Where Land Meets Learning: NELGA Reimagines the Future of Land Administration Education at FIG 2026

On 26 May 2026, the Network of Excellence in Land Governance in Africa, in collaboration with the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN), and other partners, held a workshop at the FIG Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Entitled “Reimagining Land Administration Education: Towards Conceptualising a Core Body of Knowledge,” the session brought together educators, researchers, practitioners, and government officials to critically examine land administration as a pedagogical priority in higher education.

The keynote was delivered by Professor Eugene Chigbu, NELGA Southern Africa Coordinator, who argued that land administration is among humanity’s oldest professions and must be elevated within academic systems. “Land administration is deeply founded in human history,” he stated, “and it should be supported to become an impactful discipline within academic systems.”

Four peer-reviewed papers followed. Dr Jennilee Kohima of the Namibia University of Science and Technology called for repositioning land as heritage, arguing that “strengthening the heritage component of land governance in Africa will improve African identity and international branding.” Dr Gaynor Mekura of the Public Affairs Research Institute and NELGA Southern Africa governance board member advocated for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and local government, stressing the need to “ensure better relationships between traditional rulers and local authority for efficient land governance in South Africa’s former homelands.” Ms Aune Shikongo of CRG Research and Consulting made the case for podcasting as an innovative capacity development tool, presenting it as “an alternative way of conducting capacity development in land governance in Africa.” Dr Yashwaree Baguant of the University of Mauritius rounded out the presentations by offering concrete mechanisms for advancing sustainable cities and communities through land governance.

Other NELGA members present included Rumbidzai Chivizhe, Ms Penehafo Ricardo of the University of the Free State, Prof Oluibukun Ajayi of NUST, and Dr Charles Paradzayi of Midlands State University, among others. The workshop concluded with a network dinner, where participants reflected on the day’s discussions and mapped out strategic priorities for the network’s path forward.