KALUMBILA District Commissioner Brenda Sankisa has reaffirmed governments support to initiatives that promote land ownership as a source of empowerment and prosperity for all.

Ms Sankisa said land is a cornerstone of national identity and prosperity as it sustains livelihoods, economic growth and preserves cultural heritage. 

Ms Sankisa was speaking during a meeting organized by the Advancing responsible Land-based Investment (ALIGN) project being implemented by Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) and the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) together with the District Land Conference Programme in Kalumbila.

District Labour Officer Shadrick Kambwenji who represented Ms Sankisa said the project resonates with the needs of the nation on improving laws, policies, systems and practices on land investment.

“This conference provides us with a unique opportunity to address these challenges collaboratively,” she said 

She said the effective collaboration between traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society and investors is critical.

Ms Sankisa urged all stakeholders to commit to partnership that align with equitable and sustainable development in the district.

Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) Executive Director Patrick Musole noted that the vision of ZLA is to see a Zambia in which the rural, peri-urban and Urban poor and vulnerable communities have secured access, ownership and control over land for sustainable development. 

He explained that the project targets government, traditional leaders, investors and citizens with the aim of creating responsible and sustainable land investment.