Madagascar’s National Assembly has approved a bill establishing a legal framework that allows the State to take ownership of land still registered under the names of foreign settlers from the colonial era. Introduced by National Assembly President Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the reform aims to facilitate access to land ownership for Malagasy citizens while addressing a long-standing issue inherited from the colonial period.
The legislation primarily concerns land acquired before Madagascar’s independence that remains officially registered in the names of former foreign colonists. Once transferred, these properties will become part of the State’s land holdings and may subsequently be allocated to Malagasy citizens in accordance with existing administrative procedures. Individuals wishing to acquire these plots will be required to submit an application to the relevant land administration authorities.
The law also outlines several exceptions. Properties owned by foreign diplomatic missions, including embassies and consulates, are excluded from the measure. Likewise, land registered in the names of individuals who have since acquired Malagasy nationality will not be automatically transferred to the State.
Supporters of the reform argue that secure land ownership is a key driver of economic and social development. According to Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the objective is to provide more Malagasy citizens—particularly those living in rural areas with access to legally recognized land ownership. Secure land tenure is expected to encourage agricultural investment, strengthen property rights, and support local economic development.
During parliamentary debates, several lawmakers described the bill as an important milestone in the country’s broader institutional reform process. They stressed the need to modernize Madagascar’s land governance system and resolve historical land ownership issues that have long complicated land registration and investment.
Land tenure remains one of Madagascar’s most sensitive policy issues. For years, the country has faced challenges related to outdated land titles, informal occupation of land, and lengthy administrative procedures. A previous law adopted in 2015 to transfer land formerly owned by colonial settlers was struck down by the High Constitutional Court for failing to comply with constitutional requirements. The newly approved legislation seeks to establish a constitutionally compliant legal framework while pursuing the same objective of transferring these lands to the State for the benefit of Malagasy citizens.
The adoption of the bill marks another significant step in Madagascar’s ongoing land reform efforts. Its effective implementation will now depend on the completion of administrative procedures for identifying, transferring, and reallocating the affected properties, as well as the completion of the remaining legislative and regulatory processes before the law officially enters into force.
