Ghanaians jubilating with the national flag and blowing vuvuzelas
Ghana has been ranked sixth in Africa in the 2025 English Proficiency Index (EPI) published by Education First (EF), a global leader in culturally immersive education.
The ranking places Ghana among the continent’s top English-speaking countries, reflecting the sustained use of English as the official language and primary medium of instruction from basic to tertiary education.
The EF English Proficiency Index, released this week, assesses adult English language skills across 123 countries and regions worldwide. EF said the index remains the most comprehensive global assessment of English proficiency, drawing data from millions of test takers.
According to the report, the 2025 rankings are based on results from 2.2 million adults who completed the EF Skills Evaluation Technology (EF SET), the world’s largest free standardised English test available to individuals and institutions.
This year’s edition marks a milestone, as speaking and writing skills were assessed for the first time, using proprietary artificial intelligence technology developed by Efekta Education Group, EF’s education technology arm.
Commenting on the findings, Kate Bell, author of the EF EPI and EF’s Head of Assessment, underscored the continued global relevance of the English language.
“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,” she said.
Across Africa, South Africa emerged as the continent’s highest-ranked country, placing 13th globally. EF attributed South Africa’s strong performance to the widespread use of English in government, education, media and business, where it serves as a unifying language in a multilingual society.
Zimbabwe followed closely, ranking 13th worldwide and second in Africa, buoyed by high literacy levels and the continued influence of British-style education, with English remaining the main language of instruction and administration.
Kenya placed third in Africa and 19th globally, with EF citing the extensive use of English in schools, courts, government institutions and professional settings. Zambia ranked fourth on the continent and 27th worldwide, benefiting from the consistent use of English as the official language and medium of instruction.
Nigeria ranked 29th globally, placing it fifth in Africa. English remains Nigeria’s official language and is widely used across education, governance, media and business.
Ghana followed in sixth place in Africa. EF noted that the country’s strong performance is underpinned by the central role of English in education, public administration and international engagement.
Uganda ranked seventh in Africa, with English playing a key role in education, governance and regional trade. Ethiopia placed eighth, with English widely used in secondary and tertiary education, particularly in higher learning and international affairs.
Tunisia and Morocco completed the top ten African countries. EF observed that while Arabic and French remain dominant in both countries, English is gaining ground, especially among young people, professionals and in sectors such as technology, tourism and global trade.
EF said the 2025 index highlights the growing importance of English proficiency as countries navigate globalisation, cross-border collaboration and economic competitiveness.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
