Land is the most vital resource on earth from which humankind derives almost all its basic needs. Land plays significant role through economic, social, political and cultural dimensions. Administration of this vital resource (Land) is a major issue underlying social, economic and cultural development. Its protection will be sustainable if there is proper land administration system. Land administration and management in urban Ethiopia during the last decade was in transition and has faced many interrelated challenges simultaneously.

Rapid urban population growth and spatial expansion of urban centers have brought unprecedented demand for land in developing countries such as Ethiopia.  The dramatic shifts in urban land tenure from Feudal System (pre-1974) to Socialist Land Policy (1974- 1991) and to the current system (post-1991) have left the urban populations uncertain about their property rights. The historical context coupled with the complex legal and institutional structure and the absence of proper records of rights and restrictions have invigorated corruption in the land sector.

Many cities in developing countries are experiencing urbanization characterised by the continuous proliferation of informal settlements. This article gives an account of a study that determined the inclusiveness of land administration in the City of Lusaka using the perspective of good governance principles. The study findings shows that land administration in the City of Lusaka is not inclusive as most indicators of the five good governance principles recorded negative responses of at least 60 per cent.