Overview
The Revised National Resettlement Policy is Zambia’s renewed commitment to transforming resettlement schemes into productive, inclusive, and sustainable communities. It seeks to address challenges in voluntary and involuntary resettlement, enhance coordination, and empower vulnerable populations through improved access to land, services, and economic opportunities.
Implemented under the leadership of the Office of the Vice President, the policy is aligned with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the African Union Kampala Convention, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Purpose of the Policy
The policy provides strategic direction on:
- Protecting people displaced by disasters or development projects
- Empowering settlers with land and livelihood support
- Enhancing rural productivity and economic transformation
- Promoting equitable access to land and infrastructure
- Coordinating efforts across government, private sector, and civil society
Vision
“Value-Centred, Sustainable and Inclusive Resettlement Schemes that are Productive.”
Key Objectives
- Increase production and productivity in resettlement areas
- Improve access to resettlement land and secure land tenure
- Enhance access to basic services such as health, education, water, roads, and energy
- Strengthen institutional coordination and policy implementation
- Ensure fair compensation for displaced persons
- Mainstream gender, disability, climate change, food security, and national values
Policy Focus Areas
- Voluntary and Involuntary Resettlement: Support for youth, women, former refugees, and disaster-displaced persons
- Infrastructure Development: Roads, schools, clinics, ICT, water, sanitation, and energy services in all schemes
- Secure Land Tenure: Timely issuance of certificates of title and equitable land distribution
- Compensation: Based on market value or full replacement cost, with pre-project resettlement
- Inclusive Planning: Integration into district development plans and partnerships with traditional leaders
- Climate Resilience: Promotion of sustainable agriculture, green energy, and environmental protection
Implementation Framework
The policy will be led by the Office of the Vice President through the Department of Resettlement (DOR) and supported by:
- Line ministries (Lands, Health, Agriculture, Education, etc.)
- Local authorities and traditional leaders
- Cooperating partners and NGOs
- Private sector actors promoting rural investment and job creation
Financing and Monitoring
Implementation will be supported by:
- The National Budget
- Cooperating Partner contributions
- The Land Development Fund and Constituency Development Fund
- Public-Private Partnerships
A Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework will track progress through regular reviews, reports, and a digital resettlement information system.
Contact
For more information, support or engagement:
Office of the Vice President – Department of Resettlement
Toll-Free Line: 909
