The East African Community (EAC) has officially adopted Kiswahili and French as its new official languages, marking a historic shift in the region’s linguistic policy. The decision was finalized during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, held in Tanzania, where amendments to Article 137 of the EAC Treaty were signed and ratified.
Previously, English was designated as the official language, while Kiswahili was intended for regional development as a common language. However, Kiswahili had not been formally recognized as an official language across all eight member states until this landmark change. The inclusion of French, already the official language of several EAC member countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further reflects the region’s commitment to multilingualism and integration.
This decision comes at a time when South Sudan, an important member of the EAC, continues its growing integration into the community. The addition of these languages underscores the EAC’s push towards fostering unity and reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of its member states.
In addition to the language changes, Kenya’s President William Ruto was appointed as the new Chairperson of the EAC for the 2024/25 term. President Hussein Mohamud of Somalia will serve as the new rapporteur, with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir having previously held the chairmanship. President Ruto emphasized the need for enhanced peace, stability, and economic development across the region, highlighting trade as a pivotal factor in driving regional integration.
“Trade is a key engine for economic growth. We must address barriers to intra-EAC trade and work to eliminate non-tariff barriers, improve infrastructure connectivity, and harmonize regulations. This will help create a seamless trading environment, boosting our economic competitiveness,” President Ruto said.
The Heads of State also agreed to expedite the formation of the EAC Political Federation, the final stage of the community’s integration process. The concept was first proposed in 1963 by the founding fathers of the EAC, and while it has remained an unfulfilled aspiration, recent efforts indicate a renewed commitment to achieving this vision.
The leaders also stressed the importance of fully implementing the Customs Union and Common Market protocols, which are crucial for stimulating intra-regional trade. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reflected on the region’s rich historical trade routes, noting how colonial boundaries disrupted longstanding economic ties. He argued that the establishment of a political federation could have prevented conflicts that have marred the region, including in Uganda, Rwanda, and Somalia.
President Ruto also highlighted the overwhelming public support for regional integration, citing a 2010 survey, and commended efforts in Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya towards drafting a constitution for the EAC Political Confederation. He further acknowledged the progress in Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, which have set dates for their own consultations.
As the EAC continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s leading regional economic community, intra-regional trade now stands at 28%, the highest on the continent. Ruto also reaffirmed Kenya’s role in facilitating peace processes in South Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda, while supporting the merging of peace initiatives for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.