Somalia Adopts Swahili to Deepen Ties with East African Community

Somalia plans to promote Swahili teaching in schools and universities, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced at an East African Community (EAC) summit. Swahili will be taught alongside Somali, Arabic, and English, reflecting Somalia’s deeper integration with the eight-member regional bloc, which uses Swahili officially. The Somali National University and other institutions are encouraged to develop Swahili skills. Somalia joined the EAC in early 2024, linking 300 million people across East Africa. While many Somalis in Kenya and Tanzania already speak Swahili, this marks its first official adoption in Somalia, aiming to boost communication, trade, and education.