By The Respondents Reporter
Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has called for innovative strategies to further promote Kiswahili worldwide, saying the language’s growing international recognition presents an opportunity to expand its global influence.
Dr. Nchemba said Kiswahili had reached a new stage after gaining recognition in major regional and international platforms, requiring deliberate efforts to increase its presence through cultural institutions, education, technology and international cooperation.
“As Kiswahili continues to gain international status, it is important to start looking at the next steps to expand its global reach. Many countries have successfully promoted their languages and cultures through cultural centres established in different parts of the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while addressing participants at the fifth World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations held at the headquarters of the UNESCO in Paris, France.
Dr. Nchemba, who attended the event on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, said the Tanzanian government would continue strengthening the use and development of Kiswahili locally and internationally through education, research, publishing, translation, digital technology and language diplomacy.
“By working with UNESCO, different countries, universities, international institutions and other stakeholders, we will continue developing Kiswahili for the benefit of current and future generations,” he said.
He noted that Kiswahili had already achieved significant milestones, including being recognised as an official language of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and one of the official languages of the African Union (AU).
“Kiswahili is the identity of the East African community. When someone speaks Kiswahili, they are often associated with countries such as Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The language has become a symbol that connects our people,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Kiswahili had also gained recognition as an official language for major UNESCO meetings following a unanimous decision adopted during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025.
According to language experts, Kiswahili is spoken by between 300 million and 500 million people worldwide, with its usage continuing to grow through education, trade, media, information technology, communication platforms and social media.
Dr. Nchemba emphasised that Kiswahili was no longer only a Tanzanian heritage but an African and global asset that promotes unity and cooperation.
“Kiswahili connects people, Kiswahili connects businesses, and Kiswahili connects communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNESCO Director-General Prof. Khaled El-Enany said the organisation had supported the development of a French-to-Kiswahili dictionary, describing it as an important tool for expanding learning opportunities between speakers of the two languages.
“Beyond its use by tourists and people learning languages, we expect this dictionary and other materials to create more opportunities for teachers and students learning French and Kiswahili,” he said.
Prof. El-Enany praised Kiswahili for continuing to grow across borders while maintaining its originality and role in bringing people together.
Earlier, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda said Tanzania had more than 150 ethnic languages, but Kiswahili had played a crucial role in uniting citizens across the country.
He said the celebrations in Paris were part of wider efforts involving Tanzania, UNESCO and other international partners to promote Kiswahili globally.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to France, Saidi Othman Yakub, said the fifth World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations and the second Kiswahili international conference attracted more than 300 participants from 16 countries.
The countries represented included Tanzania, Comoros, Germany, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Türkiye, Egypt, Kenya and Uganda.
He said activities held from July 4 to July 7, 2026, included a Kiswahili promotional walk through Paris streets, cultural food events for the diaspora, discussions on Kiswahili’s role in business and the economy, seminars and workshops at UNESCO.
Other activities included the “Usiku wa Mswahili” cultural festival held near the Eiffel Tower along the Seine River, film exhibitions, food showcases and displays celebrating Kiswahili literature and culture.
The celebrations highlighted Tanzania’s growing efforts to position Kiswahili as a global language of communication, culture, education and economic cooperation.
