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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Nigeria has been ranked the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa and 29th in the world, according to the 2025 edition of the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) released by Education First (EF), a global leader in culturally immersive education.
The EF EPI 2025 evaluates adult English language proficiency across 123 countries and regions, making it the world’s most comprehensive global assessment of English skills. The index is based on data from 2.2 million test takers who completed the EF Skills Evaluation Technology (EF SET), the largest free standardized English test available worldwide for individuals and institutions.
Commenting on the findings, Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI and EF’s Head of Assessment, underscored the enduring global relevance of the language.
“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,” she said.
The 2025 report also marked a significant milestone, as speaking and writing skills were assessed for the first time. These new dimensions were evaluated using proprietary artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, EF’s education technology arm.
Within Africa, South Africa emerged as the continent’s top performer, ranking 13th globally. EF attributed South Africa’s strong showing to the widespread use of English across government, education, media, and business, where it functions as an official language and a unifying tool in a multilingual society.
Zimbabwe followed closely, ranking second in Africa and sharing the 13th global position. The country’s high literacy rates, combined with English being the primary language of instruction and administration, were cited as key factors sustaining its strong proficiency.
Kenya placed third in Africa and 19th worldwide. English, which is an official language alongside Swahili, is deeply embedded in Kenya’s education system, judiciary, government institutions, and professional environments, particularly in urban centres.
Zambia ranked fourth in Africa and 27th globally, benefiting from the consistent use of English as its official language and the main medium of instruction in schools, as well as its central role in governance.
Nigeria followed closely behind, ranking 29th in the world and fifth in Africa. EF noted that English serves as Nigeria’s official language and primary means of communication, playing a dominant role in education, governance, media, and business across the country.
Other African countries also featured prominently. Ghana ranked sixth on the continent, with English serving as the official language and the main medium of instruction from basic to tertiary education, reinforcing proficiency levels through public administration and international engagement. Uganda placed seventh, where English is widely used in schools, government, professional settings, and regional diplomacy.
Ethiopia ranked eighth in Africa, despite English not being an official language. EF highlighted its widespread use in secondary schools, universities, higher education, and international affairs. Tunisia followed in ninth place, with English usage expanding rapidly among young people and professionals, particularly in technology, tourism, and higher education, even as Arabic and French remain dominant.
Morocco completed the top ten in Africa, driven by the growing popularity of English among students and the business community, where it is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool for global trade and international relations.
Overall, the EF EPI 2025 reinforces Africa’s growing engagement with English as a critical language for education, economic integration, and global communication, with Nigeria maintaining a strong position among the continent’s leading English-speaking nations.