By No. 1 Citizen
East African Community (EAC) Secretariat received state-of-the-art translation and interpretation equipment from the French Government, a move to enhance multilingual communication and cooperation within the region
The equipment were formally handed over to the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Hon. Annette Ssemuwemba, by Mr. Luc Blanco, the Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy in Tanzania, representing the French Ambassador.
The translation and interpretation equipment includes: 5 Sennheiser SKM UHF 2020 handheld microphones, 70 Stetho receptor Sennheiser HDE 2020-DII receivers, 2 Sennheiser EZL 2020 charging and transport cases and 2 Sennheiser suitcase power cables.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Hon. Ssemuwemba highlighted the importance of this initiative in streamlining communication and fostering collaboration among the EAC Partner States.
She emphasized that the equipment will facilitate real-time multilingual interpretation during meetings, breaking down language barriers and ensuring inclusive participation.
“This support is a testament to the continued and strengthened cooperation between the EAC and the French Government,” said the Deputy Secretary General.
Mr. Blanco reiterated the French Embassy’s commitment to supporting the EAC’s efforts in promoting linguistic diversity and facilitating dialogue during meetings and events.
He underscored the significant impact the new equipment will have on the EAC’s ability to conduct its activities in multiple languages.
This development comes two years after the 21st Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, which adopted French and Kiswahili as official languages of the Community on February 27, 2021.