While countless languages are spoken globally, the English language stands out as a leading force. Its global significance doesn’t just stem from the language itself but from the sheer number of people who speak it.

While countless languages are spoken globally, the English language stands out as a leading force. Its global significance doesn’t just stem from the language itself but from the sheer number of people who speak it.

A recent English Proficiency Index (EPI) published by EF Education First, an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange, scrutinized the English-speaking prowess of nations worldwide. African countries secured spots across different proficiency levels.

The countries in the ranking are considered non-native English speakers, and the data comes from assessments of 2.1 million adults across 111 countries. They are further categorized into five tiers of proficiency: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low.

South Africa stands out as a beacon of English proficiency in Africa, landing in the very high category alongside nations like the Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Norway, and Denmark.

Across the continent, English proficiency remains relatively steady, with various age groups showing similar competence levels. What’s even more remarkable is the narrow gender gap; it’s among the smallest in the world, with little disparity between men and women in English proficiency at the national level.

Below are the 5 best English-speaking countries in Africa: