Urgent Call for Investment in AI for Swahili Language Development
Bujumbura, Burundi | The East African Swahili Language Commission (EAKC) has emphasized the critical need for immediate investment in artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital language systems. This initiative aims to ensure that Swahili adapts to global technological advancements while playing a vital role in regional integration.
This call to action coincides with the approach of the 5th World Swahili Language Day celebrations and the 3rd EAKC International Conference, slated to take place in Bujumbura, Burundi, from July 2 to July 7. The conference will convene representatives from East African Community (EAC) member states, alongside academics, technical experts, policymakers, and development partners, focusing on the theme ‘Swahili, Multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).’
Swahili’s Growing Global Influence
EAKC Executive Director Dr. Caroline Asimwe highlighted that Swahili, spoken by over 250 million people worldwide, is increasingly recognized as a significant cultural and economic asset for Africa. During a pre-conference press briefing on July 4, Asimwe stated, “Swahili is one of the fastest-growing global languages,” further underscoring its role not only as a means of communication but also as a strategic tool for peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Multilingualism as a Vehicle for Economic Growth
Dr. Asimwe noted that multilingualism in Africa should be viewed as a facilitator of economic activity rather than an obstacle. She pointed to its crucial role in trade, tourism, investment, and cross-border collaboration within the East African region. The commission acknowledges that while AI presents significant opportunities, it also poses risks, particularly as African languages remain underrepresented in digital systems, including machine learning models and language datasets.
Swahili’s Role in the Digital Revolution
Dr. Asimwe stated a pressing need to position Swahili within the burgeoning AI ecosystem. “We must ensure that Swahili not only adapts to the digital revolution but actively influences it,” she emphasized. This goal calls for strengthened partnerships among governments, researchers, and private sector technology innovators to develop open-source Swahili language datasets and AI tools that reflect local linguistic nuances and cultural contexts.
Empowering Youth in Digital Innovation
The EAKC has also stressed the importance of fostering youth-led digital innovation, advocating for their involvement in creating Swahili-focused digital content and applications. Moreover, a formal policy framework recognizing Swahili as an essential component of regional integration and public engagement has been identified as a critical need.
Shaping Language Policy and Digital Transformation
The conference will yield recommendations on language policy, digital transformation, and innovation, which EAC officials are optimistic will contribute to broader regional integration strategies. This gathering also marks a decade since the EAKC was established to oversee the development and promotion of Swahili throughout East Africa.
Future Directions for Swahili in Technology
Looking ahead, Dr. Asimwe outlined that the next phase of the EAKC’s work will center on integrating Swahili into emerging technologies, particularly within AI systems and digital communication platforms. “AI offers a strategic opportunity for Swahili to emerge as a significant language of innovation and knowledge production on the continent,” she asserted.
The East African Community has increasingly positioned Swahili as a unifying language among its member states, coexisting alongside English, French, and various indigenous languages. The Bujumbura conference arrives at a pivotal moment, as African governments deliberate on how to incorporate local languages into the digital framework. There are mounting concerns that neglecting African languages in technological advance may exacerbate linguistic exclusion.
