English skill remains a key asset in today’s globalised world, influencing education, business, diplomacy, and international engagement. In Africa, where English often serves as an official language or primary medium of instruction, proficiency levels vary from country to country based on history, education systems, and institutional use. According to the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) — a global assessment of English language ability involving more than 2.2 million adults — several African nations stand out for their English language competence.

Understanding which countries perform well in English provides insight into workforce readiness, cross-border communication capacity, and attractiveness for foreign investment and regional collaboration.

How English Proficiency Is Measured

The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) evaluates real-world English ability in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Countries are categorised into levels from Very High to Very Low proficiency based on test scores, offering a snapshot of how well adults can use English in professional and everyday contexts.

In Africa, English proficiency tends to be higher in countries where English is widely used in government, education, media, and business. Nations with long-standing English-medium schooling systems often record stronger performance.

Top English-Speaking Countries in Africa — 2025 EF EPI Rankings

Below are the African countries that scored highest in English proficiency, according to the EF EPI 2025 report.

1. South Africa – EF EPI Score 602 (Very High)

2. Zimbabwe – EF EPI Score 602 (Very High)

3. Kenya – EF EPI Score 593 (High)

4. Zambia – EF EPI Score 573 (High)

5. Nigeria – EF EPI Score 568 (High)

6. Ghana – EF EPI Score 540 (Moderate)

7. Uganda – EF EPI Score 518 (Moderate)

8. Ethiopia – EF EPI Score 499 (Low)

9. Tunisia – EF EPI Score 498 (Low)

10. Morocco – EF EPI Score 492 (Low)

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What These Rankings Mean

1. South Africa and Zimbabwe Lead the Continent

South Africa and Zimbabwe share the very high proficiency status in English — a strong indicator of broad use of the language across education, government, and media. In South Africa, English functions widely in formal domains even though many citizens speak other languages in everyday life. In Zimbabwe, English is prominent in schooling and public administration.

2. East African Strength: Kenya and Zambia

Kenya and Zambia both score in the high proficiency category. In Kenya, English is an official language alongside Swahili and is prevalent in courts, schools, and urban professional settings. Zambia’s consistent use of English in government and education supports its strong showing.

3. Nigeria and Ghana: Key Players in West Africa

Nigeria and Ghana rank among Africa’s top English-speaking countries. English serves as the official language and primary medium of instruction in both nations, shaping public administration, education, and commerce. Nigeria, for example, ranks 5th on the continent and also places well globally in the 2025 EF rankings. Ghana follows closely, ranking 6th in Africa and 36th in the world.

4. Emerging Proficiency in Other Regions

Countries such as Uganda also demonstrate moderate English proficiency, reflecting strong institutional use of English despite multilingual contexts. Meanwhile, nations like Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco — where English is not always official — show lower proficiency levels but may still be increasing English use for business, tourism, and global engagement.

Why English Proficiency Matters

Strong English skills can affect a country’s global competitiveness and workforce mobility. Proficiency in English:

• Enhances international business engagement and foreign investment attraction

• Supports trade and diplomacy across borders

• Improves access to higher education and professional opportunities

• Aids in regional integration and partnerships

• Strengthens participation in global digital and service economies

These advantages are especially relevant for African countries seeking to expand their presence in international markets and attract multinational organisations.

Conclusion

The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index highlights how English remains a powerful medium for communication and opportunity across Africa. From established leaders like South Africa and Zimbabwe to emerging centres of proficiency like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, the data reflects the enduring role of English in education, governance, and global engagement. As countries work to improve language learning and expand opportunities for their citizens, English proficiency will continue to be a valuable asset in the continent’s ongoing development.