Current Affairs
Govt Starts Two-Week Title Deeds Validation Pilot
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has officially launched a Title Deeds Validation and Re-Issuance Pilot Programme, marking a major step in modernising Zimbabwe’s land administration system through digital transformation.
The pilot, which commenced on 1 April 2026, will run for two weeks and is designed to test and refine the operational processes of the Digital Land Administration Platform (DLAP) ahead of its nationwide rollout.
The initiative falls under the Deeds Registries Regulations, 2025 (Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025).According to a press statement from the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, the programme aims to transition existing paper-based title deeds to a secure, efficient digital framework.
This is expected to enhance accessibility, integrity, and security of property records while strengthening public confidence in the national deeds registry.
Key objectives include facilitating the shift from physical documents to digitally securitised title deeds, reducing fraud risks, and improving overall efficiency in land administration.
Mandatory Conversion Within Two Years
In line with Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025, all property owners are required to convert their existing title deeds into digital format within a period of two (2) years.
Failure to do so could affect the legal validity of older deeds.
During the pilot phase, a selected group of registered conveyancers has been engaged to participate in the validation and re-issuance process.
These law firms will receive and submit applications for validation on behalf of property owners.
The Deeds Registry will then verify the authenticity of submitted title deeds and facilitate the issuance of new digitally secured documents.
The Chief Registrar has assured stakeholders that comprehensive safeguards have been put in place to preserve the integrity, authenticity, and legal validity of all records processed under the programme.
Approved Law Firms for the Pilot
The Department has appointed the following 16 law firms to handle the pilot phase:
- Chimuka Mafunga Commercial Attorneys
- Mhishi Nkomo Legal Practice
- Muzondo Chinhenga Legal Practitioners
- Wintertons Legal Practitioners
- Dube, Manikai & Hwacha
- Madzima Chidyausiku Museta Legal Practitioners
- Chizengeya Maeresera & Partners
- Chikwengo Law Chambers
- Chasi Maguwudze Legal Practice
- Matizanadzo Attorneys
- Malinga Masango Legal Practice
- Chikwangwani Tapi Attorneys
- Rungwandani and Company
- Chiwunda-Mujokoro & P Takawadiyi Law Chambers
- Coghlan, Welsh and Guest
- Mvuringi Associates
Property owners are advised to engage these firms or contact the Department directly for guidance during the pilot.
This pilot forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise land governance, support national development, and safeguard property rights for all citizens.
Officials say the digital system will make property transactions faster, more transparent, and less prone to disputes or fraudulent claims.
For further information and enquiries, the public is urged to contact the Department of Deeds on 08677 212440.
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs reiterated its commitment to delivering a modern, transparent, and efficient property registration system.