Dar es Salaam, 9 May 2025
In a historic and deeply symbolic moment, Kiswahili took centre stage for the first time at the global eLearning Africa 2025 conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The groundbreaking session titled “Akili Unde kwa Ajili Yako” (Akili Unde for You) took place on Friday, 9 May, and marked a significant stride in the conference’s 18-year legacy of promoting digital learning in Africa.
Innovation for Africa, in Our Own Language
For nearly two decades, eLearning Africa has brought together global stakeholders to explore the future of education and technology on the continent. Among the many sessions at this year’s conference, one stood out for its cultural and symbolic significance: the first ever to be conducted entirely in Kiswahili.
Titled “Innovation for Africa: Digital Content, Education, and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,” the session positioned Kiswahili not only as a language of communication, but also as a medium for learning, innovation, and empowerment.
By hosting this session in Kiswahili, the organisers highlighted the transformative potential of African languages in education and technology – particularly in expanding meaningful access for all.
Dynamic Speakers and Diverse Participation
Chaired by Charles Senkondo of Tanzania, the session featured two highly respected Tanzanian innovators:
- James Massawe, representing Elimika Wikiendi, shared how Akili Unde (AI) is being used to provide alternative learning for adults – especially those excluded from formal systems – using Kiswahili and simple, accessible technologies.
- Ngongi Anett, from Ubongo Learning, highlighted how AI is being leveraged to improve educational media for children by making it contextually relevant and engaging through the use of Kiswahili.
Attendees included participants from East and West Africa, Francophone countries, Europe, and sign language users – underscoring the unifying and inclusive power of Kiswahili.
Aida Opoku Mensa: A Language for Empowerment
In a heartfelt contribution, Aida Opoku Mensa, one of the distinguished voices at the session, commended the decision to conduct the session in Kiswahili, stating:
“This was not just a session – it was the beginning of a new era. Kiswahili has proven itself as a language of inclusive technology, authentic communication, and African-led development. It’s time we honour our languages as engines of innovation.”
Reflections from the Speakers
James Massawe remarked:
“This was a special moment – not only for the content shared but for the historical context. It was an honour to speak in Kiswahili to a global audience about Akili Unde. We’ve shown that Kiswahili is a language of knowledge – not just for the home, but for the world.”
Ngongi Anett added:
“At Ubongo Learning, we’ve seen how Kiswahili enables effective educational communication with children. This session proved it yet again – it’s the beginning of real inclusion through African languages and technology.”
Knowledge, Unity, and a New Future
This first Kiswahili session at eLearning Africa opened new doors for the recognition and use of African languages in knowledge sharing and innovation. It celebrated not only education and digital tools, but also identity, cultural pride, and empowerment.
By Charles Senkondo
