After reading a BBC News story yesterday about Facebook launching for Swahili speakers it got me to thinking how important this is for online marketers all over the world. With 110 Million people in Africa speaking the language and Facebook already offering the Southern African Language of Afrikaans, with plans to then add an option for Zulu (which is now taught in the majority of schools around the region) you cannot underestimate the power and reach that Facebook will have in the future. Opening up these future markets to the world and giving them communication openly & easily with people all around the world in their own languages can only be a future progression for them to enter world markets more freely. The interaction that worldwide brands can have with these sectors who are largely untouched because of access, capabilities and in some cases the danger of their countries where they live, means that for brands to be able to reach people easily online can only be an attractive future opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing how brands and marketers will use this new Social Media integration and hopefully will get the chance to do it too! Need help with your Social Media Strategy?