BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Kiswahili must move beyond its regional roots and claim its place on the global stage, according to Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla.
Opening the Fifth International Workshop on Kiswahili organised by the National Kiswahili Council (BAKITA) in Arusha, on Tuesday, March 24, he said Tanzania’s national language was no longer just a marker of East African identity, but a tool for opportunity, unity and global engagement.
“Kiswahili is no longer just a language of identity for East Africa; it is a language of opportunity, unity and international relevance that we must promote with purpose,” he told local and international broadcasters, stakeholders and language experts.
Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, added that Kiswahili was increasingly becoming an economic asset, creating opportunities in media, translation, interpretation and education.
“We are seeing real opportunities emerging. Kiswahili is opening doors for employment and innovation,” he said.
He underscored that Tanzania has expanded its efforts to promote the language abroad through teaching centres established in several countries, reflecting growing global demand.
The Arusha conference drew participants from across Africa and beyond, focusing on the role of Kiswahili in media, education and international communication.
