The proposals come before the Second International Kiswahili Conference in Paris, where participants are expected to explore how the language can generate new opportunities in education, digital technology, translation services, tourism and the creative industries.
With more than 200 million speakers across East, Central and Southern Africa, Kiswahili has gained international prominence in recent years, including recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization through World Kiswahili Language Day. Supporters now argue that the language should become an engine for economic growth and international engagement.
Language experts speaking during a preparatory forum said the conference should move beyond celebrating Kiswahili's cultural significance and instead establish practical frameworks for its commercial development.
"We must position Kiswahili as both an economic product and a diplomatic tool," said Emmanuel Kusanja of the National Kiswahili Council of Tanzania.
He proposed internationally recognised language certification programmes, exportable teaching materials, professional translation and interpretation services, and digital learning products that could expand Kiswahili's global market.
Kusanja also said the language could strengthen economic diplomacy by facilitating trade, investment and international cooperation among Kiswahili-speaking countries and global partners.
Tumaini Nginila, deputy chairperson of the Swahili Grammar Association of Tanzania, said commercialisation would require substantial investment in digital infrastructure, including online learning platforms, digital dictionaries, language databases and artificial intelligence applications.
"As AI increasingly shapes global communication, languages that are not integrated into digital ecosystems risk being left behind," he said, calling for Kiswahili to be incorporated into AI language models, machine translation systems and other digital technologies.
Nginila also urged closer collaboration among governments, universities and language institutions to establish common standards and improve coordination across the sector.
Lilian Msingo, representing students from the University of Dar es Salaam, said young people should play a leading role in transforming Kiswahili into a source of employment and entrepreneurship.
She proposed turning university language departments into innovation hubs supporting translation businesses, digital content creation, publishing ventures and language technology startups. She also called for greater youth participation in the Paris conference through innovation exhibitions, entrepreneurship competitions and investor engagement.
Beyond education and technology, participants said the creative economy—including music, film, literature, fashion and cultural tourism—could help increase global demand for Kiswahili while creating new commercial opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs.
They argued that stronger regional cooperation across East Africa would be essential to standardising language certification, expanding educational programmes and supporting international adoption.
Organisers say the Paris conference aims to reposition Kiswahili not only as a language of cultural identity but also as a strategic resource within global markets, reflecting growing recognition that linguistic assets can contribute to innovation, trade and economic development.
For many participants, the gathering represents a shift from promoting Kiswahili as a symbol of African unity to positioning it as a language capable of generating investment, employment and international economic partnerships.
Notes to Editors
· The Second International Kiswahili Conference will be held in Paris, France, bringing together policymakers, academics, language experts, students and development partners to discuss the global future of Kiswahili.
· Kiswahili is spoken by more than 200 million people across East, Central and parts of Southern Africa, making it Africa's most widely spoken indigenous language.
· In 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated 7 July as World Kiswahili Language Day, recognising Kiswahili's contribution to cultural diversity, multilingualism and sustainable development.
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