South Africa and Zimbabwe lead the seven African countries with the highest English fluency, according to the 2026 EF Education First English Proficiency Index. Both nations are ranked 13th globally, with a score of 602, placing them in the "Very High" proficiency band.
Kenya follows at 19th globally with a score of 593, classified as "High," while Zambia (27th, 573) and Nigeria (29th, 568) also fall into the High category. Ghana ranks 36th with a score of 540 (Moderate), and Uganda rounds out the list at 53rd globally with a score of 518 (Moderate).
What the EF English Proficiency Index Measures
The index, published annually by EF Education First, is based on test data from millions of adults worldwide. It is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive assessments of English ability among non-native speakers.
Notably, several countries on the list—including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda—do not use English as their sole official language, yet their populations demonstrate fluency comparable to nations where English is dominant natively.
Why English Thrives in These African Nations
The high proficiency levels are rooted in colonial-era education systems that embedded English into formal schooling from an early age. Over generations, English has become the language of commerce, government, and media, not just a subject on a syllabus.
In Nigeria and Ghana, English serves as the official national language and is used daily across institutions, news broadcasting, and social media. In Kenya, English holds co-official status alongside Swahili and is prominent in professional and educational settings. This continuous daily exposure is a key driver of the proficiency levels captured by the EF index.
Ranking of the Seven African Countries
- South Africa – 602 (Very High, 13th globally)
- Zimbabwe – 602 (Very High, 13th globally)
- Kenya – 593 (High, 19th globally)
- Zambia – 573 (High, 27th globally)
- Nigeria – 568 (High, 29th globally)
- Ghana – 540 (Moderate, 36th globally)
- Uganda – 518 (Moderate, 53rd globally)
The rankings highlight that English has become part of daily life in these countries, not merely a school subject. The findings align with broader trends showing English as a global lingua franca, spoken by nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide—400 million as a primary language and over 1 billion as a secondary means of communication.
According to Legit.ng, which reported the list, the EF index remains a benchmark for non-native English proficiency, and the inclusion of these seven African nations underscores the continent's growing role in global communication.
