I have to first point out that Africa is a very large and a culturally diverse continent, so there are countries that are pretty well developed and some that aren't. There are so many beautiful and intelligent people here. However, in some areas there are limited resources, so education can appear to be quite scarce. That doesn’t seem to be the case, though, as evidenced by the list I’ve created here.
This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition – the ability to read and write at a specified age (15 and above). Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of this article.
In order to create this list in the best way possible, I first considered the GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) for the tertiary level of education. According to UNESCO’s statistics, only a small percentage of people in the continent complete the tertiary level of education though, so I opted instead to look at the rate of literacy. The rate of literacy isn’t the best indicator of education in most circumstances, but in this case, it provided a better figure and a clearer picture. To find the rate of literacy in these countries I took a look at The African Economist, and World Bank. To learn about how the education systems work, I looked at Classbase.
Without further ado, let’s take a look a the 10 countries with the highest educated percentage numbers in Africa.
In order to create this list in the best way possible, I first considered the GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) for the tertiary level of education. According to UNESCO’s statistics, only a small percentage of people in the continent complete the tertiary level of education though, so I opted instead to look at the rate of literacy. The rate of literacy isn’t the best indicator of education in most circumstances, but in this case, it provided a better figure and a clearer picture. To find the rate of literacy in these countries I took a look at The African Economist, and World Bank. To learn about how the education systems work, I looked at Classbase.
Without further ado, let’s take a look a the 10 countries with the highest educated percentage numbers in Africa.
10.LIBYA
LITERACY RATE:82.60%
The percentage increase in literacy rate in Libya reflects a significant increase over the previously reported number. For example, in 1921, while this country was still under Italian colonial forces, only 2% of the adult population was able to read and write. By the mid-20th century, however, the government was making attempts to improve the education system here and after the al-Fateh revolution in 1969, adult education was made a top priority. This country now works to eliminate illiteracy through several prevention methods, like making school mandatory for youth, and several reactive methods, like opening adult literacy centers in each of the districts.
LITERACY RATE:82.60%
The percentage increase in literacy rate in Libya reflects a significant increase over the previously reported number. For example, in 1921, while this country was still under Italian colonial forces, only 2% of the adult population was able to read and write. By the mid-20th century, however, the government was making attempts to improve the education system here and after the al-Fateh revolution in 1969, adult education was made a top priority. This country now works to eliminate illiteracy through several prevention methods, like making school mandatory for youth, and several reactive methods, like opening adult literacy centers in each of the districts.
09.MAURITIUS
LITERACY RATE:84.40%
The education system in Mauritius is based on British education system and has been since its independence. The island nation is a tourist destination and has been relatively free of political and social turmoil.
Like the previously mentioned countries, Mauritius has also experienced an improvement in its literacy rates, which currently is at 84.4%. In 1990, literacy here was reported at only 79.9%. In 2000, it was around 84.3%, which at the time, was the highest rate in Africa. It has since dropped to seventh, but only due to the large educational advances made in other African countries.
LITERACY RATE:84.40%
The education system in Mauritius is based on British education system and has been since its independence. The island nation is a tourist destination and has been relatively free of political and social turmoil.
Like the previously mentioned countries, Mauritius has also experienced an improvement in its literacy rates, which currently is at 84.4%. In 1990, literacy here was reported at only 79.9%. In 2000, it was around 84.3%, which at the time, was the highest rate in Africa. It has since dropped to seventh, but only due to the large educational advances made in other African countries.
08.LESOTHO
LITERACY RATE:84.80%
Very recently the entire education system of Lesotho underwent significant reforms. Previously, the country did not offer free primary education to its citizens, but since 2010, primary education has become entirely free and also compulsory. In fact, the new reforms are still being implemented here. However, the country only has three tertiary educational institutions: Lesotho Agricultural College, the National University of Lesotho, and the University’s International School.
LITERACY RATE:84.80%
Very recently the entire education system of Lesotho underwent significant reforms. Previously, the country did not offer free primary education to its citizens, but since 2010, primary education has become entirely free and also compulsory. In fact, the new reforms are still being implemented here. However, the country only has three tertiary educational institutions: Lesotho Agricultural College, the National University of Lesotho, and the University’s International School.
