Kiswahili word of the month

Mustakabali

[moo‑stah‑kah‑bah‑lee] Noun, singular

Mustakabali means the future — everything that lies ahead, whether for a person, a community or the planet. It is the term you’ll hear in speeches, policy papers and more formal conversations when people are discussing long‑term hopes, plans and responsibilities.

History

The word traces its roots to the Indian‑Ocean trade era, when Swahili merchants and Arab sailors exchanged more than just spices and textiles; they also swapped words. Mustakabali originated from the Arabic word‎‎ mustaqbal, which means “that which is in front.”

Because the word was mostly used by educated people, mustakabali kept a formal, almost visionary feel. Today, it is still the go‑to word in newspapers, parliamentary debates and NGO reports when Tanzanians or Kenyans reflect on their shared future.

How to use the word…

• Tukilinda mazingira leo, tunalinda mustakabali wetu.
  By protecting the environment today, we safeguard our future.
• Wasomi walijadili mustakabali wa uchumi wa kidijitali barani Afrika.
  Scholars discussed the future of the digital economy in Africa.
• Nina matumaini makubwa kuhusu mustakabali wangu baada ya kuhitimu.
  I have great hopes for my future after graduation.