TANZANIA: WITH only two days remaining before the International Kiswahili Conference opens in Paris, France, the Tanzanian Government has announced plans for a major Kiswahili Cultural Festival near the Eiffel Tower and high-level discussions on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in future of the language.
The conference, scheduled to run from 4th to 8th July, is part of Tanzania’s wider efforts to promote Kiswahili and Swahili culture internationally.
Ahead of the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, who doubles as the Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, said this year’s programme would combine academic discussions with cultural exhibitions aimed at showcasing the richness of Swahili identity.
Among the key highlights will be a Kiswahili Cultural Festival on July 5th near the Eiffel Tower, featuring music, literature, tourism and traditional products.
“We will host a festival on Kiswahili and the traditions and culture of the Swahili people,” Msigwa said.
“Taarab, Singeli and Bongo Flava music will be performed, while books, tourism products and various cultural exhibitions will also be showcased.”
Msigwa said that the event is expected to attract both international audiences and members of the African diaspora living in Europe.
Another major feature of the conference will be discussions on Kiswahili and emerging technologies, including AI, during sessions scheduled for July 6th.
“One of the important topics will be Kiswahili and AI. There will be presentations and intensive discussions on how we can position the language to benefit from technological advancement,” Msigwa said.
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He added that around 1,000 participants are expected to attend the conference to discuss the future of Kiswahili and opportunities created by digital innovation.
According to Msigwa, the decision to organise Kiswahili conferences abroad is part of the implementation of directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the Bulabo cultural festival in 2021.
“The President (Samia Suluhu Hassan) directed the ministry to take Kiswahili to the world,” he said.
The first international edition of the conference was held in Havana, Cuba, in 2024, where organisers reported growing interest in the language.