In this article, we will take a look at the 25 most educated countries in Africa.
Education goes beyond the mere ability to read and write. It is fundamentally about one’s capacity to connect with and comprehend the world that surrounds them. A quality education not only imparts skills but also broadens horizons, cultivates a deeper perspective, and fosters independent thinking. Present-day individuals are increasingly well-informed and comfortable addressing matters of social injustice and other pressing concerns. This shift can be attributed to the heightened global accessibility to education, which has, in turn, cultivated a more inclusive and open-minded society. Consequently, education plays a pivotal role in the evolution of humanity. Its significance is particularly evident in the realms of creativity and innovation, where education nurtures the capacity to think creatively, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking.
A quality education serves as a mirror that reflects your true self and your inherent strengths. As you journey through the realms of knowledge, you encounter subjects and pursuits that pique your interest. This exploration reveals your talents and guides you in understanding how you can contribute to the advancement of our world. Furthermore, education is a breeding ground for creativity and innovation. Only by comprehending the present workings of the world can you devise solutions and alternatives for existing challenges. Remarkably, every day of your educational journey, you accumulate new knowledge, often without realizing it. Your academic achievements, whether in college or other endeavors, are a testament to your competence and possess the potential to unlock numerous opportunities.
As you gain knowledge, your skills expand, leading to even greater prospects. Proficiency in a particular field, when coupled with education, often translates into well-deserved compensation. Education stands as an imperative cornerstone in the construction of a modern society. It equips individuals with the ability to appreciate and analyze aspects of culture, history, and science, enabling them to view problems from an informed and enlightened perspective.
Education holds significant importance in numerous African countries, where governments strive to provide their citizens with access to high-quality, free education as a means to foster development and growth. The African education system has been strategically enhanced, featuring well-designed frameworks aimed at advancing educational objectives for the benefit of their people as a whole.
The African continent presents a profound tapestry of disparities. While some nations are making rapid strides in development, others lag behind in progress. In numerous African countries, a significant proportion of families live below the poverty line, leading to a lack of access to education for their children. This dire situation results in a lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills, with limited prospects for educational opportunities in the foreseeable future. According to OECD’s infographics, South Africa stands out with approximately just 6% of individuals aged 25-34 who have pursued tertiary education through various channels, such as vocational schools, colleges, universities, or other higher educational institutions, post their primary education. Notably, South Africa was able to secure the 3rd spot in our 2017 list of the 10 Most Educated Countries in Africa, alongside Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe. It boasted an impressive literacy rate of approximately 86.4% in that year, among individuals aged 15 and older.
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Our Methodology
In creating our list ranking the 25 most educated countries in Africa, we relied on the most up-to-date information regarding the literacy rates in all African nations. We aggregated data from different sources, including the Legatum Prosperity Index, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Economic Forum, and the Global Education System. Our method initiated with an initial collection of all African countries, and then we eventually selected the top 30 most educated countries in Africa, from which we meticulously picked the top 25 nations with the highest average scores derived from the data sources. Subsequently, we used these scores to establish the rankings for our list of the 25 most educated countries in Africa. At the end of this article, we will reveal the answer to the question, “Which country has the best education system in Africa?” You can also take a look at our 25 Least Developed Countries in Africa article to have an idea about the African countries with the worst education systems.
25 Most Educated Countries in Africa
25. Angola
Literacy Rate: 72.28%
Ranking 25th in our list of the most educated countries in Africa is Angola. The educational structure in Angola encompasses primary schools, middle schools, and high schools as part of its secondary education system. These services are offered by both public and private institutions. While public education is provided free of cost, it faces constraints in terms of its capacity to accommodate the demands of this age group.
24. Egypt
Literacy Rate: 73.1 %
The structure of public education in Egypt closely mirrors the systems found in many Western countries. Children commence their educational journey at the age of four in kindergarten, progress to primary school at six, and then enter high school at the age of 15. At this juncture, students have the option to choose between academic, vocational, or technical pathways. Egypt also ranks 6th in our list of the 20 Most Advanced Countries in Africa.
23. Burundi
Literacy Rate: 74.7 %
Burundi ranks 23rd in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. In Burundi, education is mandatory for a period of six years, ensuring that every child is expected to successfully complete their primary education. Regrettably, approximately half a million children never have the opportunity to attend school at all. Among those who do enroll, only 36% manage to complete this initial educational phase. It’s worth noting that there is a relatively balanced representation of both genders in this educational scenario.
