By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 13 November 2025 — Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on Wednesday hosted a high-level delegation from the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) in Mogadishu to discuss implementation of Swahili language across Somalia following its accession to the East African Community (EAC).
The delegation, led by EAKC Executive Secretary Caroline Asiimwe, met with Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala.
Talks focused on advancing the implementation of Kiswahili as one of the EAC’s official languages and strengthening cultural and educational cooperation.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced at the East African Conference (EACON 2025) in Mogadishu on 7 October that Somalia will introduce Swahili into its national school curriculum, aligning with EAC directives to promote Kiswahili as a unifying regional language.
Deputy Minister Al-Adala described the meeting as a major milestone in Somalia's integration efforts.
“We are very pleased to welcome the delegation responsible for implementing the Swahili language, one of the official languages of the East African Community. Somalia is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as a new member of the Community," he said.
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The Deputy Minister highlighted the opportunities that Somalia’s EAC membership provides, particularly for trade and education, allowing Somali citizens to travel, learn, and integrate more easily with other nationals.
Al-Adala also emphasized that implementing Kiswahili nationally is a shared responsibility and a crucial step for enhancing regional cooperation and communication.
“The implementation of the Swahili language as one of the official languages of the East African Community is a national responsibility that must be fulfilled across the country,” he added.
Caroline Asiimwe commended Somalia’s government for its proactive stance.
“We are here in the Federal Republic of Somalia to applaud the efforts taken by the government — first by the head of state for acknowledging Kiswahili and accepting that it can be considered as a subject in education. We are proud of that and ready to provide technical support wherever needed,” she said.
Somalia formally joined the East African Community in November 2023 following a decision by the 23rd Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha.
