Nigeria has been ranked the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa in the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), reaffirming the country’s strong command of the global language despite mounting competition across the continent.
According to the report published on Education First’s website, the assessment evaluated English proficiency across 123 countries and regions, drawing data from more than 2.2 million adult test takers worldwide.
For the first time since the index was launched, the 2025 edition expanded its scope beyond reading and listening to include speaking and writing skills. These were measured using artificial intelligence technology developed by EF’s education technology arm, offering what the organisation described as “a more complete picture of real-world English usage.”
“By integrating AI-based assessment of speaking and writing, the 2025 EF EPI provides deeper insight into how people actually use English in professional and social contexts,” EF noted in the report.
English, Nigeria’s official language, continues to play a central role in education, governance, media, and commerce. Analysts say this widespread institutional use has helped the country maintain a high level of proficiency despite challenges in the education sector.
Commenting on the ranking, EF stated that Nigeria’s performance reflects “the enduring role of English as a unifying language in a linguistically diverse nation,” adding that proficiency in the language remains a critical asset for global engagement.
On the African continent, Nigeria ranked behind South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia, which emerged as the top four English-proficient countries. The report highlights how English is increasingly serving as a bridge for international communication, higher education, technology, and cross-border trade across Africa.
“The growing importance of English proficiency is closely tied to economic opportunity and global connectivity,” EF said. “Countries that invest in effective language education are better positioned to compete internationally.”
Top 10 English-Speaking Countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025)
South Africa – Widespread use in government, education, media, and business
Zimbabwe – Primary language of instruction and administration
Kenya – Official language alongside Swahili, widely used in urban and professional settings
Zambia – Official language and main medium of instruction
Nigeria – Official language, central to national communication and commerce
Ghana – Used from basic to tertiary education and in public administration
Uganda – Official language with a key role in trade and diplomacy
Ethiopia – Widely used in education and international affairs
Tunisia – Growing adoption among youth and professionals
Morocco – Increasing popularity in schools and business for global trade
The EF EPI is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive global benchmarks for English language proficiency and is often used by policymakers, educators, and employers to track language trends worldwide
