12 African Countries with the Lowest English Proficiency (2025 Ranking)

The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) has revealed the African nations with the weakest English skills, countering recent claims that Nigerian English is incomprehensible. Nigeria and Kenya are among the continent's leaders, while countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rank at the bottom.

Nigeria vs. Kenya: A Proficiency Battle

President William Ruto's banter about Nigerian English requiring a translator sparked debate, but data shows Nigeria ranks 5th in Africa (29th globally) with a 'High Proficiency' rating, while Kenya ranks 3rd (19th globally). Nigeria even surpassed Ghana in the latest rankings. Any difficulty in understanding Nigerian English often stems from the influence of over 500 local languages, not lack of skill.

Full List: African Countries with the Lowest English Proficiency (2025)

1. Malawi (Global Rank: 95) – Low proficiency; English is official but mostly used in cities, with Chichewa dominant.
2. Cameroon (Global Rank: 97) – Low proficiency; French dominates, and conflict in English-speaking regions hinders education.
3. Sudan (Global Rank: 99) – Low proficiency; Arabic is primary, and political instability affects language programs.
4. Senegal (Global Rank: 102) – Low proficiency; French is used officially, and English is only an elective in schools.
5. Benin (Global Rank: 108) – Low proficiency; French focus in schools and business limits English exposure.
6. Angola (Global Rank: 110) – Low proficiency; Portuguese ties dominate, and English resources are scarce.
7. Rwanda (Global Rank: 113) – Low proficiency; transitioning to English education, but many adults were French-educated.
8. Côte d’Ivoire (Global Rank: 114) – Very Low proficiency; French is central to business and culture.
9. Somalia (Global Rank: 119) – Very Low proficiency; Somali and Arabic prevail, with limited English education.
10. Togo (Global Rank: 120) – Very Low proficiency; English remains a secondary language despite Commonwealth interest.
11. Libya (Global Rank: 121) – Very Low proficiency; Arabic focus and limited Western ties hinder English.
12. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (Global Rank: 122) – Very Low proficiency; French and local languages dominate, making English rare.

Why Do Some Countries Rank Low?

Factors include colonial history (French, Portuguese, Arabic), weak educational infrastructure, and economic isolation. English is often taught as a subject rather than used as a medium of instruction.

—