22. Rwanda
Literacy Rate: 75.9 %
Within the sub-Saharan African region, Rwanda stands out as one of the leading nations in the field of education, with an impressive enrollment rate of 98% for primary school-aged children. Nevertheless, the education sector faces its share of challenges. Despite nearly universal enrollment in primary school, the completion rate for this level of education is approximately 71%.
21. Morocco
Literacy Rate: 75.93%
Morocco ranks 21st in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. Education in Morocco is mandatory and provided free of charge up to the age of 15. Despite this policy, numerous children, especially girls in rural areas, still struggle to access education. Among those who do enroll, a significant number discontinue their education before reaching the secondary school level, resulting in alarming disparities in literacy rates. The primary school curriculum is structured to span six years, yet the average dropout rates for both boys and girls hover at around 21%.
20. Nigeria
Literacy Rate: 77.62%
In Nigeria, students are mandated to enter secondary school after completing a minimum of nine years of primary education and successfully passing a designated national entrance examination. Subsequently, students are required to dedicate at least six years to secondary education. Meanwhile, the Nigerian educational system sheds light on the challenges arising from insufficient government funding, which consequently hinders both widespread access to education and the delivery of high-quality education. This issue is compounded by corruption and financial mismanagement, further exacerbating the problem.
19. Cameroon
Literacy Rate: 78.23%
While Cameroon may not be a dominant player in comparison to major destination countries, its higher education institutions manage to draw significant numbers of international students, primarily from neighboring nations. Despite its imperfections, the higher education system in Cameroon is acknowledged as the most robust in Central Africa, and it has gained popularity among students from other Central African countries in recent years, with Chad being a notable example.
18. Uganda
Literacy Rate: 79%
Uganda landed in the 18th spot in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. The educational system in Uganda is very competitive. Students undergo continuous testing, with regular term examinations and ongoing performance assessments. Their grades and class rankings are determined based on these results. However, Ugandan schools grapple with significant challenges primarily stemming from inadequate facilities, which significantly hinder both students’ learning and teachers’ ability to deliver instruction to a satisfactory standard.
17. DR Congo
Literacy Rate: 80.02%
In Congo, education is both cost-free and obligatory for students aged 6 to 16. Primary education, commencing at the age of six and spanning a six-year period, encompasses subjects such as agriculture, manual skills, and domestic science. Secondary education comprises two cycles, each lasting four and three years, respectively. This stage provides a variety of courses, including vocational training, academic and technical instruction, general education, and teacher training.
16. Ghana
Literacy Rate: 80.4 %
Occupying the 16th spot in our list of the most educated countries in Africa is Ghana. Ghana’s educational system is fundamentally organized into a two-tier structure, encompassing universities and polytechnics. The country boasts an extensive educational network, with over 12,000 primary schools, 5,500 junior secondary schools, 700 senior secondary schools, 18 technical institutions, 21 nurse training colleges, 3 theological colleges, 20 university colleges, 6 tutorial colleges, 10 polytechnics, 6 public universities, and 3 chartered private universities. This comprehensive educational infrastructure ensures that the majority of Ghanaians enjoy relatively straightforward access to education.
15. Algeria
Literacy Rate: 81.41%
In Algeria, education is both compulsory and provided at no cost for Algerian citizens between the ages of 6 and 15. The Algerian education system entails ten years of mandatory schooling. Typically, children commence their educational journey with one year of early education, followed by five years in primary school, spanning from the age of six to 11, and subsequently, four years of middle education until they reach the age of 15.
14. Tanzania
Literacy Rate: 81.80%
Tanzania bagged the 14th spot in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. While Tanzania has achieved strides in expanding educational access and promoting fairness, there has been limited improvement in the realm of educational quality, especially in the initial stages. Proficiency in reading continues to be a hurdle for Tanzanian students, as a mere 5.4% of early-grade students demonstrate reading comprehension.
13. Kenya
Literacy Rate: 82.62%
Prior to the pandemic, the government of Kenya initiated ambitious reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education. These reforms encompassed various strategies, including the implementation of a competency-based curriculum (CBC), overhauling professional teacher development, revising textbook policies, and enhancing management practices at the local level. In Kenya, primary school education spans eight years and is provided free of charge, although it is not mandatory.
