Full List: Nigeria Ranks 5th-Best English-Speaking Country in Africa
- The full list of the top ten best English-speaking countries in Africa for 2025 has emerged on Monday, January 5, 2026
- Nigeria ranked fifth in the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index for countries on the African continent
- The EF assessed English skills across 123 countries and regions, using data from 2.2 million test takers to arrive at the list
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Nigeria made the list of the top 10 English-speaking countries in Africa, according to the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index.
The English Proficiency Index ranked Nigeria as the fifth-best English-speaking country on the African continent.
Source: Getty Images
The report assessed English skills across 123 countries and regions using data from 2.2 million test takers.
As reported by The Punch, the 2025 edition also included, for the first time, speaking and writing skills, measured using artificial intelligence technology developed by EF’s education technology arm.
The author of the EF EPI and EF’s Head of Assessment, Kate Bell, said:
“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.”
10 best English-speaking countries in Africa 2025
- South Africa
South Africa’s English language skills ranked 13th in the world and first in Africa, making it the highest-ranked country on the continent. Widespread use in government, education, media, and business.
Zimbabwe also ranked 13th globally and second in Africa. English is the primary language of instruction and administration. Official language alongside Swahili, widely used in urban and professional settings.
- Kenya
Kenya is ranked 19th in the world and occupies the third position in Africa.
- Zambia
Zambia is ranked 27th globally, placing it fourth in Africa.
- Nigeria
Nigeria ranked 29th worldwide, emerging as the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa.
- Ghana
English is used from basic to tertiary education and in public administration in the country, making it emerge as the sixth-best in Africa.
- Uganda
English is the country's official language, playing a key role in trade, diplomacy, and professional environments.
Others that make up the top 10 include:
- Ethiopia
- Tunisia
- Morocco
Increasing popularity in schools and business for global trade and relations.
Source: UGC
Nigeria ranked 3rd best English-speaking African country in 2023
Recall that in 2023, Nigeria got international recognition from the Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).
According to the ranking, Nigeria was the third best English-speaking nation in Africa and 28th globally, finishing behind South Africa and Kenya, which ranked first and second, respectively.
10 most proficient English-Speaking countries
Legit.ng also reported the 10 most proficient countries when it comes to English language, which is spoken by nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide.
Of these, 400 million speak it as a primary language, while over 1 billion use it as their secondary means of communication.
If the number of native and non-native speakers were combined, English would be the single most widely adopted and spoken universal language.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
