Nigeria has been ranked as the fifth best English-speaking country in Africa and 29th globally in the 2025 English Proficiency Index released by international education organisation, Education First.

The ranking was published in the 2025 edition of the EF English Proficiency Index, which evaluated adult English language proficiency across 123 countries and regions worldwide.

Education First explained that the index is regarded as the world’s most comprehensive assessment of English proficiency, drawing from extensive data collected from millions of test takers across different regions of the globe.

According to the report, the findings were based on results from 2.2 million individuals who participated in the EF Skills Evaluation Technology test, described by the organisation as the world’s largest free standardised English test designed for both individuals and organisations.

The 2025 edition of the report introduced a new assessment approach by evaluating speaking and writing skills for the first time, using artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, the education technology arm of Education First.

Speaking on the significance of the findings, the author of the EF English Proficiency Index and Head of Assessment at Education First, Kate Bell, highlighted the continued global relevance of the English 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,” Bell said.

According to the continental and global rankings, South Africa emerged as the best English-speaking country in Africa, placing 13th in the world. Zimbabwe followed closely, ranking second in Africa and also occupying the 13th position globally.

Kenya and Zambia were ranked third and fourth in Africa, placing 19th and 27th respectively on the global scale, while Nigeria secured the fifth position on the continent and ranked 29th worldwide.

Education First noted that Nigeria’s performance reflects the widespread adoption of English as the country’s official language, as well as its central role in education, governance, the media, and business activities across the country.

The report also listed the top ten English-speaking countries in Africa for 2025, based on proficiency levels measured by the EF English Proficiency Index.

South Africa topped the African ranking due to the extensive use of English in government, education, business, and the media, where it functions as a unifying language in the country’s multilingual society.

Zimbabwe ranked second, with English remaining the primary language of instruction and administration, supported by strong literacy levels and well-established educational structures.

Kenya placed third, continuing its strong showing as English is widely used in schools, courts, government institutions, and professional environments alongside Swahili.

Zambia ranked fourth, with English serving as the country’s official language and the main medium of instruction in schools, contributing to consistent proficiency nationwide.

Nigeria ranked fifth in Africa, with English functioning as the official language and the dominant means of communication across education, governance, media, and commerce.

Ghana followed in sixth place, with its strong performance linked to English being the official language and widely used from basic education through to tertiary institutions.

Uganda ranked seventh, maintaining a high position as English is commonly spoken in schools, government offices, and professional settings.

Ethiopia placed eighth, where English, although not an official language, is widely used within the education system, particularly at secondary and university levels.

Tunisia ranked ninth, reflecting the growing adoption of English among young people and professionals, especially within technology, tourism, and higher education sectors.

Morocco completed the top ten, continuing to record improvements as English gains popularity among students and the business community, particularly for international trade and global relations.