12. Tunisia
Literacy Rate: 82.70%
Education holds a prominent position on Tunisia’s list of priorities, and the national government is actively channeling significant investments into this sector. Its government is dedicated to revamping the education system through a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the adaptation of both learning content and methodologies. This commitment is aimed at providing quality education for all children and young people, ensuring that they graduate equipped with pertinent 21st-century skills, enabling them to secure employment and actively participate as responsible citizens.
11. Gabon
Literacy Rate: 85.5 %
Gabon ranks 11th in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. In Gabon, the right to access education is granted to every child, with accessible and cost-effective options available through both private and public schools. With French as the predominant language, Gabon boasts one of the most impressive literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This achievement is fostered by the presence of a government-sponsored adult literacy program. The educational system in Gabon is firmly rooted in the French educational framework.
10. Botswana
Literacy Rate: 86.82%
Botswana secured a spot in the top 10 educated countries in Africa. Botswana offers education through a combination of public and private schools. Compulsory education in Botswana spans from around ages five to eight and concludes between ages sixteen to eighteen. This obligation can be met through enrollment in public schools, state-certified private schools, or approved home-schooling programs. Secondary education in Botswana, however, is neither free nor mandatory. Additionally, the country boasts a significant number and diverse array of higher education institutions, both publicly and privately administered, serving students throughout the nation. Truly, Botswana indeed deserves to have a place among the top 10 most educated countries in Africa in 2023.
9. Zimbabwe
Literacy Rate: 89.70%
Ranking 9th in our list of the most educated countries in Africa is Zimbabwe. Education is recognized as a fundamental human right as established in the Zimbabwean Constitution. The State is committed to implementing practical initiatives to advance both free and mandatory primary education for children and higher education, including tertiary education. In the pursuit of this goal, the State will undertake measures to guarantee gender equality in educational access.
8. Cape Verde
Literacy Rate: 90.8 %
Historically, education in Cape Verde has primarily been driven by private individuals or local groups rather than state intervention. Primary school education in Cape Verde is obligatory for children aged 6 to 14 and is provided at no cost for those between 6 and 12 years of age. According to the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Cabo Verde is meeting 82% of its expected benchmarks for the right to education, considering the country’s income level.
7. Libya
Literacy Rate: 91.29%
Libya ranks 7th in our list of the most educated countries in Africa. In Libya, elementary education is both mandatory and provided free of charge. Children typically start primary school from the ages of six to 12. This phase of education typically includes subjects such as Arabic, Koranic study and Islamic ethics, Jamahiriyi society, mathematics, and natural sciences. For their secondary education, students have the option to enroll in either Vocational or Technical schools. Alternatively, they may choose religious secondary schools. In the realm of Higher Education, programs can span from 3 years at Technical Colleges to as long as 6 years at other colleges.
6. Mauritius
Literacy Rate: 92.15%
Mauritius has emerged as a prominent player in delivering top-tier education across various educational stages in Africa. Instructors and academic staff hail from diverse corners of the globe, contributing their expertise to enrich the educational experience in Mauritius. The Mauritian school system predominantly follows the British education model and is structured into four key segments: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
5. Namibia
Literacy Rate: 92.25%
Ranking 5th in our list of the most educated countries in Africa is Namibia. The country boasts one of the most impressive literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with 91.5% of the population aged 15 and above being able to read and write as of 2018. Education in Namibia is obligatory, mandated by law, for individuals between the ages of 6 and 16. The educational framework is designed such that the primary school phase spans seven years, the lower secondary phase endures for three years, and the upper secondary stage extends for two years.
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4. São Tomé and Príncipe
Literacy Rate: 93.80%
Education in São Tomé and Príncipe encompasses a comprehensive structure, commencing with six years of non-compulsory pre-primary education for children from infancy to six years of age. Subsequently, students engage in a mandatory six-year primary education cycle, followed by another six years of secondary education. Compulsory education in São Tomé and Príncipe spans from ages 6 to 12. São Tomé and Príncipe’s education landscape encompasses both private and public institutions at all educational tiers, but government provision predominates across all levels.
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