Summary
Somalia plans to start teaching the Swahili language in schools and universities. This decision aims to strengthen Somalia's ties with the East African Community, which it joined in early 2024. Swahili is widely spoken in Africa, especially in East Africa.
Key Facts
- Somalia will begin teaching Swahili in its educational institutions.
- Swahili will be added to other languages taught in Somalia: Somali, Arabic, and English.
- The decision is part of Somalia's efforts to integrate with the East African Community (EAC).
- The EAC is a regional bloc with eight member countries and a population of 300 million.
- Swahili has 200 million speakers worldwide and is commonly spoken in East Africa.
- Somalia joined the EAC in 2024, enabling more trade and movement with other member countries.
- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the plan to teach Swahili at a summit in Mogadishu.
