Nigeria named 5th best English-speaking African country
Nigeria has been positioned as the fifth-best English-speaking nation in Africa and ranks 29th worldwide in the 2025 English Proficiency Index released by Education First, an international educational organization.
The ranking was included in the 2025 edition of the EF English Proficiency Index, which assessed adult English language skills across 123 countries and regions globally.
Education First noted that this index is considered the most thorough evaluation of English proficiency worldwide, based on extensive data gathered from millions of individuals who took the test across different parts of the world.
As per the report, these findings were derived from results of 2.2 million participants who engaged in the EF Skills Evaluation Technology test, which is described by the organization as the largest free standardized English test available for both individuals and organizations.
The 2025 report introduced a novel assessment approach that evaluated speaking and writing abilities for the first time, utilizing artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, the educational technology division of Education First.
Discussing the importance of the findings, Kate Bell, the author of the EF English Proficiency Index and Head of Assessment at Education First, emphasized the ongoing global significance of the English language.
“English remains the world’s most widely used language for international communication. In a time of increasing global complexity, its role as a common bridge among cultures, economies, and ideas is more crucial than ever,” Bell stated.
In terms of continental and global rankings, South Africa emerged as the top English-speaking country in Africa, ranking 13th worldwide. Following closely behind, Zimbabwe secured the second position in Africa as well, also ranking 13th globally.
Kenya and Zambia ranked third and fourth in Africa, placing 19th and 27th respectively on the global scale, while Nigeria achieved the fifth position on the continent and 29th worldwide.
Education First observed that Nigeria’s results demonstrate the widespread use of English as the country’s official language, along with its pivotal role in education, governance, the media, and business activities.
The report also outlined the ten leading English-speaking countries in Africa for 2025, based on proficiency levels assessed by the EF English Proficiency Index.
South Africa led the African rankings due to the extensive utilization of English in government, education, business, and media, serving as a unifying language in the nation’s multilingual society.
Zimbabwe came in second, where English remains the main language for instruction and administration, bolstered by strong literacy rates and well-established educational frameworks.
Kenya secured the third position, continuing its impressive performance as English is extensively used in schools, courts, government bodies, and professional settings alongside Swahili.
Zambia placed fourth, with English acting as the official language and the primary medium of instruction in schools, contributing to consistent proficiency levels nationwide.
Nigeria earned the fifth spot in Africa, where English serves as the official language and is the prevalent means of communication in education, governance, media, and commerce.
Ghana ranked sixth, with its strong showing attributed to English being the official language used extensively from basic education through higher learning institutions.
Uganda took the seventh position, holding a strong ranking as English is commonly spoken in educational institutions, government offices, and work environments.
Ethiopia came in eighth, where English, despite not being an official language, is widely utilized within the education system, particularly at the secondary and university levels.
Tunisia ranked ninth, reflecting the increasing use of English among youths and professionals, especially in technology, tourism, and higher education.
Morocco rounded out the top ten, continuing to show improvements as English becomes more popular among students and the business community, particularly in international trade and global relations.
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