Local government leaders across Namibia want lawmakers to pass a land bill that gives property back to citizens. Association President Samuel !Oë-Amseb said foreign money helps the economy but Namibians must control their land and natural resources. The proposed law aims to fix past wrongs and stop outsiders from buying farms and homes. Cabinet members approved the bill last March but parliament ran out of time to debate it. Leaders expect lawmakers to discuss the measure again this financial year.
Minister Inge Zaamwani promised to bring the bill back to parliament with a budget of 2.5 billion dollars. The law would block foreign citizens from buying land or getting traditional property rights. Young people, women, and farmers without land would receive priority access to available property. Agricultural Minister Zaamwani believes the changes will create fair land distribution across the country. Former lawmaker Maximalliant Katjimune complained the bill ignores rent control problems that hurt renters.
Government records show officials spent 2.4 billion dollars on land reform between 1990 and 2023. The program bought 571 farms covering 3.4 million hectares and helped 5458 families move to new properties. !Oë-Amseb wants environmental protections added to prevent desert expansion and resource damage. Public education campaigns would help citizens learn about their rights under the new rules. Local communities and native groups need protection from being pushed off their traditional lands.
Minister Inge Zaamwani promised to bring the bill back to parliament with a budget of 2.5 billion dollars. The law would block foreign citizens from buying land or getting traditional property rights. Young people, women, and farmers without land would receive priority access to available property. Agricultural Minister Zaamwani believes the changes will create fair land distribution across the country. Former lawmaker Maximalliant Katjimune complained the bill ignores rent control problems that hurt renters.
Government records show officials spent 2.4 billion dollars on land reform between 1990 and 2023. The program bought 571 farms covering 3.4 million hectares and helped 5458 families move to new properties. !Oë-Amseb wants environmental protections added to prevent desert expansion and resource damage. Public education campaigns would help citizens learn about their rights under the new rules. Local communities and native groups need protection from being pushed off their traditional lands.
