Nigeria has outperformed Ghana in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), ranking ahead of the country in Africa’s English language proficienc
Nigeria has outperformed Ghana in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), ranking ahead of the country in Africa’s English language proficiency standings, even as Ghana maintained a strong showing among the continent’s top English-speaking nations.
Ghana placed 6th in Africa in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, a global assessment of adult English language skills across 123 countries and regions. The ranking, published by Education First (EF), positions Ghana among Africa’s leading performers and underscores its continued relevance in global communication, education, and international engagement.
According to EF, the index remains the world’s most comprehensive ranking of English proficiency, drawing on data from 2.2 million test takers worldwide who completed the EF Skills Evaluation Technology (EF SET), the world’s largest free standardised English test.
“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,” said Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI and EF’s Head of Assessment.
Ghana’s strong English foundation
Ghana’s solid performance is largely attributed to the central role of English as the country’s official language and its widespread use as the primary medium of instruction from primary through tertiary education. English also dominates public administration, the judiciary, media, diplomacy, and business, serving as a unifying tool in a multilingual society.
The EF EPI 2025 report also marked a milestone by assessing speaking and writing skills for the first time, using artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, EF’s education technology arm. This expanded assessment highlights the depth of Ghana’s functional English usage beyond reading and listening.
How Africa ranked
At the continental level, South Africa emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country, placing 13th globally, followed by Zimbabwe in second place on the continent. Kenya and Zambia placed third and fourth in Africa, ranking 19th and 27th globally, respectively.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, ranked 29th globally, making it the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa and placing it ahead of Ghana.
Top 10 English-speaking countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025)
- South Africa – 1st in Africa, 13th globally
- Zimbabwe – 2nd in Africa
- Kenya – 3rd in Africa, 19th globally
- Zambia – 4th in Africa, 27th globally
- Nigeria – 5th in Africa, 29th globally
- Ghana – 6th in Africa, 36th globally
- Uganda
- Ethiopia
- Tunisia
- Morocco
Growing global relevance
Ghana’s consistent ranking among Africa’s top English-proficient countries strengthens its position as a hub for education, media, diplomacy, international business, and outsourcing services in West Africa.
As global demand for English-based communication continues to rise, Ghana’s strong linguistic foundation remains a strategic advantage on the global stage.
The 2025 EF EPI reinforces Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s most accessible and globally connected English-speaking nations.
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