The Center for Foreign Languages at Somali National University has launched a Swahili Language Programme, one of the most tangible outcomes yet of the East African Cooperation and Economic Integration Conference (EACON 2025). It shows how regional policy can become practical education.

Introduced alongside SNU’s English, Somali and Arabic courses, the programme prepares students, professionals and public institutions for deeper participation in the East African Community (EAC).

A vision announced at EACON 2025. At the conference, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to the EAC and announced plans to introduce Swahili-language education nationwide, recognising language as an enabler of trade, diplomacy, labour mobility, tourism and research. SNU’s launch is among the first institutional steps towards that vision.

Universities driving regional integration. Swahili is spoken by more than 200 million people across East and Central Africa and is an official working language of the EAC. As Somalia deepens its regional engagement, SNU joins universities across the bloc in preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected region.

Registration is open. Classes begin in October 2026 and the Swahili course lasts one year. The programme is expected to support academic mobility and student exchange, research collaboration with EAC universities and employment across the region.