Tanzanian envoy in Sweden begins preps  for World Kiswahili Day, Serengeti Bonanza

STOCKHOLM: TANZANIA’S Ambassador to Sweden, Ms Swahiba Mndeme, has outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening cooperation between the government and the diaspora, attracting investment, promoting trade and expanding the use of Kiswahili across her area of accreditation.

Speaking during a meeting with Tanzanians living in Sweden at the Tanzanian Embassy in Stockholm, the Ambassador conveyed greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and underscored the important role of the diaspora in national development.

According to the envoy, the diaspora act as a valuable national resource endowed with skills, knowledge and experience that can contribute significantly to the country’s economic and social transformation.

Additionally, she encouraged Tanzanians living abroad to leverage their networks and positions to promote the country’s investment and business opportunities as well as its tourism attractions.

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According to Ambassador Swahiba, increased participation of the diaspora in marketing Tanzania internationally would help attract investors, expand trade links and support economic growth while pledging to continue promoting and expanding the use of Kiswahili in the Nordic and Baltic region by facilitating access to books and teaching materials, noting that the language remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s identity and an important tool for cultural diplomacy.

During the discussions, participants raised issues affecting the diaspora, including Special Status arrangements, inheritance laws and consular services. Ambassador Swahiba urged Tanzanians in Sweden to maintain unity and strengthen coordination through a common platform that would enable more meaningful participation in national development initiatives.

She further called on the diaspora to actively participate in activities organised by the embassy, including celebrations marking World Kiswahili Language Day in July 2026 and the Serengeti Bonanza scheduled to take place in Stockholm in August this year.

In addition to Sweden, Ambassador Swahiba represents Tanzania in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.