07.SAO TOME & PRINCIPE
LITERACY RATE:84.90%
Sao Tome and Principe has the second highest literacy rate in Africa. In this country, 84.9% of all individuals over the age of 15 are able to comprehend what they read and write. This percentage reflects a significant increase over the 2008 literacy rate, which was recorded at 69.5%. In 1981, the adult residents of this country reported only a 57.3% literacy rate. In the past, Sao Tome and Principe has had significant issues with its educational system, including low enrollment levels and graduation rates, an insufficient number of classrooms, and inadequately trained teachers. In recent years, the government has increased educational expenditures and made primary education mandatory, which has had a clear effect on the adult literacy rate reported today.
The rate of literacy in Sao Tome and Principe is almost identical to Lesotho, however the circumstances are not. Sao Tome and Principe is another island nation to make our list that recently attained its independence rather peacefully from Portugal in 1975. The country’s education system is controversial, to say the least. Allegations like poor educational planning and management, shortage of classrooms and proper infrastructures have been made by international observers, which is not a good sign. But the rate of literacy is considerably high even so, which is why it ranks on our list of the 10 Most Educated Countries in Africa.
LITERACY RATE:84.90%
Sao Tome and Principe has the second highest literacy rate in Africa. In this country, 84.9% of all individuals over the age of 15 are able to comprehend what they read and write. This percentage reflects a significant increase over the 2008 literacy rate, which was recorded at 69.5%. In 1981, the adult residents of this country reported only a 57.3% literacy rate. In the past, Sao Tome and Principe has had significant issues with its educational system, including low enrollment levels and graduation rates, an insufficient number of classrooms, and inadequately trained teachers. In recent years, the government has increased educational expenditures and made primary education mandatory, which has had a clear effect on the adult literacy rate reported today.
The rate of literacy in Sao Tome and Principe is almost identical to Lesotho, however the circumstances are not. Sao Tome and Principe is another island nation to make our list that recently attained its independence rather peacefully from Portugal in 1975. The country’s education system is controversial, to say the least. Allegations like poor educational planning and management, shortage of classrooms and proper infrastructures have been made by international observers, which is not a good sign. But the rate of literacy is considerably high even so, which is why it ranks on our list of the 10 Most Educated Countries in Africa.
06.NAMIBIA
LITERACY RATE: 85.00%
Education in Namibia is compulsory for 10 years between the ages of 6 to 16. The constitution is clear about the government paying for the education of children. However, parents have to provide for other provisions, such as uniforms, hostel fees, and other similar expenses. There are over 1,500 schools in Namibia; however, tertiary level educational institutions are not as numerous.The current 85% literacy rate in Namibia reflects significant improvement over previous years. For example, this number was at only 82.4% in 2011 and 76.5% in 2007. This improvement is due, in large part, to the success of the National Literacy Program, which is administered by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the government of Namibia has increased its educational expenditures and as of 2013, allocates 29% of the federal budget to public education.
LITERACY RATE: 85.00%
Education in Namibia is compulsory for 10 years between the ages of 6 to 16. The constitution is clear about the government paying for the education of children. However, parents have to provide for other provisions, such as uniforms, hostel fees, and other similar expenses. There are over 1,500 schools in Namibia; however, tertiary level educational institutions are not as numerous.The current 85% literacy rate in Namibia reflects significant improvement over previous years. For example, this number was at only 82.4% in 2011 and 76.5% in 2007. This improvement is due, in large part, to the success of the National Literacy Program, which is administered by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the government of Namibia has increased its educational expenditures and as of 2013, allocates 29% of the federal budget to public education.
05.KENYA
LITERACY RATE: 85.10%
The Kenyan government provides for the eight years of primary school. However, education is not compulsory. Kenya was a former British colony, but it achieved its independence in 1963. After its independence, Kenya has undergone massive reforms and political turmoil. There are over 30 universities in Kenya that provide tertiary education. People from neighboring countries also come to Kenya for tertiary education.
LITERACY RATE: 85.10%
The Kenyan government provides for the eight years of primary school. However, education is not compulsory. Kenya was a former British colony, but it achieved its independence in 1963. After its independence, Kenya has undergone massive reforms and political turmoil. There are over 30 universities in Kenya that provide tertiary education. People from neighboring countries also come to Kenya for tertiary education.
