Property Tax Reform in Zambia: Challenges and Opportunities

Status

Completed

City

Livingstone, Mansa, and Samfya

Timeline

January 2022 – April 2023

Launched in February 2022 and supported by GIZ, this project aimed to identify opportunities to refine Zambia’s property tax system through a diagnostic assessment and a valuation pilot employing a simplified, points-based method of property valuation.

The team conducted extensive research, including over 80 stakeholder interviews across Zambia’s Southern, Lusaka, and Luapula Provinces. These engagements provided valuable perspectives from government officials, local authorities, civil society and private sector representatives, citizens, and subject matter experts, feeding into a comprehensive diagnostic report.

In tandem, the team collected data on 2,160 properties in Mansa for the valuation pilot, which was analyzed by expert valuers. Property data was used to construct a model that can generate estimated assessment values for all properties in Mansa district. This initiative represents a critical step toward streamlining property valuations and enhancing fiscal efficiency. This project is a testament to our dedication to establishing a fair and transparent property tax regime, which is vital for Zambia’s growth and development.