Nigeria has been ranked the fifth best English-speaking country in Africa and 29th in the world in the 2025 English Proficiency Index released by Education First.
The ranking was published in the 2025 edition of the EF English Proficiency Index, which assessed adult English language skills across 123 countries and regions globally.
Education First said the index is the world’s most comprehensive review of English proficiency, based on data gathered from millions of test participants around the world.
The report is built on results from 2.2 million people who took the EF Skills Evaluation Technology test, described as the world’s largest free standardised English test for individuals and organisations.
For the first time, the 2025 report also assessed speaking and writing skills, using artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, EF’s education technology arm.
Speaking on the report, the author of the EF EPI and EF’s Head of Assessment, Kate Bell, said English continues to play a key role in global communication.
“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,” Bell said.
According to the ranking, South Africa emerged as the best English-speaking country in Africa and placed 13th globally. Zimbabwe followed closely, ranking second in Africa and also 13th in the world.
Kenya and Zambia placed third and fourth in Africa, ranking 19th and 27th globally, while Nigeria came fifth on the continent and 29th worldwide.
EF noted that Nigeria’s performance reflects the widespread use of English as the country’s official language and its role in education, governance, media, and business.
Below are the 10 best English-speaking countries in Africa in 2025, according to the EF English Proficiency Index.
1. South Africa
South Africa tops the African ranking due to the extensive use of English in government, education, business, and the media. It serves as a unifying language in the country’s multilingual society.
2. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe ranks second as English remains the main language of instruction and administration, supported by strong literacy levels and long-standing educational structures.
3. Kenya
Kenya continues to rank highly, with English used widely in schools, courts, government institutions, and professional environments alongside Swahili.
4. Zambia
English is Zambia’s official language and the main medium of instruction in schools, contributing to steady proficiency across the country.
5. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks fifth in Africa, with English serving as the official language and the main means of communication across education, governance, media, and commerce.
6. Ghana
Ghana’s strong performance is linked to English being the official language and widely used from basic education to higher institutions.
7. Uganda
Uganda maintains a high ranking as English is commonly used in schools, government offices, and professional settings.
8. Ethiopia
Although not an official language, English is widely used in Ethiopia’s education system, especially at secondary and university levels.
9. Tunisia
Tunisia’s ranking reflects the growing use of English among young people and professionals, particularly in technology, tourism, and higher education.
10. Morocco
Morocco continues to improve as English gains popularity among students and the business community, especially for international trade and relations.
