By Aldridge Dzvene
Zimbabwe has taken a bold and necessary step to modernise its land registration system and eliminate long-standing fraud by gazetting Statutory Instrument (SI) 76 of 2025, officially titled the Deeds Registries Regulations. This move comes at a time when land security and property rights are seen as a cornerstone for economic revival, particularly in the agricultural and real estate sectors.
Under the new regulations, all holders of title deeds are now required to present both original paper deeds and certified copies to the Deeds Registry for authentication. This process must be completed within 24 months, after which the Registrar will issue secure, digitalised, and certified deeds while retaining the original documents. This is part of a wider push to transition from vulnerable paper-based systems to a tamper-proof digital registry, reducing fraudulent transactions and protecting landowners’ rights.
The reform addresses systemic loopholes that have allowed insiders, rogue attorneys, and fraudulent actors to manipulate the Deeds Office for years. Fake powers of attorney, forged signatures, and illegal land transfers have tarnished Zimbabwe’s property ownership system. High-profile incidents have involved officials from the Ministry of Transport and other public offices, further undermining public trust in the land administration system.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior official in the Ministry of Justice confirmed that SI 76 is designed to end Deeds Office, level fraud, noting that “digital audit trails, document verification, and notarised powers of attorney are now mandatory.” The regulations also introduce criminal penalties for employees and lawyers found complicit in fraudulent activity.
These changes align with President Mnangagwa’s 2024 directive for all land, particularly in resettlement areas, to be bankable and transferable. The goal is to unlock the value of land and enable Zimbabweans to use it as collateral for investment and agricultural development. In doing so, Zimbabwe is looking to move away from decades of uncertainty and build a foundation for economic growth anchored in secure land tenure.
However, experts warn that implementation will not be without challenges. The digitisation process will require substantial technical capacity and infrastructure, especially in rural areas. There are also concerns about meeting the two-year verification deadline, which could disenfranchise landowners unaware of the new requirements. In addition, while digitisation curbs paper fraud, it opens the system to cybersecurity risks if not properly managed.
International examples point to the benefits of electronic land registries. Countries that have adopted blockchain or digital registry systems have reported reduced corruption, faster processing, and increased public confidence in property rights. Zimbabwe hopes to replicate these successes, although it must tailor its approach to local realities and capacity constraints.
As of now, landowners, banks, conveyancers, and property developers must urgently acquaint themselves with the new regulations. The Ministry of Justice is expected to roll out a nationwide awareness campaign, with registry offices in Harare, Bulawayo, and all provincial capitals expected to lead the transition.
What Landowners Should Do Now
Visit the Deeds Office with your original title deed and a certified copy
Submit your documents before the 24-month deadline lapses
Consult a legal practitioner or conveyancer if unsure of your deed’s status
Avoid using powers of attorney that are not officially notarised or recorded
Track progress online once your deed enters the digital system
Conclusion
Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025 is not just a bureaucratic update, it’s a national reset button for land ownership integrity. If implemented effectively, it will reduce fraud, restore confidence in land tenure systems, and unleash the economic potential of property as collateral. Zimbabwe’s ability to grow its economy, attract investment, and empower its people could depend on how faithfully this reform is rolled out.
