Switzerland celebrates Francophonie Days in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, April 2026 – The Embassy of Switzerland joined fellow Francophone embassies in Tanzania in celebrating the Francophonie Days, an annual initiative promoting the French language, cultural diversity and international cooperation. This year’s celebrations held particular significance for Switzerland, which marks the 30th anniversary of its membership in the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
Held between March and May 2026, the celebrations brought together thirteen diplomatic missions in Tanzania that are members of the OIF: Belgium, Burundi, Canada, Comoros, Egypt, France, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland and Vietnam. Through a varied programme of cultural, artistic and educational activities, the participating embassies celebrated the French language in its linguistic and cultural diversity.
As a multilingual country with four national languages, including French, Switzerland places particular importance to linguistic diversity and intercultural dialogue. Since joining the OIF in 1996, Switzerland has worked with partners worldwide to promote democracy, peace and human rights, multilingualism, education, digital governance and economic prosperity.
Launch of the Francophonie Days
Switzerland participated in the official launch of the Francophonie Days during a press conference held in March at Alliance Française in Dar es Salaam. Representing Switzerland, Deputy Head of Mission Holger Tausch joined ambassadors and representatives of the Francophone community to highlight the importance of cultural exchange, multilingualism and cooperation. In his remarks, Mr Tausch underlined Switzerland’s longstanding engagement in the Francophonie and noted the growing interest in the French language among young people in Tanzania.
Celebrating culture through film
As part of its contribution to this year’s programme, the Embassy hosted a screening of the award-winning film Wallay by Swiss-Burkinabè filmmaker Berni Goldblat at the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence on 25 March. Around 80 guests attended, including students from Tuwapende Watoto Schools, French-language learners from Alliance Française, members of the diplomatic community and invited guests.
In her welcome speech, the Swiss Ambassador Nicole Providoli highlighted that the event formed part of the celebration of La Journée de la Francophonie and marked an important milestone for Switzerland - the 30th anniversary of its membership in the OIF. The Ambassador also noted the important role of cinema in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding across borders. Through its exploration of identity, belonging and intercultural exchange, Wallay offered an opportunity to reflect on values central to the Francophonie.
Engaging young learners
On 28 April, the Embassy welcomed students studying French from the Aga Khan International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Dar es Salaam as part of the Francophonie Days. During the visit, students learned more about Switzerland’s multilingual identity and French-speaking heritage and exchanged with the Ambassador and Embassy colleagues on Switzerland and the Embassy’s work in Tanzania.
Through its participation in the Francophonie Days, Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to the values of dialogue, cultural diversity and international cooperation that underpin the Francophonie.