04.SOUTH AFRICA
LITERACY RATE: 86.40%
Despite the 86.4% literacy rate in this country, some researchers report that literacy in younger individuals is on the decline. Recent surveys have found that 29% of 4th-grade students are illiterate, while another 48% do not have reading comprehension skills. Part of this problem, researchers suggest, is due to the multilingualism in this country. For example, approximately 70% of students in 1st through 3rd grade receive classes in an African language. When they reach 4th grade, however, lessons are given in English. Because these children have not yet accomplished reading comprehension in African languages and they are not yet fluent in English, literacy is much more difficult for them to achieve. If this illiteracy problem persists, South Africa could find itself with a lower literacy rate in the future.
Despite the 86.4% literacy rate in this country, some researchers report that literacy in younger individuals is on the decline. Recent surveys have found that 29% of 4th-grade students are illiterate, while another 48% do not have reading comprehension skills. Part of this problem, researchers suggest, is due to the multilingualism in this country. For example, approximately 70% of students in 1st through 3rd grade receive classes in an African language. When they reach 4th grade, however, lessons are given in English. Because these children have not yet accomplished reading comprehension in African languages and they are not yet fluent in English, literacy is much more difficult for them to achieve. If this illiteracy problem persists, South Africa could find itself with a lower literacy rate in the future.
03.EQUATORIAL GUINEA
LITERACY RATE:87.00%
Primary education is free in Equatorial Guinea. The main tertiary level education institution was established only in 1995. That is considerably short time for the country to have a robust educational system.
The literacy rate in Equatorial Guinea is around 87% for both males and females over 15 years of age. The literacy rate is actually higher, 94%, when only individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 are considered. This country has also recently made significant progress toward the Education for All goals, achieving a preschool enrollment of over 70% in 2015. This continued commitment to improved education is expected to be reflected in future literacy rates.
LITERACY RATE:87.00%
Primary education is free in Equatorial Guinea. The main tertiary level education institution was established only in 1995. That is considerably short time for the country to have a robust educational system.
The literacy rate in Equatorial Guinea is around 87% for both males and females over 15 years of age. The literacy rate is actually higher, 94%, when only individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 are considered. This country has also recently made significant progress toward the Education for All goals, achieving a preschool enrollment of over 70% in 2015. This continued commitment to improved education is expected to be reflected in future literacy rates.
02.ZIMBABWE
LITERACY RATE:90.70%
Zimbabwe sits at the second as we close to top this list with a 90.70% literacy rate. The primary language here is English, which makes it relatively easy for students here to pursue tertiary education in other countries if they choose.
Zimbabwe, like other countries previously mentioned, has also reported progressively increasing literacy rates. In 1982, only 77.8% of the adult population in this country was considered literate. With an 87% literacy rate today, Zimbabwe has achieved an average annual literacy growth of 3.79%
LITERACY RATE:90.70%
Zimbabwe sits at the second as we close to top this list with a 90.70% literacy rate. The primary language here is English, which makes it relatively easy for students here to pursue tertiary education in other countries if they choose.
Zimbabwe, like other countries previously mentioned, has also reported progressively increasing literacy rates. In 1982, only 77.8% of the adult population in this country was considered literate. With an 87% literacy rate today, Zimbabwe has achieved an average annual literacy growth of 3.79%
01.SEYCHELLES
LITERACY RATE:93.00%
Can you really blame this small country island for leading the list? Their population is almost a quarter of the population in South Africa, but they have managed to exucate a whooping 93%.
Of the countries in the literate percentile, Seychelles is the only one to have achieved the 6 goals set forth by the UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Education for All program. These goals, which were to be met by 2015, include: establish free primary education, improve the quality of education, improve childhood education, improve adult literacy by 50%, provide gender equality in the classroom, and address the educational needs of youth and adults. The government of Seychelles first began promoting adult literacy during the 1980’s, which is also when free public education became available. All of these efforts in the educational sector have worked to make Seychelles the number one most literate country in Africa.
LITERACY RATE:93.00%
Can you really blame this small country island for leading the list? Their population is almost a quarter of the population in South Africa, but they have managed to exucate a whooping 93%.
Of the countries in the literate percentile, Seychelles is the only one to have achieved the 6 goals set forth by the UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Education for All program. These goals, which were to be met by 2015, include: establish free primary education, improve the quality of education, improve childhood education, improve adult literacy by 50%, provide gender equality in the classroom, and address the educational needs of youth and adults. The government of Seychelles first began promoting adult literacy during the 1980’s, which is also when free public education became available. All of these efforts in the educational sector have worked to make Seychelles the number one most literate country in Africa.
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