English Speaking Countries in Africa 2023 - Top 10 List
by Subhashree M
Updated Apr 03, 2023
English Speaking Countries in Africa 2023
Ethnologue estimates that there are around 2000 languages spoken in Africa, highlighting the multilingual nature of the continent. Africa is believed to be the birthplace of some of the earliest writing systems and a variety of scripts are still used there today. Recently, there has been an increasing awareness of linguistic diversity in Africa, and language policies are now being developed to promote multilingualism. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world in terms of area and population, with 1.34 billion people, representing about 16% of the world's population. Of this number, approximately 6.5 million people speak and understand English. Like Asia, the African continent was subject to colonialism, which brought about linguistic and cultural changes. Many countries in Africa continue to use the languages left behind by their colonial rulers, with English and French being widely used in matters of education, business, and the judiciary.
Top 10 English Speaking Countries in Africa
S.No
Speaking English Countries in Africa
1
Uganda
2
South Africa
3
Nigeria
4
Kenya
5
Zambia
6
Botswana
7
Zimbabwe
8
Malawi
9
Ghana
10
Rwanda
1. Uganda
Ranked first on the list of African countries where people speak the best English, Uganda boasts a diverse landscape and a population of 45 million, of which around 29 million are proficient in English. Since gaining independence in 1962, this multilingual African nation has recognized English as its official language, in addition to its 43 living languages. Subsequently, Swahili was also adopted as a second official language. Although Luganda has now replaced English as the official language of Uganda, English remains widely spoken by many Ugandans.
2. South Africa
This country, situated in the southern part of Africa, secures the second spot on the list of the best English-speaking countries on the continent. With 11 official languages and other commonly spoken languages in the region, such as Afrikaans and IsiZulu, South Africa's linguistic diversity is vast. Approximately 4.8 million South Africans speak English as their first language, which comprises around 9.6% of the total population. While English ranks sixth among the most widely spoken languages in the country, it is the second most prevalent language outside of households.
3. Nigeria
Ranked as the third-best English-speaking country in Africa, Nigeria has a population of 206 million people, of which 79 million are proficient in English. This accounts for around 53% of the total population. Nigerian English, also known as the Nigerian Standard English, serves as the language of politics and formal communication, while Nigerian Pidgin, which is derived from English, is used for informal communication. English is recognized as the official language of Nigeria, while Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Fula, and English Creole are also widely spoken. Moreover, many of the languages in Nigeria have a written form.
4. Kenya
The fourth-best English-speaking country in Africa is this East African nation, which has a population of 54 million and a range of ethnic groups that speak their own languages. Nevertheless, English is the official language of Kenya, and around 2.7 million Kenyans speak and comprehend English. This proficiency in English can be attributed to the British rule in the late 1800s, which left a lasting legacy and a significant English-speaking population. The English language is the medium of education in Kenyan schools. Although Swahili and English are the primary languages spoken in the region, there are also numerous indigenous languages that have existed for centuries.
5. Zambia
Located in the south-central region of Africa, Zambia has a population of 18 million people, and English serves as the country's official language. Zambia is home to several indigenous languages, nearly all of which belong to the Bantu family of languages. For business and official correspondence in the area, English is the language of choice. Aside from English, the primary local language is Nyanja. With over 70 distinct languages and dialects in Zambia, almost everyone can speak or comprehend the English language, and those residing in urban areas can speak it fluently.
6. Botswana
Botswana, another landlocked country, is situated in the southern region of Africa. Although more people speak Setswana, English is the official language of the country. With an estimated population of 2 million, around 2.8% of the population speaks English. English serves as the language of business and academic correspondence in Botswana and is also utilized in formal communication. Botswana has 31 living languages, all of which are used by the local population.
7. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe ranks as the seventh-best English-speaking country in Africa, with a population of 14.8 million. Although only 5% of the total population speaks English as their native language, almost 89% of the total population can speak it fluently, which is the second-highest number of speakers after Seychelles (93%) among African countries. English serves as the lingua franca of the country, while the primary language is Shona, spoken by 70% of the population.
8. Malawi
Malawi, situated in Southeastern Africa, has a population of 19 million. Despite English being the official language of the country, only 26% of the population can speak it. Chichewa is the national language of Malawi and is spoken by 57% of the population. Other prominent languages in the region include Chinyanja, Chiyao, and Chitumbuka.
9. Ghana
Ghana, situated in West Africa, ranks 9th in the list of English-speaking countries in Africa. The country has a population of 31 million, and English is both the official language and the lingua franca. Although there are approximately 11 languages spoken in Ghana, English is the language of business and formal communication. The reason for English being the official language is the result of British colonialism in the region. Due to this, the English spoken in Ghana often has a strong pidgin influence, which may confuse visitors. Nevertheless, English is still widely spoken in Ghana alongside other local languages.
10. Rwanda
Rwanda, a small country located in Central Africa, has a population of 13 million people. Only 0.2% of the population speaks English, making it the third official language in the country after Kinyarwanda and Swahili. Even though English is used in business communication, Kinyarwanda is still the most widely spoken and national language in the region.
Which Countries Speaking English in Africa?
Uganda is one of the English-speaking countries in Africa. English is the official language of the country and is widely spoken, especially in urban areas. Along with English, Swahili is also widely spoken in Uganda. However, the most widely spoken local languages in the country are Luganda, Runyankore-Rukiga, and Ateso.Uganda, is a landlocked country situated in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. A substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is shared with Kenya and Tanzania, is located in the southern part of the country. Uganda is part of the African Great Lakes region and lies within the Nile basin, with a generally modified equatorial climate. The country has a population of approximately 49.6 million, and the capital and largest city, Kampala, is home to 8.5 million people.
Why do so many African countries speak English?
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and has been used as a language of international business, diplomacy, and education for many years. Many African countries were colonized by the British or other European powers in the past, and as a result, English was introduced as an official language during this time. Even after gaining independence, many African countries have continued to use English as a means of communication both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion
African nations are increasingly emphasizing English learning programs as a means of growth and opportunity. As more countries embrace the UNDP’s Millennium Development Goals, the need for English teaching and learning resources, tools, and qualified English instructors is expected to increase. Despite this, a few African countries have already been identified as the top English-speaking countries on the continent.
English Speaking Countries in Africa 2023 - FAQs
There are 24 English speaking countries in Africa.
English is an important language in Africa for several reasons, including its use as a language of international communication, trade, and education. Many African countries also use English as an official language or lingua franca, and learning English can provide access to job opportunities and social mobility.
Technology is increasingly being used to support English language learning in Africa, including through online courses, language learning apps, and educational software. Additionally, many African countries are investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity to expand access to these resources.