- Nigeria ranks 5th best English-speaking country in Africa.
- The country places 29th globally in English proficiency.
- South Africa leads Africa, followed by Zimbabwe and Kenya.
- Ranking is based on EF’s global English proficiency data.
Nigeria has been ranked the fifth best English-speaking country in Africa and 29th in the world, according to the latest English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), reinforcing the country’s strong use of English across education, governance, media, and business.
The ranking, released by the English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), places Nigeria behind South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia on the African continent.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
With a score of 568 points, Nigeria secured the 29th position globally, trailing countries such as the Philippines, Argentina, Malaysia, Czechia, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
South Africa emerged as Africa’s top performer, ranking 13th globally, driven by the widespread use of English in government, education, business, and media. Zimbabwe followed closely, also ranking 13th worldwide, while Kenya and Zambia placed 19th and 27th globally, respectively.
Nigeria’s position reflects its long-standing reliance on English as the country’s official language and primary medium of communication across public institutions, schools, and professional environments.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Army Kills Three Bandits, Arrests Key Supplier in Kogi Operation
According to EF, the index is the world’s most comprehensive measure of English proficiency, drawing data from millions of test participants worldwide.
“English remains the world’s most widely shared language for international communication. Its role as a bridge between cultures, economies, and ideas is more important than ever,” said Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI and Head of Assessment at EF.
The EF EPI 2025 is based on results from 2.2 million test takers who completed the EF SET, the world’s largest free standardized English test. This year’s edition also assessed speaking and writing skills for the first time.
Top 5 English-Speaking Countries in Africa (2025)
1. South Africa
2. Zimbabwe
3. Kenya
4. Zambia
5. Nigeria
