Paris ready for global Kiswahili forum

PARIS: THE stage is set for the Second International Kiswahili Conference, with all preparations now complete for what promises to be a landmark global gathering.

Bringing together scholars, policymakers, language experts, cultural ambassadors and development partners from around the world, the conference will serve as a vibrant platform to chart the future of Kiswahili on the international stage while strengthening cultural exchange, academic collaboration and economic partnerships across borders.

The conference, which is set to be held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris, France, from July 4 to 7 will be attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Guest of Honour, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting Kiswahili as Tanzania’s national heritage, Africa’s identity and a bridge for international cooperation.

The gathering will bring together participants from Tanzania, Kenya, other African countries, Europe, Asia and beyond, including scholars, government officials, cultural stakeholders, artists, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Senior Officer in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports (Culture Department), Mr Tito Lulandala, said preparations have been completed, with organisers confirming strong international participation.

Speaking during an interview with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), Mr Lulandala said delegates from across the world had confirmed their attendance, reflecting the growing global interest in Kiswahili.

“The preparations have been finalised, and we have already welcomed participants from Tanzania, across Africa, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world,” he said.

He explained that the conference programme has been designed to showcase Kiswahili not only as a language of communication but also as a driver of culture, education, diplomacy and economic development. Activities will officially begin on July 4 with a Kiswahili awareness walk through some of Paris’ iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and other historic sites.

According to Mr Lulandala, the symbolic walk aims to raise awareness of Kiswahili among international audiences while highlighting Tanzania’s efforts in promoting the language globally.

Later that evening, delegates will attend a special Kiswahili Night featuring traditional and contemporary music, dance performances, fashion exhibitions and other cultural presentations celebrating the richness of Kiswahili heritage.

The conference will also feature academic sessions where scholars, researchers and language experts will present papers on the development, preservation and internationalisation of Kiswahili. Discussions will explore the language’s role in education, technology, diplomacy, media, research and sustainable development while identifying practical strategies for expanding its global use.

Another major highlight will be a business forum at the Tanzanian Embassy in Paris, bringing together Tanzanian and French entrepreneurs and investors to explore trade, investment and business partnerships.

Mr Lulandala said stakeholders from tourism, culture, finance, technology, the creative industries and the private sector have deliberately been brought together to demonstrate Kiswahili’s growing contribution to economic development.

He added that Tanzanian musicians, traditional dance groups, fashion designers, writers, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs will use the conference to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and expanding creative economy to international audiences.

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Mr Lulandala said France was selected to host the conference because it is home to UNESCO, which has played a key role in promoting World Kiswahili Language Day, commemorated annually on July 7. He noted that France also hosts several universities and academic institutions offering Kiswahili studies, making it an important centre for promoting the language in Europe.

He further said Tanzania has continued investing in programmes aimed at expanding Kiswahili’s global recognition while strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners, including Kenya.

He expressed confidence that the conference would open new opportunities in trade, tourism, cultural exchange, digital innovation and creative content production while reinforcing Kiswahili’s position as one of the world’s emerging international languages.

Meanwhile, in a message issued ahead of the conference, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, described the gathering as a historic milestone reflecting Tanzania’s and Africa’s commitment to promoting Kiswahili globally.

He said staging the conference at UNESCO headquarters alongside the commemoration of World Kiswahili Language Day demonstrates the government’s determination under President Samia to use Kiswahili as a tool for strengthening international relations, promoting peace and advancing economic diplomacy.

According to the minister, Kiswahili has evolved beyond being a means of communication to become a cultural heritage, a resource for development and a bridge connecting people and nations across continents. He said the conference theme, “Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Global Economic Diplomacy,” reflects Tanzania’s vision of promoting the language as an instrument for strengthening international cooperation, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

Mr Makonda added that the conference presents an opportunity to reinforce Kiswahili’s position as a diplomatic language capable of contributing meaningfully to global discussions on peace, development and shared prosperity. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the language continues to grow in line with increasing global demand and wished participants a successful and productive conference.

Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Gerson Msigwa said Tanzania has made a deliberate decision to strengthen Kiswahili’s presence across Europe.

He said President Samia’s participation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting Kiswahili as Tanzania’s national heritage, a symbol of African identity and a powerful bridge for international cooperation. Her presence, he added, also reaffirms Tanzania’s longstanding leadership in championing the language on the global stage.

Mr Msigwa said organisers have compiled a comprehensive delegates’ guide covering travel arrangements, immigration procedures, accommodation, daily life in France and the conference programme to ensure participants are fully prepared for the event.

He urged delegates to familiarise themselves with the guide, saying it would enable them to represent Tanzania, Kiswahili and the country’s rich cultural heritage with confidence throughout the international gathering.

He also expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen international partnerships in promoting Kiswahili while creating new opportunities in diplomacy, education, culture, trade and investment. Tanzania’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mr Saidi Othman Yakubu, said the Tanzanian Embassy in Paris is honoured to host the international gathering.

He said the embassy will continue working closely with organisers and French authorities to ensure delegates receive the necessary support and quality services throughout the conference.

Mr Yakubu expressed confidence that the close cooperation between the embassy, organisers and the French authorities will ensure the smooth implementation of all conference activities while providing participants with a welcoming environment and further strengthening Kiswahili’s growing international profile.