Resolving Land Tenure Challenges in Africa: A Case of Lease Agreements for Informal Settlements

Introduction

In sub-Saharan Africa, land tenure issues remain a deeply entrenched challenge affecting millions. Recent developments in Mauritius have brought these issues into focus once more, as government efforts to regulate long-standing informal settlements garnered both attention and scrutiny.

On December 24, 2025, three families living in an informal settlement in Bois Marchand, Mauritius, received official lease agreements after over two decades of residence. This move, facilitated by the Ministry of Lands and Housing, underscores a significant regulatory step aimed at addressing tenure insecurity. The situation highlights the broader governance challenge of resolving land tenure disputes, a common issue in rapidly urbanizing regions across Africa.

What Is Established

• The Mauritian government issued lease agreements to three families on state land in Bois Marchand.
• This is part of a broader commitment by the government to regularize land tenure for informal settlers.
• Shakeel Mohamed, a government official, emphasized the human-centric approach of the policy.
• The government also plans systematic relocations from areas affected by illegal livestock rearing.

What Remains Contested

• The scalability of this regularization approach to other informal settlements remains uncertain.
• Concerns exist regarding the government's capacity to maintain fair and consistent procedures across various cases.
• Potential disputes among informal settlers over prioritization and eligibility for regularization.
• The long-term impact of these tenure changes on community dynamics and local economies is not yet clear.

Background and Timeline

The issue of land tenure in Mauritius has been a persistent governance challenge, reflective of broader trends in the region. For decades, informal settlements have grown due to urbanization pressures and population growth, with many residents lacking formal legal recognition. The government’s recent initiative to provide lease agreements represents a structured attempt to address this longstanding issue.

Earlier reportage indicated that similar initiatives were on the horizon, with the intent to create a more stable and equitable land tenure system. This aligns with the wider narrative across Africa, where governments are increasingly seeking solutions to integrate informal settlements into formal urban planning frameworks.

Stakeholder Positions

Various stakeholders have responded to the developments with a mix of optimism and caution. The affected families expressed relief at gaining legal recognition, while advocacy groups have cautiously welcomed the initiative, urging for transparent processes and equity among all informal settlers. Government officials, such as Shakeel Mohamed, highlight the initiative as a part of a broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing social welfare through structural changes.

Regional Context

The situation in Mauritius is emblematic of a larger continental issue where urbanization and legal land recognition intersect. Many African nations are grappling with similar challenges of integrating informal settlements into formal urban plans. This requires balancing regulatory frameworks with socio-economic realities, ensuring that reforms are inclusive and sustainable. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have also been exploring varied approaches to this complex issue, with varying degrees of success.

Institutional and Governance Dynamics

The drive to formalize land tenure in Mauritius reflects a broader shift towards systemic governance reforms across Africa. Institutional incentives are increasingly geared towards creating sustainable urban environments that accommodate all citizens. However, regulatory frameworks must be robust and adaptable to accommodate the unique socio-economic landscapes of each region. The process requires collaboration across multiple government agencies, stakeholders, and communities to ensure equitable outcomes.

Forward-Looking Analysis

As Mauritius navigates this complex governance terrain, the implications for its policy framework are significant. Effective implementation could serve as a model for other African nations facing similar challenges. However, success will depend on sustained political will, adequate resources, and a commitment to inclusive policies that prioritize both economic development and social equity.