On the Global English Proficiency Index, a group of African countries has emerged as standout candidates.
This is reflected in the Education First English Proficiency Index’s recently announced 2022 ranking, which evaluates countries based on the equity of English language abilities among individuals who took the EF test.
These countries, which represent a varied range of cultures and landscapes, have not only embraced the potential of the English language, but have also attained outstanding proficiency levels.
HowAfrica looks through some of these countries and their performance on the index.
1. South Africa
South Africans have the highest level of English proficiency in Africa. The African country leads the continent with a score of 609, according to the survey. It was also ranked 12th in the world.
This is hardly surprising given that approximately 5,000 British immigrants initially came in the South African territory in 1795. According to reports, administrators hired British schoolmasters and Scottish clerics to fill posts in the education and church systems in order to promote English influence in the colony.
2. Kenya
Kenya ranked second on the list, with a total score of 582. East Africa was placed 20th in the world.
English was brought to Kenya in 1895, when the United Kingdom colonized the country. According to reports, the British diminished Swahili’s impact and made English the medium of instruction in Kenyan schools.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria, the most populous black nation, ranks 28th on the global EF English Proficiency Index ranking. With a score of 564, the country was classified as the third-best English-speaking African country in the most recent update.
Nigeria’s score in the EF English Proficiency Index may represent the country’s commitment to improving language skills, communication, and global connectedness, so contributing to its international growth.
4. Ghana
Ghana is Africa’s fourth-best English-speaking country, with a modest English competence level. With a score of 529, the West African country ranked 41st on the global scale.
5. Uganda
With a score of 512, Uganda was classified as the fifth-best English-speaking African country. The landlocked East African country was also ranked 55th in the world. The official language of Uganda is English, which is spoken by the majority of educated Ugandans.
6. Tunisia
Tunisia is the sixth-best English-speaking African country on the Global English Proficiency Index, with a score of 511. It is closely followed by Uganda as the world’s 56th country.
Although Arabic is the official language of Tunisia, English is taught as a second foreign language in the country.
7. Tanzania
When compared to Swahili, English is a minority language in Tanzania. It is taught as a second and third language in school and higher education.
Tanzania ranks eighth among English-speaking African countries on the Global English Proficiency Index, with a score of 496. It is also ranked 63rd in the world.
8. Ethiopia
With a 490 score, Ethiopia is the eighth-best English-speaking African country.
English is the most widely spoken foreign language in Ethiopia, and it is the medium of instruction in secondary schools and institutions.
9. Morocco
Morocco finished ninth with a score of 478. The North African country was ranked 76th in the world for English-speaking countries. This is due to the fact that the majority of Moroccans do not speak English. According to reports, just 15% of the population is fluent in English.
10. Algeria
Algeria ranks ninth among African English-speaking countries, with a score of 476. Algeria, ranked 78th in the world, began teaching English in elementary schools in 2022.
