The English language holds immense importance on the global stage, acting as a bridge for communication, diplomacy, and information access. With Africa boasting a population exceeding 1 billion, around 130 million people on the continent converse in English. While 27 out of 54 African countries have adopted English as an official or secondary language, fluency levels vary significantly.
A Look at the Rankings
The 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by EF Education First assessed English proficiency globally. This ranking, which included 2.1 million adults from 113 countries, categorized nations into five tiers: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low.
Top Performers in Africa
Out of the 22 African countries ranked, South Africa emerged victorious, securing a spot in the ‘Very High Proficiency’ category alongside nations like Netherlands and Singapore. Kenya followed closely at number 19 under ‘High Proficiency,’ with Nigeria trailing behind at number 27 in the same band.
Beyond the Top Three
Ghana secured the number 34 position within the ‘Moderate Proficiency’ category, while Uganda placed at number 47 within the same tier.
A Summary of Top 5 English-Speaking African Countries
| Rank | Country | Global Ranking | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 9 | 605 |
| 2 | Kenya | 19 | 584 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 27 | 562 |
| 4 | Ghana | 34 | 537 |
| 5 | Uganda | 47 | 529 |
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Other African Nations
Several other African countries, including Tunisia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Morocco, featured in the rankings across moderate to very low proficiency categories.
The Takeaway
While South Africa reigns supreme in English proficiency within Africa, other nations like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda are making significant strides. This focus on English language acquisition opens doors to global opportunities and knowledge for African citizens.
