Ghana ranks 6th best English-speaking country in Africa, places 36th globally
Ghana has solidified its position as one of Africa's strongest English-speaking nations, securing sixth place on the continent and 36th position worldwide in the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index.
The latest rankings from Education First (EF), a global education organization, place Ghana in respectable company among African nations demonstrating strong English language capabilities. The country trails South Africa and Zimbabwe, which jointly lead the continent at 13th globally, as well as Kenya (19th), Zambia (27th), and Nigeria (29th).
Despite ranking sixth in Africa, Ghana maintains a clear advantage over several regional peers, including Uganda (53rd), Ethiopia (65th), Tunisia (66th), Morocco (68th), and Tanzania (77th) in the global standings.
Africa's Growing Strength in English Proficiency
The continent is making significant strides in the global English-speak
ing economy, with multiple African countries recording solid proficiency levels in this year's comprehensive assessment. The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index evaluated English language skills across 123 countries and regions worldwide, analyzing data from more than 2.2 million participants who completed the EF Standard English Test (EF SET), the world's largest free standardized English assessment.
The study provides a detailed comparative analysis of adult English skills, categorizing countries into five distinct proficiency bands: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. These classifications offer valuable insights into how effectively populations can use English in professional, academic, and social contexts.
READ MORE: SSNIT increases 2026 pensions by 10% and raises minimum payments
Understanding the Proficiency Levels
The EF Index uses a nuanced scoring system to assess English capabilities. Countries achieving very high proficiency, with scores above 600 points, demonstrate the ability to use sophisticated language in complex social and business settings, read advanced texts with ease, and negotiate contracts confidently with native speakers.
Those in the high proficiency category, scoring between 550 and 599 points, can deliver workplace presentations with confidence, follow television programs without difficulty, and read newspapers comfortably. Ghana falls within the moderate proficiency band, which reflects scores between 500 and 549 points. This level indicates the ability to participate effectively in professional discussions within one's field and write formal business emails.
Countries with low proficiency, scoring 450 to 499 points, demonstrate functional but limited English use, sufficient for navigating travel situations or handling basic workplace communication.
Regional Powerhouses Lead the Way
Southern and East African nations dominate the continental rankings, reflecting decades of investment in English-medium education systems, regional trade integration, and sustained exposure to international business practices.
South Africa and Zimbabwe stand out as Africa's English proficiency champions, both recording impressive scores of 602 points. This places them in the very high proficiency tier and positions them among the strongest English-speaking countries globally. Their performance underscores the lasting impact of comprehensive education policies and economic integration with global markets.
READ MORE: Greenland PM brushes off U.S. takeover fears after Trump’s Venezuela intervention
Kenya, Zambia, and Nigeria follow in the high-proficiency category, reinforcing their established roles as regional hubs for multinational corporations, technology firms, and international development agencies. West Africa's Ghana and East Africa's Uganda represent the moderate-proficiency band, while Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco complete the continent's top 10 with low but functional English proficiency levels.
The Business Case for English Proficiency
English language skills have emerged as a crucial driver of economic competitiveness in today's globalized economy. Countries with higher proficiency levels consistently attract more foreign direct investment, benefit from stronger participation in global value chains, and integrate more seamlessly into international labor markets.
For businesses, strong English proficiency translates into expanded opportunities for cross-border trade, business process outsourcing, and digital services provision. Multinational firms increasingly favor locations where workforce communication capabilities enable smooth operations and effective collaboration with international partners.
As African nations deepen their engagement with global finance, technology sectors, and international services, language skills are becoming increasingly central to economic strategy. The 2025 EF rankings highlight both areas of strength that countries can leverage and gaps where further investment in education and workforce training may yield significant returns.
Implications for Ghana's Economic Future
Ghana's moderate proficiency ranking positions the country favorably for continued economic growth and expanded international collaboration. The nation's English language capabilities support its ambitions as a regional business hub and enhance its attractiveness to foreign investors seeking stable, English-speaking markets in West Africa.
However, the rankings also suggest opportunities for improvement. By investing strategically in English language education and professional training programs, Ghana could potentially climb the rankings and unlock additional economic benefits associated with higher proficiency levels.
The findings underscore the importance of English proficiency not merely as an educational metric but as a vital component of national competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected global economy. For Ghana and its African peers, language skills represent a tangible pathway to greater economic opportunity and international engagement.
