Rwanda will host the fourth edition of World Kiswahili Language Day on July 6–7 in Kigali, under the theme “Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development.”

The event, officially recognised by UNESCO, will highlight the importance of Kiswahili in regional integration, cultural identity, and socio-economic development across Africa.

A joint statement from the East African Community (EAC) and the Government of Rwanda noted, “This year’s celebration aims to reaffirm Kiswahili’s pivotal role in fostering regional integration, cultural identity, and socio-economic development across the continent.”

The celebrations will feature a series of cultural and academic activities including performances of Kiswahili music, poetry, and art, as well as panel discussions and dialogues focusing on the role of the language in education, technology, and the media.

The East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC), which is based in Zanzibar and was established under Article 137 (2) of the EAC Treaty, will be a key player in this year’s celebration. The Commission is tasked with promoting the development and use of Kiswahili as both the official language and the regional lingua franca.

“The Commission achieves this through coordinated research, curriculum development, terminology standardization, and policy guidance, elevating Kiswahili in all spheres of public and private life,” the statement added.

Kiswahili is regarded as a vital tool for regional unity, integration, and economic advancement. It enables clearer communication, stronger political ties, and enhanced diplomatic engagement among EAC partner states.

“It is also vital for effective diplomacy, enabling clearer communication and building stronger political relationships. Economically, emphasizing Kiswahili in business transactions across the African Free Trade Area enhances trade efficiency and opportunities, boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities across various sectors,” the EAC and Rwandan Government said.

This year’s celebration also reinforces the global relevance of Kiswahili as a language rooted in African daily life but constantly evolving through multicultural influences. Kiswahili is spoken by over 200 million people across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, and is officially recognised by both the African Union and the EAC.

In 2023, Rwanda passed an organic law recognising Kiswahili as one of its official languages, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French. This move follows the country’s 2007 commitment upon joining the EAC, which uses Kiswahili and English as its official languages.