Nigeria Edges Out Ghana in 2025 Global English Proficiency Rankings
Ghana maintains strong showing as Africa’s top English-speaking nations continue to shine globally
- Nigeria ranks ahead of Ghana in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, placing 29th globally
- Ghana maintains 6th place in Africa and 36th globally, reflecting strong English skills across education, media, and business
- The EF EPI 2025 assessed reading, listening, speaking, and writing, highlighting Ghana’s continued relevance in global communication
Nigeria has surpassed Ghana in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), ranking ahead in Africa’s standings for English language skills. Ghana, however, continues to hold a strong position among the continent’s leading English-speaking countries.
According to the EF EPI, which assessed adult English proficiency across 123 countries and regions, Ghana placed 6th in Africa and 36th globally. The ranking, published by Education First (EF), is based on data from 2.2 million test takers who completed the EF Skills Evaluation Technology (EF SET), the world’s largest free standardized English test.
“English remains the world’s most widely shared language for international communication. Its role as a bridge between cultures, economies, and ideas is more important than ever,” said Kate Bell, EF’s Head of Assessment and author of the report.
Ghana’s Solid English Foundation
Ghana’s strong showing is attributed to English being the official language and the primary medium of instruction across all levels of education. English also dominates public administration, the judiciary, media, diplomacy, and business, serving as a unifying tool in the country’s multilingual society.
The 2025 EF EPI report also assessed speaking and writing skills for the first time, using AI technology developed by Efekta Education Group, highlighting Ghana’s functional English abilities beyond reading and listening.
Africa Rankings
At the continental level, South Africa led Africa in English proficiency, ranking 13th globally, followed by Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, and Nigeria. Nigeria, ranked 29th globally, edged Ghana, which placed 36th, making it Africa’s 5th and 6th best English-speaking countries, respectively.
Top 6 English-speaking countries in Africa (EF EPI 2025):
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South Africa – 13th globally
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Zimbabwe – 2nd in Africa
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Kenya – 19th globally
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Zambia – 27th globally
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Nigeria – 29th globally
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Ghana – 36th globally
Other notable countries in the top 10 include Uganda, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Global Significance
Ghana’s consistent ranking among Africa’s top English-speaking nations strengthens its role as a hub for education, media, diplomacy, international business, and outsourcing services in West Africa.
As demand for English-based communication grows worldwide, Ghana’s linguistic proficiency remains a strategic advantage, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s most globally connected and accessible English-speaking nations.
