24/11/2023
Securing Prosperity - The Urgency of Land Ownership in Africa
By Evans Exaud, Executive Director of Liberty Sparks
If you've ever had the opportunity to delve into the philosophies of Ayn Rand, you'd understand the profound importance she placed on the rights to life and property. Now, more than ever, this rings true for African nations, especially in Tanzania. The crux of prosperity and liberation lies in ensuring the legal ownership of land, a concept that might seem simple but holds the key to unlocking a future of growth and dignity for millions.
Picture this: in the vast majority of places where nearly 70% of African people call home, only a mere 10% of land is officially documented. Shockingly, just 4% of African countries have proper documentation of the land within their capital cities. The land, often owned by the local communities, remains uncharted, a challenge we cannot overlook.
African land conflicts have become a pervasive issue, affecting families, neighbors, investors, and local communities. The financial implications of resolving these conflicts drain trillions from the pockets of hardworking taxpayers, funds that could be directed towards infrastructure development and other social projects. It's a scenario where bureaucracy impedes progress.
We cannot genuinely speak of development, prosperity, or the dignity of our fellow Africans if they cannot prove ownership of the very land beneath their feet—a land that holds the key to personal wealth. The current reality is that individuals are unable to participate in the appreciation of land value, sell it at market rates, retain proceeds, or leverage it for additional economic ventures.
In rural areas, ten hectares of land pale in comparison to the value of 20x20 feet outside major cities like Dar es Salaam. This discrepancy stems from a historical lack of emphasis on individual land ownership, where communal ownership was the norm. During colonial times, land was not for ownership but for use, a concept adopted by many African countries. Today, land in countries like Tanzania is still considered public, with the President acting as a trustee, a situation that discourages long-term investments and planning.
Consider this historical fact: European powers rushed to divide African land in Berlin, a move that paved the way for them to exploit resources. Today, we demand reparations for the exploitation, yet we are guilty of underutilizing the same land. While it took European nations 75 years since the Berlin Conference to transform their status, African countries have been relying on aid and loans for 60 years, rendering the continent the poorest in the world.
The benefits of clear property ownership extend beyond the landowners themselves. Foreign investors gain confidence when they see transparent ownership, curbing corruption in land transactions. Governments can establish frameworks for collecting property taxes to fund essential services. People are more likely to invest in and maintain land they legally own and protect. The surplus doesn't come from uncertainty; it arises when individuals have clear ownership and are confident in the outcomes of their labor and financial investments.
In light of this, it's high time for African heads of state, particularly those in Tanzania, to prioritize ensuring legal land ownership for their people. The stakes are high—the potential for economic growth, social development, and personal prosperity is within our grasp. Let's not squander this opportunity. The time to act is now, for a freer and more prosperous Africa.
