TANZANIA’s embassy in Sweden in collaboration with Tanzanian community organisations organised a colourful event ahead of World Kiswahili Language Day today.

A statement by Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi on the celebration in Stockholm at the weekend said that the government was committed to promote Kiswahili as a global language.

The celebration brought together hundreds of Kiswahili speakers and enthusiasts from across the Scandinavia and beyond as the World Kiswahili Language Day is marked on July 7 annually.

It was established by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2022 to recognise the global significance of Kiswahili and its role in promoting cross-cultural communication and unity, the statement indicated.

 “Thanks to Tanzania’s long-standing efforts, Kiswahili is now an official working language of the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC),” he said.

Nyamko Sabuni, the former Equality and Gender minister in Sweden, shared her personal reflections on the value of Kiswahili in connecting African nations and peoples. 

The language plays an essential role in conducting business dealings across East Africa, she said, pointing at Kenya in particular.

The event was marked by vibrant displays of Swahili culture and Tanzanian heritage, including traditional cuisine, fashion shows, craft exhibitions, music, poetry, dance and storytelling for children, it affirmed. 

Attendees were also treated to cultural artefacts and products like spices and decorative arts, all reflecting the rich tapestry of Swahili civilisation.

More than 500 participants attended the event, including Tanzanian nationals, members of the regional Diaspora, Swedish friends and diplomatic representatives from Botswana, China, Eritrea, India, Japan, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, it added.