As the second largest continent in the world, one might wonder if there are any English-speaking countries in Africa. And the answer will be yes? Not one or two but twenty-four English-speaking countries.
With a current population of more than 1,3 billion people and 54 countries, Africa has been a hub of diversity for a very long time. With this diversity, there are also a large number of languages that have existed here. Due to remnants of colonization, there are still Anglophone countries on the list.
TOP 20+ Most English Speaking Countries in Africa
1. Ghana
Like many other countries located in West Africa, Ghana also uses English as its official language. It was during colonial times that English was passed on to the Ghanaians by the British. Today it is being used everywhere across the country, including offices, media and businesses.
>>> Recommended viewing: The World's Non-Speech Language
2 Nigeria
Just like Ghana, Nigeria also inherited English from the British during the colonial period. It makes them one of the countries with English as the official language in West Africa. In some regions, especially urban areas, English speakers may be found to be more dominant.
Nigeria is one of the countries with the largest film industry and it has also produced some of the great British writers. Apart from people living in English-speaking urban areas, the majority of Nigerians speak a language known as Nigerian Pidgin. Pidgin is a blend of English with their local language to be able to easily communicate with people in that area.
Pidgin is slightly different from regular English. Although it is not difficult to understand, it is better to practice a bit if you plan to come here. When in Nigeria, if some locals ask you for help, they will reply with ''You do well'', which simply means ''Thank you''.
3. Gambia
Since colonial times, English has remained the official language of the Gambia. Conferred by the British, it is still widely used in the country. However, Wolof is also widely used as a native language.
4. Liberia
Like other West African countries, Liberia also speaks English officially. It has been a remarkable language since the country was founded.
5. Sierra Leone
English has been the main language of Sierra Leone since British rule. Bengali is the second official language of the country, while other unofficial languages are also widely spoken.
>>> Recommended viewing: Difference Between English And Russian
6. Saint Helena
Saint Helena is also on the list of countries where English is an official language. However, they have their own dialect that is not easy for outsiders to listen to.
7.Zambia
English was the official language of Zambians during colonial rule. It is the language of government, media, business and education.
8. Sudan
Arabic remained the official language of Sudan for a long time until it was abolished and English became the only official language of the country.
9.Namibia
English and African became official languages after the first world war. Before that the Germans had colonized the country for three decades. Now English is their main language.
10 Uganda
From forty recognized languages, English is the official language of this country. Most of the population speak and understand them.
11. Swaziland
English and Swazi are the two official languages of Swaziland. Everyone is fluent in English as it is the language of business, education and media.
12. Tanzania
In addition to Swahili, English is the official language of Tanzania. English is widely spoken and brought about change in many parts of the country.
13 Botswana
English and Setswana are the two official languages of Botswana. And while Setswana is the national language of the country, the language of business is still English.
>>> Recommended viewing: The Big Difference Between English And Spanish
14. cameroon
French and English are both official languages of the country, as it was colonized by both France and England at different times. There are many languages spoken in Cameroon, but these two are the only official languages.
15. Mauritius
Just like Cameroon, the official languages of the country are French and English. Before the country was taken over by the French and then the United Kingdom, the country was colonized by the Dutch, who overtook that from the Arabs.
16.Kenya
Kenya has two official languages, English and Swahili. While Swahili was the national language, English was adapted only during British colonial rule.
17.Lesotho
Also adopted only during colonial rule, English was the official language of Lesotho. However, Sesotho – also an official language – is more widely spoken in the country.
>>> Recommended viewing: Difference Between German And English
18. Malawi
The people of Malawi speak Chewa and English is their official language. English was also brought to the country during the colonial period.
19. Seychelles
The country has three official languages, one of which is English. During the British rule, English was widespread throughout the country and it remains the official language to this day.
20. Eritrea
Also a country with three official languages including Arabic, Tigrigna and English. English was acquired after the Second World War
21. Rwanda
English is one of the four official languages of Rwanda. English has been included to maintain a place in the global market and international business.
22. Somaliland
Somaliland also has three official languages: English, Arabic and Somali. During the colonial period of the South East, English was introduced and has existed ever since.
>>> Recommended viewing: 12 English Words With Strange Origins
23. South Africa
English is one of the many official languages of the country. It was popularized when the British took over the Dutch in the 1800s.
24. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a country with 15 official languages, in addition to English. The English language was made official during the British colonial period. Other languages are also widely spoken in the country.
British colonization left Africa with a global language - English. Africa is one of the largest continents in the world both in terms of area and population. Considering the variety it offers, English speaking countries cannot be absent.
As it turns out, there are no two or three countries but 24 countries that speak the language. All were used in English during the British colonial period and have not been eliminated since. Even if English is not the national language of these countries, it is still spoken and understood. It is also the language of business and education in these countries.
Sharing Translation Experience
Nguyen Trung Khang - Talented interpreter and translator, passionate about translation
Nguyen Trung Khang is a talented interpreter and translator, with many years of experience in the field of translation and linguistics. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, majoring in Linguistics in 2015.
After graduating, Mr. Khang participated in a professional interpretation and interpretation training course at the University of Foreign Languages - Hanoi National University. He achieved a high-level certificate in interpreting and interpreting, and was also awarded a master's degree in linguistics.