CALL FOR INNOVATORS: Shape the Digital Future of Kiswahili
Unleash your creativity. Pioneer the next era for East Africa’s lingua franca. Join a movement to revolutionize Kiswahili for the digital age.
The East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) and the East African Community (EAC) invite you to participate in the Digital Innovation Challenge, a landmark competition designed to galvanize youth-led technological solutions for the Kiswahili language.
This challenge is a core component of The EYE Forum (EAKC/EAC Youth Engagement), a dynamic pre-event to the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, in July 2025. We are searching for the brightest young minds from across the EAC to build the tools and platforms that will define Kiswahili's future.
Challenge 1: Kiswahili AI and NLP Tools for the Digital Era
How might we develop cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools that understand, interpret, and generate Kiswahili to power inclusive digital platforms, voice assistants, translation apps, and education technologies across East Africa?
Focus areas may include:
- Kiswahili speech-to-text and text-to-speech engines
- Chatbots or virtual assistants in Kiswahili
- Real-time translation or subtitling tools
- Voice recognition or sentiment analysis in Kiswahili
Challenge 2: Creative Digital Content to Elevate Kiswahili Online
How might we inspire and scale innovative digital content—apps, games, multimedia, or storytelling platforms—that make Kiswahili the language of choice for digital expression, learning, and commerce in East Africa?
Focus areas may include:
- Culturally relevant Kiswahili e-learning or gaming platforms
- Kiswahili digital storytelling (e.g. podcasts, YouTube channels, web comics)
- Tools to promote Kiswahili in online commerce and social media
- Platforms to preserve and digitize indigenous dialects under the Kiswahili umbrella
The Challenge 3: Digitize and Monetize Kiswahili
Do you have a groundbreaking idea to expand the reach, utility, and accessibility of Kiswahili? We are calling for proposals and prototypes for digital tools that can transform how Kiswahili is learned, used, and integrated into the global digital economy.
We are looking for innovations in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advanced translation tools, AI-driven content creation, or Swahili Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Mobile Applications: Tools for seamless cross-border trade, business communication, or daily use.
- E-Learning Platforms: Gamified language apps, immersive virtual reality courses, or comprehensive online learning systems.
- Digital Content & Storytelling: Innovative platforms for cultural preservation, animation, and modern media in Kiswahili.
- Fintech & E-commerce: Solutions that integrate Kiswahili for financial literacy and regional trade.
Why You Should Apply
This is more than a competition—it’s your chance to launch a career, gain visibility, and make a lasting impact on the future of Kiswahili in the digital age.
- Pitch on a Regional Stage:
Be among the top 10–20 finalists selected to showcase your innovation at the “Kiswahili-Tech” Pitch Fest;
Join a regional cohort of innovators. Access mentorship from leading tech hubs across East Africa.
- Engage with Decision-Makers:
Pitch your solution to a high-level panel of tech entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and language experts.
- Grow Your Network:
Connect with fellow innovators and industry leaders—including representatives from Google, Microsoft, and other major players.
- Influence Policy:
Contribute to the creation of the “Youth Declaration on Digital Kiswahili”, a key document that will shape regional language and technology policy.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from:
- Youth aged 15–35 from all EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Coders, software developers, content creators, animators, and tech entrepreneurs.
- University students and researchers in ICT, Computer Science, Linguistics, and related fields.
- Individuals or teams with bold ideas and a passion for technology, Kiswahili, and cultural innovation.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be reviewed by a panel of experts using the following criteria:
- Innovation: How original, creative, and forward-thinking is the solution?
- Scalability: Can the idea be expanded and adopted widely across the East African Community?
- Impact: Does the project address real-world challenges and contribute to the EAC’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- Inclusivity: Is the solution accessible and user-friendly for people from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized or underserved communities?
- Viability: Is the project practical and achievable? Does it have potential for sustainability and revenue generation?
How to Participate
- Develop Your Idea:
Create a detailed proposal and/or a mock-up of your digital tool, platform, or content that promotes Kiswahili in the digital space.
- Submission of innovation:
Each innovation shall not exceed 300 words, and shall be in MS Word, New Times Roman, font size 12, with no more than 5 keywords. - Submit Your Application:
Fill out the online application form and upload your proposal through the official submission portal.- Application Link: www.kiswahili.eac.int or submit to: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Meet the Deadline:
Ensure your complete application is submitted by: 25th June 2025 at 5pm EAT. Late submissions will not be considered.
Awards & Benefits
1. Successful candidates will participate in the Youth Engagement during the Kiswahili Day celebrations;
2. Mentorship & Acceleration Support
- Selected innovators will be enrolled in a regional incubation or acceleration programme, hosted by top East African tech hubs.
- Receive ongoing technical guidance, business coaching, and product development support.
4. Visibility & Media Exposure
- Winners and finalists will be featured on regional media platforms, online showcases, and the official EAC and partner websites.
- Opportunities to be highlighted in stories by partners like EASTECO Innovation Hub.
5. Networking & Investment Opportunities
- Connect with tech leaders, investors, VCs, and policymakers during the pitch fest and beyond.
- Get access to regional innovation and startup networks.
6. Policy Influence
- All finalists will contribute to the Youth Declaration on Digital Kiswahili, helping shape regional language and digital innovation policy.
7. Certification & Recognition
- All finalists and winners will receive an official certificate of recognition from EAKC and its partners.
Don’t miss this chance to lead the digital transformation of Kiswahili. Your innovation could break barriers, open up new economic opportunities, and help secure Kiswahili’s future as a dynamic global language for generations to come. Be part of the movement—make your mark today.
Apply now and become a pioneer of the digital future of Kiswahili!