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President Ruto Was Wrong About Nigeria: Here Are The Top 10 African Countries With The Best English Proficiency and Speakers In 2026

After Kenyan President Ruto sparked a viral online debate by claiming Nigerians speak hard-to-understand English that requires a "translator," many Africans pushed back against his comments. The latest global EF English Proficiency Index data sets the record straight.

Kenya's President William Ruto [Photo by Britannica]

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10. Morocco

Morocco recorded a 13-point increase in its overall score. Young professionals and students drive this shift as the country expands trade beyond Francophone markets. Private schools and technology hubs across Casablanca and Rabat prioritize English fluency.

9. Tunisia

Tunisia entered the top ten through growing adoption among university students and technology workers. While Arabic and French remain widespread, young Tunisians use English to access international remote jobs and digital platforms.

8. Ethiopia

Ethiopian universities use English as the primary medium of instruction for undergraduate programs. Secondary schools across Addis Ababa emphasize English literature and technical vocabulary, giving graduates an advantage in international aviation and diplomacy.

7. Uganda

Uganda integrates English as its official language across government, judiciary, and classroom instruction. Pupils learn in English from primary school onward, creating high literacy rates and strong conversational skills in urban centers.

6. Ghana

Ghanaian administration and public education rely on English from basic schooling through university levels. Ghanaian content creators and corporate executives maintain a high standard of formal and spoken English.

5. Nigeria

Nigeria proved critics wrong by securing a top-five position on the continent. English serves as the unifying official language across more than 500 ethnic groups. Tech founders in Lagos and Nollywood filmmakers use English to build global enterprises and capture international audiences.

4. Zambia

Zambia maintains a strong position due to its consistent educational policy. Public schools use English as the primary instructional language from early childhood education. Parliamentary debates and corporate boardrooms operate in English.

3. Kenya

Kenya achieved a 12-point jump in its score, marking the largest improvement among top-tier African nations. Swahili and English share official status, but commercial enterprises in Nairobi conduct business in English.

2. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe tied for the top spot on the continent, entering the very-high global proficiency category. The country maintains a rigorous educational curriculum with high literacy requirements. Schooling and civil administration operate continuously in English.

1. South Africa

South Africa tied with Zimbabwe for the highest score in Africa, reaching global top-tier standing. Although South Africa recognizes eleven official languages, English dominates higher education and national governance.

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