Morocco Climbs Two Spots in Global English Proficiency Ranking, Still Lags Behind

In general, non-English speaking African countries are poorly ranked. Thus, in Africa, South Africa, occupying 12th place, is in the lead, ahead of Kenya and Nigeria, respectively 22nd and 34th. Tunisia comes in 54th place with 11 places gained, followed by Algeria 81st, ahead of Egypt 83rd. Then comes Sudan 85th and Rwanda 95th. According to EF, adults in North Africa speak English to the same extent as adults in the Middle East.

"Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have complex linguistic landscapes, with local Arabic dialects, Berber, French and modern standard Arabic, all playing different roles in private life, the education system and the public sphere," EF noted, stressing that although English is new in this mix, it is increasingly practiced, especially because of its neutrality and commercial potential. In addition, mastering English perfectly would facilitate international relations, given the scale of foreign infrastructure investments in Africa over the past decade, reports L’Economiste.

However, between Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, located in the upper part of the index and having the largest economies in Africa, and the ten other countries studied in Africa, the report revealed "a huge skills gap", concludes the newspaper.