For the first time, Somalia will participate in the World Swahili Language Day celebrations, set to take place in Burundi’s economic capital, Bujumbura, from July 5 to 7.
The move marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to deepen regional integration following its accession to the East African Community (EAC).
The event will bring together government officials, diplomats, academics, language experts, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives from across East Africa and beyond to explore the future of Swahili language in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
This year’s celebrations coincide with the Third International Conference of the East African Kiswahili Commission (KAKAMA) and will be held under the theme: “Kiswahili, Multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence.”
Spoken by more than 200 million people
Observed annually on July 7, World Swahili Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2021, making Kiswahili the first African language to be honoured with an international day within the United Nations system. The observance was later endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2024.
Swahili language has grown into one of Africa’s most influential languages and serves as an official language of both the African Union and the East African Community. Spoken by more than 200 million people across East and Central Africa, it plays an increasingly important role in regional diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
Headquartered in Zanzibar, KAKAMA is an EAC institution responsible for coordinating, promoting and advancing the use of Swahili language among member states.
Somalia’s participation reflects its expanding engagement with regional institutions since joining the EAC in 2024. The country, where Somali, Arabic and English are widely used in government, education and diplomacy, has been seeking to strengthen linguistic and cultural ties with its East African neighbours.
Significance beyond language policy
Delegates from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda are expected to attend the gathering, alongside representatives of international organisations and development partners.
For Somalia, participation carries significance beyond language policy. It highlights Mogadishu’s broader efforts to align more closely with East Africa’s political, economic, and cultural frameworks while embracing multilingualism as a catalyst for regional cooperation and integration.
The gathering in Bujumbura will mark the fifth World Swahili Language Day celebration and Somalia’s inaugural participation in the event, underscoring the country’s growing commitment to regional engagement through language, culture and diplomacy.
