Nigeria has been ranked the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa according to the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), demonstrating the nation’s strong command of the language amid growing competition across the continent.
The assessment, published on Education First’s website, evaluated English proficiency across 123 countries and regions using data from over 2.2 million adult test takers worldwide. This year’s edition marked a significant shift by incorporating speaking and writing skills alongside traditional reading and listening assessments, measured through artificial intelligence technology.
“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,” the report stated.
English serves as Nigeria’s official language and remains fundamental to education, governance, media, and commerce. Experts attribute the country’s high proficiency level to the widespread institutional use of English, despite ongoing challenges in the education sector.
Nigeria ranked behind South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia—the continent’s top four English-proficient nations. The report emphasizes that English increasingly functions as a bridge for international communication, higher education, technology, and cross-border trade across Africa.
“Countries that invest in effective language education are better positioned to compete internationally,” EF noted, linking English proficiency to economic opportunity and global connectivity.
Top 10 English-Speaking Countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025)
- South Africa – Widespread use across government, education, media, and business
- Zimbabwe – Primary language of instruction and administration
- Kenya – Official language with Swahili, dominant in urban areas
- Zambia – Official language and main medium of instruction
- Nigeria – Official language central to national communication
- Ghana – Used throughout education system and public administration
- Uganda – Official language with 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
The EF EPI is recognized as one of the most comprehensive global benchmarks for English language proficiency, regularly consulted by policymakers, educators, and employers to track language trends worldwide.
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