Ranking of African Countries with Outstanding English Skills and Speakers in 2025

In the vast and diverse continent of Africa, English is making significant strides as a language of administration, education, and daily conversations. Here's a look at some of the countries leading the way in English proficiency.

Kenya, with an EF EPI score of 581, ranks second in Africa for English proficiency. English is extensively used in schools, media, and daily conversations, especially among tech and finance professionals who reside and work in Nairobi.

Ghana, with an EF EPI value of 534, tops the list of English-speaking countries in West Africa. English is the official language, and it is commonly heard in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast, particularly among young people and professionals.

Nigeria, despite having over 500 different languages spoken, ranks third on the continent with a score of 557 on the EF EPI. Interestingly, Nigerian Pidgin, a mix of English and native African languages, is often used by most Nigerians in everyday conversations and arts.

South Africa, with a score of 594 on the EF EPI 2024, takes the lead for English proficiency in Africa. English is most commonly used in business, education, the legal system, and media, more so than anywhere else on the continent. Universities like the University of Cape Town and Wits offer English-taught classes.

Tanzania, with a score of 487 on the EF EPI 2024, indicates that educated and urban people usually use English for official and business-related purposes. English is important in secondary and tertiary education, with students often taking courses in English at universities in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma.

Countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are also seeing a rise in English usage. Algeria is adapting English usage quickly, with universities in Algiers and Oran creating more English programs, and companies in tech and tourism using English more often for international dealings. Morocco is adapting English usage rapidly, with the youth choosing English over Arabic and French due to the growing influence of tourism, technology, and global business. Tunisia is gradually shifting towards different language choices, with an English proficiency score of 496 on the EF EPI 2024.

Uganda, with an average score of 518 in Africa, requires and widely uses English in business, government, and schools.

In Ethiopia, English proficiency stands at 498 on the EF EPI 2024, placing it sixth in Africa for English proficiency.

Lastly, it's worth noting that Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda, which have ties to English colonialism, are leading in English proficiency. These countries, along with South Africa and the West African ECOWAS region, use English most actively and effectively in administration, education, law, and media.

This shift towards English in Africa is a testament to the continent's global connections and its growing role in the world.

Ranking of African Countries with Outstanding English Skills and Speakers in 2025