Awareness Arts and culture

World Kiswahili Language Day

World Kiswahili Language Day on 7 July celebrates Kiswahili, spoken by more than 200 million people across East, Central and Southern Africa.

  • UK
  • USA
  • Ireland (not marked)
  • Canada (not marked)
  • Australia (not marked)
  • New Zealand (not marked)
  • International
OrganiserUNESCO
ListingAdded by us from official sources
Last checked19 October 2026
First heldNot known

About the day

UNESCO recognised Kiswahili as the first African language with its own international day, and the UN General Assembly has affirmed it. The day promotes multilingualism, peace and African unity.

Dates for the next three years

YearDateWhereStatus
2027Wednesday 7 July 2027UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year
2028Friday 7 July 2028UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year
2029Saturday 7 July 2029UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year

Where this information comes from

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