DAR ES SALAAM, July 3 -- KISWAHILI is no longer simply a regional language of East Africa; it is steadily becoming a global language. Across Africa and beyond, interest in learning Kiswahili continues to grow, opening important opportunities for Tanzania and the wider Kiswahili-speaking community.

The international attention given to the 2024 Havana Conference, followed by the Paris Conference beginning tomorrow demonstrates a clear intention by governments and institutions to promote Kiswahili on the world stage. The question, however, is whether we are fully prepared to benefit from this growing global demand.

The answer is not yet. If Kiswahili is to become a major international language, serious investment must follow. More Kiswahil...