The 2025 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), released on December 4, 2025, has ranked Nigeria 29th globally and 5th in Africa regarding adult English skills based on 2.2 million EF SET test takers in 2024.

This edition introduces speaking/writing assessments, revealing skill gaps and trends. The report ranks 123 countries and regions based on data from 2.2 million EF SET test takers in 2024, marking the first edition to include speaking and writing assessments alongside reading and listening.

Top Highlights:

• Netherlands tops the ranking (624), followed by Croatia (617) and Austria (616).
• Very High Proficiency: Europe dominates, with 12 of the top 15 spots.
• South Africa and Zimbabwe tie at 13th (602), highest in Africa.
• Gender Gap Narrowing: Fewer countries show significant disparities; the brief male advantage post-pandemic is fading.
• Age Trends: Youngest adults (18-20) lag pre-pandemic levels; over-40 cohort scores returned to decade-old averages.
• Skills Gaps: Reading strongest globally (nearly 80% of countries); speaking weakest (only 3 high-proficiency nations). Listening trails reading by 20+ points worldwide.
• Regional Notes: Europe plateaued; Latin America gained slightly; Asia stable; Africa varied; Middle East dipped.

Top 10 Countries/Regions:

1. Netherlands (624)
2. Croatia (617)
3. Austria (616)
4. Germany (615)
5. Norway (613)
6. Portugal (612)
7. Denmark (611)
8. Sweden (609)
9. Belgium (608)
10. Slovakia (606)

Notable Movers: Slovakia (+22), Belgium (+16), Austria (+16), Germany (+17).

AI's Impact 

The report explores AI's role in English learning, noting tools enhance personalization but risk overreliance. English remains vital for global innovation and workplace advantage.Full rankings, city scores, and datasets at www.ef.com/epi.

Africa Overview
Africa remains the most varied continent, with scores spanning over 200 points. The regional average dipped slightly due to new low-proficiency entries, but existing countries held steady. Women outperform men across most nations (70% with significant female advantage), though the gap narrows overall. Kenya and South Africa show near-homogeneous scores across ages and skills.Top African Rankings (High/Very High Proficiency):

1. South Africa (602, tied global 13th)
2. Zimbabwe (602, tied global 13th)
3. Kenya (593, global 19th)
4. Zambia (573, global 27th)
5. Nigeria (568, global 29th)
6. Ghana (540, global 36th)

Nigeria Details (Score: 568, +11 from 2024, High Proficiency, Global #29):

• Strongest skill: Reading (586)
• Weakest skill: Speaking (549)
• Top region: North Central (575)
• Top city: Lagos (585)
• Gender: Slight male edge narrowing
• Age: 26-30 highest (580); youth lag persists post-pandemic

Nigeria ranks 5th in Africa, trailing South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia. Gains reflect workplace exposure, but speaking lags due to limited practice opportunities.