History

The Ministry of Land and Housing Development was established through Legal Notice No. 137 of 2020 by Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. This decision was made under the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution (Article 1, 2010 Edition) to oversee and advance land and housing sectors for societal development.

Historically, this ministry originated from the Public Works Department, founded after the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution. Over time, it underwent various structural changes:

• 1. 1975 – 1984: Became the Ministry of Land, Construction, and Housing

• 2. 1984 – 1991: Transformed into the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals

• 3. 1991 – 2000: Renamed the Ministry of Water, Construction, Energy, Land, and Environment

• 4. 2000 – 2010: Became the Ministry of Water, Construction, Energy, and Land

• 5. 2010: Established as the Ministry of Land, Housing, Water, and Energy

• 6. 2018: Changed to the Ministry of Land, Housing, Water, and Energy

• 7. 2021: Officially restructured as the Ministry of Land and Housing Development

Vision

To be a reliable and secure pillar in land ownership and sustainable housing development for Zanzibar’s economic growth.

Mission

To ensure Zanzibar’s land sector significantly contributes to national welfare through efficient land use planning for housing and economic services.

Responsibilities

• 1. Formulating and overseeing the implementation of sectoral policies and laws related to land, housing, and settlements

• 2. Conducting research on land and housing sector development

• 3. Preparing and supervising the implementation of land-use plans

• 4. Managing land surveys and national mapping

• 5. Overseeing identification, registration, and land ownership processes

• 6. Encouraging investment in quality housing development

Institutional Principles

• Expertise, Accountability, Transparency, Equality, Innovation, Integrity, and Collaboration