The 2025 International Kiswahili Conference has officially begun in Uganda, marking a historic moment as the country hosts the event for the first time. Thousands of delegates from across East Africa and beyond have gathered at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala for the three-day summit, which runs until 16th July. Organized by Afrika Mashariki Fest, the conference aims to celebrate Kiswahili’s growth and advocate for its adoption as a key language for Africa’s political and economic integration.
Uganda was granted hosting rights during last year’s conference in Havana, Cuba, underscoring the global reach of Kiswahili. This year’s theme, “Embracing Kiswahili: A Political and Economic Imperative for Africa’s Renaissance,” highlights the language’s potential to foster continental unity. Attendees include university lecturers, authors, journalists, and policymakers from Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, DR Congo, and Uganda.
Prominent figures such as Kenyan author and teacher Mwalimu Walah Bin Wallah, Nigerian writer Christian Uche, and Professor PLO Lumumba are among the dignitaries participating in discussions. The conference provides a platform to address challenges hindering Kiswahili’s expansion, including competition from slang languages like Sheng and insufficient political backing from East African Community (EAC) leaders.
Kiswahili, spoken by over 200 million people, is a vital tool for regional integration, yet its full potential remains untapped. Advocates argue that stronger institutional support and educational policies are needed to elevate its status. The conference will explore strategies to promote Kiswahili in media, literature, and governance, reinforcing its role in Africa’s cultural and economic revival.
As debates and workshops unfold, the event serves as a reminder of Kiswahili’s power to bridge linguistic divides and strengthen pan-African solidarity. With Uganda at the center of this year’s dialogue, the conference is a significant step toward making Kiswahili a cornerstone of Africa’s future.
