If you grew up in a developed country, you took the education luxury for granted and never thought about millions of people around the world who can’t read or write. The World Population Review shares the literacy rate for most countries around the world each year and their recent report was published. If you are looking to see which are the most educated countries in Africa in 2022 or the highest literacy rate in Africa, keep reading. In this post, we’ll talk about the top 10 most educated countries in Africa.
1- Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is the most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 1,402,983, Equatorial Guinea has a literacy rate of 95.30%.
Education in Equatorial Guinea is free and compulsory until the age of 14. Primary education is for five years followed by four years of secondary in the first stage and three subsequent years of secondary education in the second stage. In 2001, about 35% of children between the ages of three and six were enrolled in some type of preschool program.
2- South Africa
South Africa is the second-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 59,308,690, South Africa has a literacy rate of 94.30%.
Education in South Africa is continuing to take strain as the government attempts to achieve equal opportunities for all. The system is divided into 3 strata, namely general education and training, further education and training, and higher education and training. The process is compulsory through to grade 9, and spans 12 grades in total. The first 6 years are spent in primary school where literacy and numeracy are established.
3- Seychelles
Seychelles is the third-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 98,347, Seychelles has a literacy rate of 91.80%.
In Seychelles, education is compulsory up to the age of 16, and free through secondary school until age 18. Students must pay for uniforms, but not for books or tuition. Primary school attendance statistics are not available for Seychelles. As of 2002, 99 percent of children who started primary school were likely to reach grade 5.
4- Libya
Libya is the fourth most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 6,871,292, Libya has a literacy rate of 91.00%.
Education in Libya begins with primary education, which is both free and compulsory. Children in Libya between the ages of 6 and 15 attend primary school and then attend secondary school for three additional years (15- to 18-year-olds).
5- Mauritius
Mauritius is the fifth-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 1,271,768, Mauritius has a literacy rate of 90.60%.
Primary education was made compulsory and offered for free. Education at the secondary level was not compulsory but offered free. Higher education was provided through the University of Mauritius. Education has been free through the secondary level since 1976 and through the post-secondary level since 1988.
6- Botswana
Botswana is the sixth-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 2,351,627, Botswana has a literacy rate of 88.50%.
Education in Botswana is free, but it is not compulsory. The Ministry of Education has authority over all of Botswana’s educational structure except the University of Botswana. Schooling in Botswana is not mandatory. The first ten years, starting at age six are however free. There are seven years of primary school, the first four of which are taught in Setswana. After that, classes are taught in English.
7- Cape Verde
Cape Verde is the seventh-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 555,987, Cape Verde has a literacy rate of 87.60%.
Education in Cape Verde is organized into a six-six formal education structure, meaning that children enter primary school at the age of 6, and then are required to attend school for six years. The small island-nation of Cape Verde could become one of the most educated countries in Africa. Cape Verde is definitely one of the Top 10 Most Educated Countries in Africa.
8- Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is the eighth-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 14,862,924, Zimbabwe has a literacy rate of 86.50%.
Zimbabwe’s education system consists of 7 years of primary and 6 years of secondary schooling before students can enter university in the country or abroad. The academic year in Zimbabwe runs from January to December, with three-month terms, broken up by one-month holidays, with a total of 40 weeks of school per year.
9- Burundi
Burundi is the ninth-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 11,890,784, Burundi has a literacy rate of 85.60%.
Education is compulsory in Burundi for six years between the ages of seven and 13. Theoretically, primary education is free at the point of use. Primary education in Burundi spans six grades between the ages of 7 and 13. The next educational tier, known as Lower Secondary, comprises an additional four grades.
10- Gabon
Gabon is the tenth-most educated country in Africa.
With a population of 2,225,734, Gabon has a literacy rate of 83.20%.
Education in Gabon is largely based on the French educational system. Education is compulsory for children ages 6 to 16 years under the Education Act. Most children in Gabon start their school lives by attending nurseries (Crèche), then kindergarten (Jardins d’Enfants). At age 6, they are enrolled in primary school (école primaire) which is made up of six grades. The next level is secondary school (école secondaire), which is made up of seven grades. The intended age at graduation is 19 years. Graduates of secondary school can apply for universities or other institutions of higher learning, such as engineering schools or business schools.
Hope you enjoyed this list of Top 10 Most Educated Countries in Africa. Let us know what you think in the comments.