BUJUMBURA: THE fifth World Kiswahili Day celebrations have officially opened in Burundi, bringing together Kiswahili experts, policymakers and language stakeholders from across the East African Community (EAC) and beyond to promote the language as a driver of regional integration, innovation and global cooperation.
The three-day celebrations, running from July 5 to 7, are being held alongside the Third International Kiswahili Conference organised through the East African Kiswahili Commission.
According to information from the Ministry for Foreign and East African Cooperation, the forum is expected to chart new strategies for expanding the use of Kiswahili in education, research, digital innovation and international partnerships.
Opening the event, Burundi’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Lydia Nsekela, described Kiswahili as a vital tool for strengthening regional unity, preserving culture and deepening cooperation among East African nations.
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She said the Burundi government would continue supporting efforts to promote the language across key sectors, including education, culture and technology, as part of broader regional integration initiatives.
Held under the theme “Kiswahili, Multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence,” the celebrations feature academic discussions, expert presentations and technology exhibitions showcasing the growing role of artificial intelligence in advancing the development and use of Kiswahili.
Participants are expected to produce recommendations aimed at accelerating the language’s adoption in digital technologies, education systems and research while reinforcing its position as an international language that supports development and unity across East Africa.
The celebrations will culminate on July 7 with a closing ceremony marking another milestone in ongoing efforts to elevate Kiswahili’s global status and expand its contribution to social, cultural and economic development.