Zimbabwe Ties Mzansi For Continent’s Best English In New Global Rankings
In a stunning reflection of Southern Africa’s linguistic prowess, Zimbabwe has drawn level with South Africa to share the crown of Africa’s best English-speaking nation. The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), a major global study by Education First (EF), analysed over 2.2 million test takers worldwide. The results, released this year, show Mzansi holding its ground in the elite global tier while its northern neighbour matches its score stride for stride, placing the two nations in a continental first-place tie.
Southern African Giants Stand Tall
The latest data confirms South Africa remains firmly in the “Very High Proficiency” band—the highest category—with a score of 602. It now shares this prestigious continental pinnacle with Zimbabwe, which achieved an identical score. This joint status underscores the region’s strength in a skill increasingly linked to economic competitiveness. The report is clear on the advantage, stating:
“English proficiency reflects a workforce’s capacity to engage with the global economy beyond national boundaries. In economies transitioning toward knowledge-based sectors, comfort with English often signals adaptability to international standards and practices.”
The findings hold particular relevance for South African professionals and businesses operating globally. Dr Christopher McCormick, Chief Academic Officer of EF’s Efekta Education Group, highlighted a new frontier in the report’s foreword:
“The combination of English proficiency and AI literacy is already creating competitive advantages in workplace settings. Companies would do well to keep this in mind when determining their knowledge-sharing and training initiatives.”
Where SA Stands: From The World Stage To The African Continent
South Africa continues to be a standout performer on the global stage. While European nations dominate the very top spots, Mzansi’s score places it ahead of many developed economies.
The Global Top 10 (EF EPI 2025):
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Netherlands – Score: 624
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Croatia – Score: 617
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Austria – Score: 616
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Germany – Score: 615
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Norway – Score: 613
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Portugal – Score: 612
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Denmark – Score: 611
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Sweden – Score: 609
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Belgium – Score: 608
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Slovakia – Score: 606
(South Africa is ranked 13th globally)
How Mzansi’s Neighbours Rank in Africa’s Top 10:
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1. South Africa – Score: 602 (Very High Proficiency)
1. Zimbabwe – Score: 602 (Very High Proficiency)
3. Kenya – Score: 593 (High Proficiency)
4. Zambia – Score: 573 (High Proficiency)
5. Nigeria – Score: 568 (High Proficiency)
6. Ghana – Score: 540 (Moderate Proficiency)
7. Uganda – Score: 518 (Moderate Proficiency)
8. Ethiopia – Score: 499 (Low Proficiency)
9. Tunisia – Score: 498 (Low Proficiency)
10. Morocco – Score: 492 (Low Proficiency)
A Key Asset For South Africa’s Global Ambitions
The report frames strong English skills as a critical component of a nation’s economic toolkit, particularly for integration into international markets. For South Africa, with its large diaspora and ambitions to attract digital nomads and remote workers, this high proficiency is a significant asset. The analysis notes:
“Investments in language education can complement other economic strategies aimed at achieving this transition, particularly in countries seeking greater integration with international markets and a wider range of work opportunities for their active populations.”
For South Africans, whether at home in Johannesburg and Cape Town or abroad in London, Perth, or Toronto, this high-level proficiency is a personal and professional advantage. It also signals to global companies that the South African workforce remains a highly competitive option for complex, international roles.