Zambia Launches Teaching of Kiswahili at University to Promote African Cultural Integration

The University of Zambia has inaugurated the teaching of Kiswahili, marking a significant step towards integrating African cultural values and enhancing regional communication. 

The initiative, launched with support from the University of Dar-es-Salaam under a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to offer Kiswahili courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Hon. Douglas Syakalima, Zambia’s Education Minister, emphasized Kiswahili’s role in decolonizing the education system and fostering peace through cultural understanding. 

He highlighted its widespread use across East Africa and its growing importance in inter-country trade and communication between Zambia and Tanzania.

“Increasing the number of Zambians learning Kiswahili will enhance communication and deepen cultural ties with our northern neighbor, Tanzania,” Hon. Syakalima remarked. 

He underscored Kiswahili’s status as one of the languages used at the African Union, aligning with aspirations for intra-African trade and cooperation.

Tanzanian High Commissioner to Zambia, Lieutenant General Mathew Mkingule, emphasized Kiswahili’s relevance with over 200 million speakers worldwide, noting its pivotal role in African linguistic diversity and communication.

University of Zambia Vice Chancellor, Professor Mundia Muya, hailed the launch as a milestone, stating, “Teaching Kiswahili will enrich our academic offerings and promote cross-cultural dialogue within the university and beyond.”