The 5 African countries with the highest number of English speakers – 198m in number 1

English Language Dominance in Africa: Top Countries and Lingua Franca Status

English stands as the most globally spoken language, encompassing both native and non-native users, according to Ethnologue. Mirroring the historical prominence of Latin and Greek, English has evolved into a universal common language – a veritable lingua franca. Its prevalence is evident across international commerce, tourism, technology, and numerous other sectors.

English as an Official Language in Africa

In approximately two dozen African nations, English is recognized as an official language. This is largely attributed to colonial history, with most of these countries having been former British colonies. Notably, Rwanda and Eritrea are exceptions, having been colonized by Belgium and Italy, respectively.

Primary English-Speaking Nations

Sierra Leone and Liberia hold a unique position in Africa as the only countries where English is spoken as the primary language by a majority of the population.

Africa’s Largest English-Speaking Countries

Based on data from WorldAtlas.com, the following are the five most populous English-speaking countries in Africa:

5. Kenya – (50 million)

Kenya recognizes both English and Swahili (Kiswahili) as official languages. However, English serves as the primary language of major corporations. It is also the favored language within governmental operations and higher education institutions.

4. Tanzania – (60 million)

Approximately 10% of the Tanzanian populace possesses English language proficiency. Its use is mainly concentrated in urban centers and among individuals who have pursued advanced academic studies.

3. South Africa – (58 million)

South Africa is characterized by its linguistic diversity, boasting eleven official languages: English, Afrikaans, and nine indigenous African languages, with Zulu and Xhosa being the most prevalent. While multilingualism is common among South Africans, English is the most widely used language and functions as the language of formal business and trade.

2. Ethiopia – (110 million)

Although Amharic is designated as the official language of Ethiopia, English also holds official language status, particularly within higher education, technical industries, and international communication domains.

1. Nigeria – (198 million)

With an estimated 60 million English speakers, Nigeria claims the largest English-speaking population in Africa. English is the most commonly spoken language nationally and acts as a significant lingua franca within the country.