World Kiswahili Day @ House of Lords London-Keynote Address Ahmed Rajab

Ahmed Rajab Ali Muhammed is an accomplished individual with an impressive educational background and a distinguished career in various fields. He pursued his secondary education at King George VI Secondary School in Zanzibar and continued his studies at Westminster College in London, where he obtained his GCE and A Levels. In 1971, he earned his BA (Hons) in Philosophy from Birkbeck College, University of London. Subsequently, in 1974, he completed a University of London Postgraduate Diploma in Urbanisation in Developing Countries. His academic journey led him to the University of Sussex, where he achieved an MA in African Studies, specializing in Modern African Literature and African Political Economy in 1980.
During his professional career, Ahmed Rajab Ali Muhammed demonstrated his expertise and dedication. Between 1964 and 1978, he served as Acting Head/Producer/Programme Assistant at the BBC Africa Service's Swahili Service in London. From 1980 to 1983, he contributed as a Consultant at the UNESCO Communications Office in Kenya. His involvement with the media continued as he joined BBC World Service in London as a Producer in 1984. He later advanced to the position of Senior Editor at Africa Events, London.
Rajab's intellectual contributions extend beyond his work in media. He is an accomplished writer with a collection of notable publications. His work "A Chilly Wind over the Indian Ocean" appears in the book "Pioneers, Rebels, and a few Villains: 150 Years of Journalism in Eastern Africa," edited by Charles Onyango-Obbo and published by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Johannesburg. Additionally, he has penned articles for prominent newspapers in Johannesburg and London.
His active engagement in various capacities further highlights his commitment to meaningful causes. He has served on numerous boards, including the Independent Advice Panel for Restructuring the BBC World Service in English, chaired by Michael Green in 1997. He contributed as a US-based Electoral Observer for The Institute for Democratic Strategies in Equatorial Guinea. Ahmed Rajab Ali Muhammed also held the position of Chairman for the Pan-African Association of Writers and Journalists in London.
Ahmed's multilingual abilities are evident through his proficiency in languages. Kiswahili is his mother tongue, and he is fluent in English. Additionally, he possesses reasonable competence in Arabic and French.
Born in Vuga, Zanzibar, Ahmed Rajab Ali Muhammed relocated to the UK in 1964 and has since made it his home. His outstanding achievements and diverse experiences make him a remarkable individual.
It is with great honor that to host Mr. Ahmed Rajab as our Keynote Speaker for World Kiswahili Day 2023. His expertise, accomplishments, and dedication make him a fitting choice for this prestigious role.

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Mwenye zimngu Ampe kauli thabit.
Amin.

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