European nations started colonizing Africa in the 1880s. Different European nations like Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany colonized Africa for almost 75 years. One of the most prominent colonies were made by England. All European nations realized that Africa is a land of great natural resources, thus they invaded and enslaved African tribes. Those tribes were already divided by territory, geography and belief systems. That’s why it was easy to use them for work. Africa is the second-biggest mainland on the planet. It also has a massive population. Africans learned different languages from their colonial masters. One of the most prominent languages they learned is English.
List of English Speaking Countries In Africa
1. Uganda
We start our list of English Speaking Countries in Africa with Uganda. In 1890, Britain started its colonization in this country. However, before colonization, Uganda was a kingdom. It was called The Kingdom of Buganda. This country got freedom from Britain in 1962. Seventy years under British rule taught them English and other British rules and regulation. Uganda is the best English speaking country in Africa even though more than 60 different languages are being spoken by Ugandan locals but still the main language they speak in is English. After freedom, they started their education system. The course and curriculum they are teaching to their generations are in English. Their media also use English, and their language adaptation made it very convenient for tourists and visitors.
2. South Africa
South Africa was colonized by the Netherlands and Great Britain. For most of the period, it was under British rule. The most famous colony was the Cape colony. British ruled this area from 1806 to 1961. However, South Africa made its government in 1910 but it was considered as British Colony until 1961. This country has eleven official languages, but most prominent is English. South Africa is not only famous for its wildlife national parks but also its English fluency. It becomes very convenient for tourists and travelers to communicate with locals.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria is a famous country due to its remarkable biodiversity and prominent landmarks. It is likewise a standout amongst other English speaking nations in Africa. Nigeria was colonized by British individuals in 1901. This colonization lasted until 1960. Over this time Nigeria adopted the English language with felicity. They have their version of English which is based on British English. But recently, it is observed that American English is being more influential in Nigeria.
4. Kenya
It is one of the most prominent nations in Africa. Kenya was made a British colony in 1895. Kenya got independence from British rule on 12 December 1963. Two major languages are being spoken by locals, it is English and Swahili. Nairobi holds the position as the biggest city and the capital of the country. Most of the people in Nairobi speak English. However, Swahili is equally prominent too. But English is considered as more of an official language. It is used in business, jobs and it is being taught in schools.
5. Zambia
This country is situated in south-center of Africa. It is very famous for its waterfalls and national parks. Zambia was invaded by South Africa British Company in 1890. However, Zambia got independence in the year 1964. The locals in Zambia speak around 73 different languages. But the most prominent languages are English and Nyanja. Nonetheless, English is highly preferred in its business and official matters. It is also preferred in their schooling and education system. Zambia is visited by tourists due to its beautiful national parks and the English language is a big convenience for them.
6. Botswana
This landlocked country is situated in the southern portion of the continent. This English speaking country in Africa started serving as a British protectorate in 1885. This nation got independence from their colonial masters after a very long time, in 1966. However, Setswana is their local language but English is their official language since their independence. They prefer English in education and official matters. It is not only famous as an English speaking country but it is also known as the world’s largest diamond producer, that is a very clear reason for Britishers to rule Botswana for so long. It is also well known for its safaris.
7. Zimbabwe
This is a landlocked country. It is located in the southern locale of Africa. It is not only famous for its English but also the Zambezi River’s tiger fish. Zimbabwe was colonized in the 1880s by the British Empire. After a long time of the British regime, they got independence in 1980. They have incorporated the English language in their educational and judicial system. However, most of the locals speak Shona, which is their indigenous language.
8. Malawi
Malawi is situated in the southeast portion of the continent. It is also a standout amongst other English speaking nations in Africa. Malawi came under British rule in 1891 and got liberated under Queen of England in 1964. Malawi is famous for its very hearty and cheerful. It earns its prominence in the hearts of tourists due to the clear lake of Malawi. English is its official language and lots of people understand and speak it. However, only 4% of people can speak English fluently. Most of the locals speak the Chichewa language.
9. Ghana
The final country in our list of English Speaking Countries in Africa is Ghana. This country was titled as The Gold Coast when under British rule. It obtained autonomy from Britain in 1957. This country is situated in the western portion of the continent, neighboring the Gulf of Guinea. English is their state language. However, due to French countries surrounding Ghana, they are also teaching french in their education curriculum.
Conclusion
Africa is linguistically a diverse continent. Many European nations have made their colonies and ruled this place for almost a century. And a hundred years is a long enough time to alter the mentality and culture of a nation. African nations not only learned different languages from their colonial masters but they also imbued a lot of other characteristics like the British judicial system and British educational system. Colonialism had both positive and negative effects on the language and culture of Africa.
I hope that this article on English Speaking Countries in Africa was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Country Rankings Page!
