Zanzibar has initiated an aerial land survey project aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes, enhancing land administration, and boosting investor confidence.The Zanzibar Land Administration and Registration Information System (LARIS) project, costing €37.4 million, involves specialized aircraft to survey 25,000 plots across nine areas.

President Hussein Mwinyi emphasized that the initiative marks a major step in reforms to improve land governance, addressing outdated methods that cause delays, inaccurate data, and disputes.The project includes aerial photography, base map preparation, digital registration, and establishing service centers in Unguja and Pemba.It also aims to digitize existing maps and create an electronic system for land information management.Delays were caused by financial agreements signed in October 2025, with implementation spanning 24 months followed by maintenance.

The project is expected to reduce disputes, improve land-use planning, and attract investments by providing accurate data on land allocation for residential, agricultural, industrial, and conservation purposes.

French companies IGNFI and BPI are supporting the initiative, highlighting international collaboration in modernizing Zanzibar's land administration.