The Kiswahili language has grown in Africa and beyond. The language has an estimate of over 200million speakers globally.

Due to its growth, it has had a lot of international recognition. At the beginning of the year, African Union (AU) declared the language as an official working language. In addition, in November, UNESCO declared 7th July as World Kiswahili Language Day.

The AU and UNESCO have renewed the push for Kiswahili to be a lingua franca in Africa. The campaign is said to benefit both the African continent and the world.

On thursday,14th April 2022, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued a definitive stamp to mark the birthday of Wangari Maathai, who was born on 1 April 1940. The €0.85 stamp is part of a series of definitive stamps illustrated by Martin Mörck (Norway). The German quote on the stamp reads “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope”.