one roof to eliminate bureaucratic delays. Physical Presence: You only need to appear in person at the final stage to sign the Agreement of Sale, ensuring the person signing is the officially verified owner.

A Warning to the Diaspora: Protect Your Investment
To those abroad: your hard-earned money is at risk if you bypass legal channels. The Permanent Secretary issued a stern warning against "Land Barons" and illegal "sub-dealers," particularly in areas surrounding major cities like Harare. Communal Land is Not for Sale: “Buying communal land for $6,000, $10,000, or any price is illegal. This land belongs to the President and cannot be titled. You will lose your investment,” Prof. Jiri cautioned. 

Only Two Authorities; the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (for agricultural land) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (for urban/residential land) can legally offer land. Avoid Sub-dealers: No individual, traditional leader, or middleman has the authority to subdivide or sell agricultural land.

Who is Eligible?
The program is inclusive. If you hold a piece of land and a Zimbabwean National ID, you are eligible. This includes: A1 and A2 Farmers: 7,756 surveyed farms are already cleared for deeds. Small-Scale Commercial Farmers: Historical succession and survey issues have now been resolved. Women and Youth: Deeds are issued in individual names. If you have an ID, you can own your title. Former White Commercial Farmers: Those remaining on their land are encouraged to formalize their titles through this process.

Current Status: Why New Allocations are on Hold
If you are waiting for a new land allocation, patience is required. The government has placed a moratorium (a temporary pause) on new land distributions. This ensures the Title Deeds Program for existing farmers is completed without distraction. The Zimbabwe Land Commission is currently finalizing audits to ensure all land is dispute-free before the pause is lifted. 

“Don’t be swindled,” Prof. Jiri urged. There are no "facilitation fees" at the farm level. Genuine surveyors are authorized by the Surveyor General and will carry an official letter. All administrative fees are paid through the formal One-Stop Centre or via your bank. Zimbabwean land has transitioned from a mere resource into a negotiable financial instrument. By following the legal, systematic path, you aren't just securing a field—you are securing a future.

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Contact Information: One-Stop Centre for Title Deeds Phone/WhatsApp: +263 712 236 373 | +263 712 835 434 | +263 719 012 035.

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