Kampala, Uganda – The 2025 Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF), a premier conference dedicated to the promotion of Kiswahili, officially opened in Kampala with a resounding call for stakeholders to embrace the language as a tool for regional integration and global engagement.
Held at the Kololo Independence Grounds, the high level forum running till April 16, 2025, brought together delegates from over 11 countries, alongside international organizations committed to advancing Kiswahili.
The conference aims to foster dialogue around the development of the language, while addressing its current challenges and exploring future opportunities.
Kiswahili, one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages, plays a vital role as a lingua franca across East and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conference seeks to highlight its growing significance in communication, education, media, and cultural identity.
Among the notable speakers on the opening day were renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba, Prof. Adin Kizilege Mutembei of the University of Dar es Salaam, and Hon. Dr. Kisembo Ronex Tendo, Group CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest and host of the event. Their messages emphasized the importance of Kiswahili in driving development, unity, and cultural preservation.
Among other notable speakers expected is the renowned Pan-Africanist and respected academic, Professor PLO Lumumba.
The conference also featured vibrant cultural presentations by students from over 60 schools, colleges, and universities. Performances included poetry, storytelling, and music — all delivered in Kiswahili — showcasing the language’s rich expressive power and its role in youth engagement.
With more than 3,000 participants in attendance, including linguists, academics, educators, students, policymakers, and cultural advocates, the conference offers a dynamic platform for collaboration. Activities include workshops, panel discussions, and debates on topics such as language policy, the integration of Kiswahili in education systems, its use in technology and literature, and its role in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
As the conference unfolds, participants remain focused on reinforcing Kiswahili’s status not only as a regional unifier but also as a key to Africa’s broader cultural and economic development.
They also used the occasion to celebrate the 103rd birthday of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
