Somalia to increase Swahili teaching to boost East African ties

The Somali government has announced plans to increase the teaching of Swahili in the country's schools. This move is aimed at strengthening Somalia's ties with its East African neighbors and boosting regional trade. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that the initiative will accelerate Somalia's integration into the East African community, which is considered crucial for economic growth and development. By promoting the use of Swahili, a widely spoken language in the region, the government hopes to facilitate cross-border trade and cooperation. The decision comes as Somalia seeks to rebuild its economy and infrastructure following years of political instability and conflict. Improving regional integration is seen as a vital step in this process, as it can open up new markets and investment opportunities for Somali businesses. The plan to expand Swahili education is part of a broader strategy by the Somali government to strengthen its ties with its East African neighbors and position the country as a key player in the regional economy.