Joseph Isangura
Tanzania has intensified efforts to promote Swahili language on the global stage, with Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda inspecting preparations for the Swahili Festival scheduled to take place on July 4 near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
During the inspection, Makonda said the event reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan‘s vision of expanding the global reach of Swahili and strengthening its role as a language of culture, diplomacy and international engagement.
He said Tanzania remains committed to promoting Swahili beyond Africa, describing the language as a strategic national asset capable of advancing cultural exchange, tourism, education and economic cooperation.
Makonda also called on Tanzanians living across Europe to attend the festival, saying their participation would help showcase the richness of Swahili language and culture to an international audience.
The festival comes as Swahili continues to gain global recognition following its designation by UNESCO as the first African language to be honoured with an international observance, World Kiswahili Language Day, celebrated annually on July 7.
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Widely spoken across East, Central and parts of Southern Africa, Swahili has become one of the fastest-growing African languages globally, with increasing use in education, diplomacy, international media and academic institutions.
Tanzania has positioned itself at the forefront of international efforts to promote the language, viewing its global expansion as both a cultural mission and an opportunity to strengthen the country’s soft power and international influence.
The Paris festival is expected to bring together members of the African diaspora, cultural organisations, diplomats, language scholars and members of the public in a celebration of one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages.
