Nigeria has been placed fifth among the best English-speaking countries in Africa and 29th globally in the latest English proficiency ranking.
Figures from the English Proficiency Index (EF Index) show that Nigeria trails South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia on the African continent, securing the fifth position.
On the global scale, Nigeria recorded a score of 568 points to rank 29th overall. The country placed behind nations including the Philippines, Zambia, Argentina, Serbia, Malaysia, Czechia, Hungary, Greece, Kenya, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Latvia, Poland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Finland, Romania, Slovakia, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Austria, Croatia, and the Netherlands.
South Africa emerged as the highest-ranked country in Africa, finishing 13th worldwide. Zimbabwe followed closely, also ranking 13th globally to take second place on the continent. Kenya and Zambia occupied the third and fourth positions in Africa, ranking 19th and 27th globally, while Nigeria followed as Africa’s fifth-best English-speaking country at 29th worldwide.
The EF Index is described as the world’s most extensive assessment of English language proficiency, drawing on data from millions of test participants across different countries.
“English remains the world’s most widely shared language for international communication. In a time of growing global complexity, its role as a common bridge between cultures, economies, and ideas is more important than ever,” said Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI and Head of Assessment at EF.
The EF EPI 2025 report was compiled using results from 2.2 million test takers who completed the EF Skills Evaluation Technology (EF SET), the largest free standardized English test globally. The latest edition also introduced assessments of speaking and writing skills for the first time, using artificial intelligence-based tools developed by EF’s education technology arm.
Top 10 English-speaking countries in Africa in 2025:
1. South Africa
South Africa leads the continent due to the extensive use of English in governance, education, media, and business. As one of its official languages, English plays a central role in national communication and economic activities.
2. Zimbabwe
English serves as the main language of instruction and administration in Zimbabwe, supported by strong literacy levels and historical educational structures that have sustained high proficiency.
3. Kenya
In Kenya, English is an official language alongside Swahili and is widely used in schools, courts, government offices, and professional settings, contributing to its strong ranking.
4. Zambia
Zambia’s use of English as its official language and primary medium of instruction in schools has strengthened its proficiency levels over time.
5. Nigeria
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading English-speaking nations, with English serving as the official language and a key medium for education, governance, business, and the media.
6. Ghana
English is Ghana’s official language and the main language of instruction throughout the education system, reinforcing its strong proficiency profile.
7. Uganda
Uganda uses English officially in schools, government, and professional environments, and it also plays a key role in regional trade and diplomacy.
8. Ethiopia
While not an official language, English is widely taught in Ethiopian secondary schools and universities and is commonly used in higher education and international affairs.
9. Tunisia
English usage is expanding in Tunisia, particularly among young people and professionals, gaining relevance in technology, tourism, and higher education sectors.
10. Morocco
In Morocco, English is increasingly embraced by students and the business community as an important tool for global trade and international engagement.
