THE Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reforming the Country’s property rates system, noting that fairness, transparency, and sustainability must underpin local revenue collection to support national development.
The President made the remarks at Mulungushi International Conference Centre today during the 2026 National Symposium on Property Rates convened by the Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors in Lusaka, where he was represented by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo.
The President noted that property rates remain a matter of national concern as they directly affect citizens, local economies, and the cost of living.
“There is need to ensure that the system does not create the perception that local authorities are the primary beneficiaries of private investment in property, nor should it discourage citizens from investing in land and development,” the President said.
President Hichilema emphasized that property rates should not be viewed merely as a financial obligation but as a critical instrument for enabling local authorities to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and support urban growth.
The President emphasised the importance of sustainability in property rating, which requires fairness, accountability and long-term planning.
“The Government remains committed to strengthening own-source revenue systems in local authorities. We are aware that property rates constitute a significant portion of council revenues, estimated to contribute between 50 and 60 percent in many cases. However, collection of rates and levies must be fair, reasonable, transparent and must clearly correspond to services offered by local authorities to communities and businesses that pay such rates,” he said.
On legislative review and digital reform, President Hichilema acknowledged limitations in the current Rating Act No. 21 of 2018 and highlighted plans for its review and amendment.
The revised framework, to be developed through broad stakeholder consultation, will clarify property classifications, improve fairness in rating structures, and strengthen transparency. It will also provide clearer guidance on residential and commercial categories, mandate regular valuation updates, and safeguard against arbitrary upward adjustments.
To modernize administration, The President urged local authorities to adopt digital billing systems, online payment platforms, and comprehensive property registers.
This includes Geographic Information Systems and mass valuation techniques as tools to improve accuracy and reduce revenue leakages.
In addition, the President recognized valuation surveyors as key stakeholders in national development, supporting land administration, infrastructure, investment promotion, and public revenue systems.
The President commended the Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors for advancing professionalism and innovation in the sector, noting that technical expertise is essential to improving valuation systems and revenue mobilization strategies.
President Hichilema called for collective effort from policymakers, local authorities, professionals, the private sector, and citizens to design systems that are fair, practical, and transparent.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo emphasised that property rates are a key element of fiscal decentralization, as they addresses the important issue of own source revenue.
Hon. Sialubalo expressed optimism that the symposium would provide information on enhanced revenue collection from property rates; speedy preparation of Valuation Rolls; and challenges of incomplete data and modern technologies for efficient rating.
Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors President Mr. Christopher Mulenga noted the need for urgent reform of sustainable property rates to support Zambia’s balanced development.
The symposium, convened by the Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors, drew policymakers, local authorities, property owners, and professionals to deliberate on the theme: “Sustainable Property Rates in Zambia
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS FOR FAIR, TRANSPARENT PROPERTY RATES TO DRIVE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
