The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Union of the Comoros have agreed to advance discussions aimed at introducing Swahili language education in Comorian schools, following a pledge by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to provide language teachers and learning materials.
The commitment was reiterated during national Swahili Day celebrations held in the town of Ntsaoueni on Ngazidja Island.
The event brought together senior Comorian government officials, including island governors and cabinet ministers, as well as the Tanzanian Ambassador to Comoros, Mr. Saidi Yakubu.
Also in attendance were the Consul General of South Africa, representatives from international organizations, civil society groups, and residents from 11 Swahili-speaking towns.
In his address, Ambassador Yakubu reaffirmed President Samia’s offer first made during Comoros’ 50th independence anniversary to support the teaching of Swahili in Comorian schools.
He urged the Comorian government to consider making Swahili one of its official languages, noting Tanzania’s readiness to deploy qualified teachers and supply educational materials.
“The President's commitment reflects Tanzania’s broader agenda to promote Swahili as a language of regional unity, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity,” Ambassador Yakubu said.
Comorian Minister of Education Bacar Mvoulana welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and significant.
He confirmed that his ministry would conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to inform the development of a Swahili teaching programme.
“As a country that already speaks Swahili in many communities, formalizing it in our education system would be a natural and progressive step,” Mvoulana said.
The celebrations featured cultural performances from both Tanzania and Comoros, including a taarab concert by Tanzania’s veteran musician Mzee Yusuf, a show by the local Taarab Ayn group, university student plays, traditional Lelemama dances, and panel discussions on the role of Swahili in education, diplomacy, and regional integration.
Swahili is one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages and was adopted as an official language of the African Union in 2022.
The deepening collaboration between Tanzania and Comoros signals a shared commitment to strengthening linguistic and cultural ties in the Indian Ocean region.