Overview
The policy updates Zambia’s approach to resettlement, recognizing strategic relocation as a tool for rural transformation and job creation. It addresses challenges observed since earlier frameworks, including low productivity in schemes, limited infrastructure and services, weak coordination, and rising involuntary displacement from disasters and development projects. It outlines a vision for value‑centred, sustainable and inclusive resettlement, guided by principles of productivity, secure ownership through timely titling, equity in land allocation, inclusiveness, a One‑Government approach, and fair compensation consistent with UN Guiding Principles and IFC standards. Specific objectives and measures include: boosting scheme productivity via value chains, finance, technology and extension; expanding equitable access through clearer allocation mechanisms, digital applications, awareness, and local integration of former refugees; upgrading basic services (health, education, water/sanitation, transport, ICT and energy); strengthening coordination, partnerships, dispute resolution and M&E; enhancing institutional capacity; and ensuring compensation at market or full replacement cost before project commencement with quality housing. Crosscutting themes—climate change, gender, disability, HIV/AIDS, national values, and food and nutrition—are mainstreamed. An implementation framework assigns roles to the Office of the Vice President, a National Advisory Committee, multiple sector ministries, DMMU, private sector, cooperating partners and traditional leaders. It references key laws, proposes financing via the national budget, cooperating partners, Land Development Fund, Constituency Development Fund and PPPs, and sets up an integrated monitoring and evaluation system with regular reporting and reviews.