English is the most widely spoken second language in the world. But what countries in Africa speak English?
It will surprise you to know. How widespread English is in the second-largest continent in the world. Let’s find out.
What Countries In Africa Speak English
Africa has been under British rule for a long while. And, like any colony in the world. English has become part of the region due to colonization.
So, it won’t be surprising to know that there are almost 6.5 million English speakers around Africa.
Almost 23 countries have English as their official language. Aside from colonization, globalization has also increased the number of English speakers worldwide. The same is the case for Africa.
English speakers increase in number with the passage of time.
Official Languages In Africa
Africa has 54 countries and over 1000 languages. Each language is unique to its region.
It would be surprising to know. French and Portuguese are two popular African languages.
Six African states have Portuguese as their official language. And 120 million people around Africa speak French.
That shows the diversity of languages in Africa. Aside from French and Portuguese. Here is a table to show some other popular languages spoken around Africa.
These are the top five most spoken languages around Africa.
Which African Countries Have English As an Official Language
After the British rule over most of West Africa. English became an official language in various countries.
It is still spoken as a lingua franca in most of Africa. However, almost 23 countries in Africa have English as an official language.
This table shows countries that have English as an official language and the number of English speakers.
These are five countries among the ones which have English as their official language.
Top 10 African Countries With English Speakers
English is a germanic language that got introduced in Africa by British colonization.
Due to that, English is the official language of 23 countries in Africa.
There is a total of 1.3 billion population in Africa.
Out of which, there are 6.5 million native English speakers. And 700 million non-native English speakers.
There are some countries in Africa where. A larger population speaks English compared to other countries.
The top ten English Speaking countries in Africa are as follows.
1. Zimbabwe:
The official languages of Zimbabwe are Shona and Ndebele. Even then, 5% of the population speaks English as their native language.
Aside from that, 5%, almost 89% of the population, is fluent in English.
There is a total of 14.8 million population in Zimbabwe. But with the number of English speakers.
Zimbabwe is the seventh-best English-speaking country in Africa.
2. Kenya:
Swahili is the official language of Kenya. Along with English spoken by 2.7 million of the population.
English came to Kenya through British rule in the 1800s. Since then, it has become an official language.
That is spoken and understood by most of the population. English is also the medium of education in the schools of Kenya.
Although there are many ethnic groups in Kenya. With their languages. Yet it is in the top 5 countries in Africa that can speak English
3. Ghana:
Ghana is in West Africa. Like most of the western countries in Africa. Ghana’s official language is also English.
Ghana has 11 different languages with different accents. Twi is the most spoken language among them.
There are about 31 million people in Ghana. Among those, 66.67% of the population can speak English.
There is a 70% literacy rate in Ghana. However, the low educated population is also fluent in English.
4. Nigeria:
Nigeria is the Third best English-speaking country in Africa. With a population of 206 million. About 90 million can communicate in English.
English is the official language of Nigeria due to the influence of British colonization.
Nigeria is multi-ethnic. With various languages like Igbo, Hausa, and Fula.
Yet English is mostly spoken throughout the country. Compared to other languages.
5. Uganda:
Out of the population of 45 million. Almost 29 million people in Uganda can speak fluent English.
English became the official language of Uganda ever since its independence in 1962.
At the same time, Swahili became the second official language.
Luganda is the official language of Uganda nowadays. Yet English is mostly spoken by the population.
6. Botswana:
Botswana is in the Southern part of Africa. It has a population of 2 million.
Out of the 2 million people, about 2.8% can speak English.
English is the official language of Botswana. It is for education language medium and is used for business.
Botswana has 31 other living languages. That locals speak on a small scale.
Still, English takes the biggest spot as the most used language in Botswana.
7. Rwanda:
Rwanda is a landlocked country located at the center of Africa. It is a small country with a population of 13 million.
Rwanda has four official languages. English is the third official language. That gets used in business areas.
The other three official languages include Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and French.
8. Ethiopia:
Ethiopia is fairly at the bottom of the list of English-speaking African countries. Since it was never under colonization.
About 90% of the population retains its native languages, including Amharic and Oromo.
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia. English is yet spoken as the most common foreign language.
English is spoken as a pidgin language. The English spoken by natives has its own unique accent.
It is mostly used in media, business, and cultural communication.
In addition, some private schools teach the English language.
9. South Africa:
South Africa is the country with the most English speakers. English is one of the eleven official languages in the country.
28% of the population speaks English. Therefore, 4.7 million Population in South Africa can speak English.
In modern times, English is getting more popular in South Africa.
10. Egypt:
Egypt is one of the North African Countries. Therefore, English in Egypt is mostly spoken as a choice.
Most Egyptians speak Modern Standard Arabic, which is their official language.
But English has been specially taught in schools since their independence in 1952. Since then, its usage has increased significantly.
Media and the modern generation have spread English usage more throughout the country.
Other English Speaking African Countries
English is the official language of 23 countries in Africa. That tells us how widely spoken English is on this continent.
Aside from these 23 countries. English is widely spoken around Africa. Even as a foreign language, it is quite popular.
Some other countries in Africa have a huge number of English Speakers. Aside from the ones mentioned above.
These countries include Malawi, with 26% of English speakers in the country.
In addition, Liberia has English as the official language of the country.
Saint Helena, Zambia, Sudan, and Namibia have English as their official language.
Tanzania, Cameroon, Mauritius, and Eritrea are African countries. That have English as an official and widely spoken language.
What English Speaking African Countries Are Best For Traveling
Africa is full of culture and history. There is much to explore, especially for a traveler.
If you are a fan of adventure, then Africa is your place. It can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The list of best African English-speaking countries goes on and on.
But we will provide you with the top 3 best countries to travel to in Africa.
1. Ethiopia:
Suppose you are seeking to be in nature and tranquility. Then Ethiopia is the country for you.
There have not been many tourists in Ethiopia, so there is much to explore.
Erta Ale is an active volcano in Ethiopia. Among the few left in the world today. Watching the boiling lava firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Aside from that, there is the Blue Nile, monolithic churches, and ancient obelisks. Lake Tana, and so much more to experience.
Your travel to Ethiopia becomes more exciting because English is well-spoken by the natives.
2. South Africa:
There is so much to experience in South Africa. Some parts of it are so advanced that they look like a place in U.S or Europe.
While still, there is a lot of well-preserved nature. Natural wonders like Table Mountain. And the wildlife in Kruger Nation Park is the highlight.
The bigger cities like Cape Town are more advanced. Yet the small towns are rustic with natural beauty.
Traveling to South Africa is a beautiful experience. And it’s more fun since English is widely spoken there.
3. Egypt:
Egypt is in the middle of Africa and the Middle East. It is full of history and culture.
The Pyramids of Giza are the iconic heritage of Egypt. They are one of the wonders of the world.
Aside from historical places, Egypt is also famous for its coastline along the Red sea.
You don’t even have to worry about applying for a visa since the visa is on arrival for travelers.
Overall, Egypt is a beautiful country in Africa. With its well-preserved historical charm.
Final Thoughts:
Colonization is the biggest reason for a large number of English speakers in Africa.
Even though Africa is rich in culture. With different ethnicities and languages. English has spoken quite widely around.
Suppose you plan to travel to Africa for pleasure or just for knowledge and wonder. What countries in Africa speak English?
Then you don’t have to worry since there are many English-speaking African regions. That will definitely enhance your experience there.
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