Beyond Trade and Politics: Language and Cultural Diplomacy for a Better World
By Christopher Karenzi
Kigali, Rwanda — 30 August 2026
The AFRICASIA INITIATIVE (ABI), under the auspices of the Confucius Institute of the University of Rwanda, Remera Campus, organised a three-hour Language and Culture Seminar and Book Exhibition on “The Role of Languages in Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism.”
According to Professor Pacifique Malonga, a major highlight was a multilingual book exhibition by young Rwandan books exhibitor Arsene Bahizi, featuring publications in Ikinyarwanda, Kiswahili, English, Chinese, French and Shona, including Ikinyarwanda–Kiswahili–English, Kiswahili–Chinese–English, Wesomese Oluswahili n’Olungeleza, French–English–Kiswahili, Shona–Kiswahili–English and Language & Tourism.
The discussions highlighted the growing importance of language and culture as tools of diplomacy, demonstrating that relations between nations extend beyond trade and politics. Language creates opportunities for people to understand different histories, identities and traditions, while cultural diplomacy strengthens friendship and cooperation between peoples. Rwanda–Africa–Asia Language, Culture, Literacy and Tourism Seminar and Book Exhibition
The seminar also explored the connection between language, literacy and tourism, emphasising the importance of multilingual communication in promoting cultural heritage and creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
The participation of speakers from Rwanda, China, Pakistan and Zimbabwe further highlighted Rwanda’s potential as a meeting point for Africa–Asia cultural, educational and people-to-people cooperation.
The central message of the seminar was clear: “Beyond trade and politics, there is language and cultural diplomacy.”
The event reaffirmed the vision of “Literacy in Rwanda, Africa, Asia and Beyond for a Better World”—using books, languages and culture to build bridges of understanding, friendship, tourism and peace. By promoting languages, we promote understanding. By promoting culture, we build bridges. And by promoting literacy, we empower people to cross those bridges.
The event brought together distinguished diplomats, academics, cultural practitioners and literacy advocates from Rwanda, China, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, including Rtd Gen Dr Emmanuel Ndahiro, Professor Pacifique Malonga, Dr Zeng Guangyu, H.E. Ambassador Naeem Khan, H.E. Ambassador Professor Charity Manyeruke, Dr Ismael Buchanan and Umutesi Egidia of SOMA Rwanda.
