Nigeria ranked fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa – report

Nigeria has been ranked as the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa, according to the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).

The ranking, published by global education organisation Education First (EF), assessed English proficiency across 123 countries and regions, using results from 2.2 million test takers worldwide.

The 2025 edition of the report introduced new assessment measures, including speaking and writing skills, evaluated through artificial intelligence technology developed by EF’s education technology division.

English, Nigeria’s official language, continues to play a key role in the country’s education system, governance, media, and business sectors, contributing to its strong performance in the rankings.

Within Africa, Nigeria placed behind South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia, which emerged as the continent’s top four English-proficient countries.

The report highlights the increasing importance of English as a tool for international communication, education, and global commerce across the continent.

Top 10 English-speaking countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025):

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Kenya

Zambia

Nigeria

Ghana

Uganda

Ethiopia

Tunisia

Morocco