Kiswahili expands global reach

DODOMA: THE year 2025 will be remembered as a historic year for Kiswahili, as the language was officially adopted as one of the official languages of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference.

The decision was announced on November 11 during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a significant moment for Africa and the millions of Kiswahili speakers around the world.

With this recognition, Kiswahili became the seventh official language of the UNESCO General Conference, joining Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The move underscored the growing global recognition of African languages and their role in international dialogue, education and cultural exchange.

Kiswahili is today spoken by more than 200 million people across East, Central and Southern Africa, and its use continues to expand beyond the continent through education, media and diplomacy.

The achievement followed sustained advocacy by the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, working in partnership with the Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa (BAKITA) and the Baraza la Kiswahili la Zanzibar (BAKIZA).

The institutions pushed for Kiswahili’s recognition as a symbol of unity, identity and shared heritage across Africa.

Delivering Tanzania’s national statement at the General Conference, Ambassador Ali Jabiri Mwadini, the country’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, described the adoption as a major achievement for Tanzania, Africa and Kiswahili speakers worldwide.

He said the government would continue to promote Kiswahili through research, international teaching centres and digital platforms aimed at expanding its global reach and use.

UNESCO welcomed the inclusion of Kiswahili as part of its commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion, noting that the move aligns with its Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022–2029), which seeks to increase the visibility and use of African languages on global platforms.

Kiswahili’s recognition also builds on earlier milestones. In 2021, UNESCO proclaimed July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day, the first international day dedicated to an African language.

ALSO READ: Tanzania renews efforts to promote Kiswahili learning in Malawi

The observance was later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, acknowledging Kiswahili’s importance in education, media, diplomacy and cross-cultural communication.

Linguistic historians trace Kiswahili’s origins to the East African coast between the first and fifth centuries, where it emerged as a Bantu language that facilitated communication between local communities and traders from Arabia, Persia and India.

Over time, it evolved into a language of trade, governance, education and cultural exchange, helping to unify diverse communities across the region.

Today, Kiswahili holds official status within major regional bodies including the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).

Its adoption by UNESCO further strengthens its position as a language of continental unity and international cooperation.

The recognition is expected to open new academic and professional opportunities for Kiswahili speakers, particularly in translation, interpretation, education, media and diplomacy.

It is also likely to encourage greater participation of African scholars and youths in UNESCO processes.

UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative to Tanzania, Michel Toto, congratulated the government and people of Tanzania, along with BAKITA, BAKIZA and other stakeholders, for what he described as a landmark achievement for Africa’s linguistic heritage.

Beyond its global status, Kiswahili carries deep cultural and historical significance.

It played a central role in liberation movements, including those led by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and has long served as a language of governance, education and regional integration.

As 2026 begins, UNESCO and the government are expected to continue investing in Kiswahili research, teaching and digital innovation, expanding access to the language worldwide.

The adoption of Kiswahili as an official language of the UNESCO General Conference is more than symbolic.

It affirms the power of language to unite people, preserve identity and give Africa a stronger voice on the global stage.

From its roots along the East African coast to its place in international diplomacy, Kiswahili’s journey stands as one of Africa’s most enduring contributions to global culture and communication.