Top 5 English Proficiency Level Countries Increase in Africa in 2025

Global English Proficiency scale.

Africa Defies Global Decline in English Proficiency - Here’s How.

English is more widely understood today than it was 30 years ago, yet for millions, using it fluently in academic and professional settings remains a struggle. The result? Countless missed opportunities, miscommunication, and wasted time - costs that are hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.

The 2024 EF Education First English Proficiency Index, which draws on data from 2.1 million test takers worldwide, reveals some striking trends. For the fourth year in a row, global average English skills have declined - with 60% of countries scoring lower than they did in 2023.

But one region stands out from this worrying trend: Africa.

While not every African country improved, the continent as a whole made notable progress - especially among women. In fact, Africa remains the only continent where women consistently outperform men in English proficiency. Ethiopia leads the way with the world’s largest gender gap in favor of women - an impressive 58-point difference.

Why does this matter? Because national English proficiency strongly correlates with a wide range of development indicators, from income and education to innovation, competitiveness, and global engagement. Though the strength of these links may shift over time, they remain consistently significant - often more so than single metrics like GDP or average years of schooling.

Africa’s growing focus on English skills is paying off. Improved proficiency is unlocking opportunities, boosting employability, and helping countries connect more competitively with the global economy.

So, which African nations are leading the way? According to the 2025 index, here are the top five countries on the continent for English proficiency:

Rank	Country	Score	Global Ranking
1	South Africa	594	11th
2	Kenya	581	19th
3	Nigeria	557	30th
4	Ghana	534	41st
5	Uganda	518	54th

Africa’s performance is a clear reminder that investment in language skills can pay huge dividends. In a world where English remains the dominant global language of business, science, and technology, this upward trend offers hope - and a competitive edge - for millions across the continent.

Nshing Rooney 

A blogger by heart and a scientist by soul. 

Czech Republic Named One of the World’s Safest Countries for Summer Travel

Beautiful Namesti Miru neighborhood, Prague-Czech Republic (Summer 2025)

Why is Czech Republic Named One of the World’s Safest Countries for Summer Travel?

Travelers looking for peace of mind this summer might want to put Czechia at the top of their list. A new global ranking from insurance platform HelloSafe has named Czechia among the top ten safest countries in the world for tourists - beating out popular destinations like Italy and France.

What Makes Czechia So Safe?

HelloSafe’s ranking assessed 35 indicators across five key categories: crime rates, natural disaster risks, healthcare quality, threat of terrorism, and levels of militarization. The data comes from trusted international sources, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, Our World in Data, and the Global Peace Index.

Thanks to its low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and stable, peaceful society, Czechia ranks as the sixth-safest country in the world and fifth-safest in Europe. It’s a standout in Central Europe, outperforming neighboring countries like Hungary (9th), Slovakia (10th), Germany (14th), and Poland (23rd).

In Elite Company

Globally, only five countries ranked higher than Czechia: Iceland, Singapore, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland. This places Czechia firmly among the safest destinations worldwide - and a leader for safe travel within its region.

Where to Be More Cautious

The report also highlighted places where tourists should exercise more caution. In Europe, Greece ranks as the third-most dangerous country for travelers, with only Russia and Ukraine deemed riskier. France follows closely as Europe’s fourth-least-safe destination, ahead of Italy, Spain, and Albania.
Further afield, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela top the list of Latin America’s most dangerous countries for visitors this year, according to HelloSafe.

A Strong Track Record for Safety

Czechia’s reputation for safety isn’t new. In a separate 2025 safety index by insurance provider William Russell, the country placed just outside the global top ten, thanks to its effective policing, reliable public healthcare, and low poverty rates. Back in 2023, Prague was named the world’s third-safest city for travelers - and the safest city in Europe.

Book a stay in Prague on expedia.com 

Even after a tragic mass shooting in Prague impacted its rankings slightly, Czechia still held firm as one of the region’s safest destinations. In the 2024 Safety Index by Numbeo, Czechia was named the 12th safest country in Europe and remained second-safest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Bottom Line

If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway where you can feel safe while exploring historic cities, scenic countryside, and world-class culture, Czechia should be high on your list. With its welcoming atmosphere and proven safety record, it’s no wonder more travelers are discovering what makes this Central European gem so special.

Nshing Rooney

Fly4studycm 

Manchester United Pushed to Lay Down £65M Bryan Mbeumo Deal Ahead of US Tour

Bryan Mbeumo in action after scoring his 18th goal in the premier league. 

Manchester United are eager to finalize a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo as soon as possible, with the club determined to avoid any delays that could disrupt pre-season preparations.

Mbeumo, who netted an impressive 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, has made no secret of his ambition to move to a bigger club and is understood to prefer a switch to Old Trafford.

United acted swiftly to secure Matheus Cunha early in the transfer window, thanks in part to a release clause that made negotiations straightforward. However, talks with Brentford over Mbeumo have proved more complicated, as there is no fixed buyout clause—meaning a fee must be agreed through traditional negotiations.

The Red Devils have already begun pre-season training, creating an awkward situation in the opening week when Marcus Rashford returned to Carrington despite being given extra time to find a new club. Rashford has also seen his shirt number handed to Cunha, adding to the uncertainty around his future.

According to Sky Sports, United are keen to complete the Mbeumo transfer before the squad departs for their U.S. tour later this month. The team will make a quick stop in Sweden before their first stateside match on July 26.

Mbeumo is reportedly growing frustrated with the lack of progress and is eager to avoid starting pre-season training back at Brentford while his move remains in limbo. Personal terms are believed to be agreed, and there is “cautious optimism” at United that a deal will be struck soon.

Brentford are demanding around £65 million ($88.3 million) for their star forward. The sticking point is not the total fee but rather how it’s paid—Brentford want most, if not all, of the amount up front, while United are pushing for a more staggered structure.

Should the deal go through, Mbeumo is expected to slot in as one of the two split No. 10s in new manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, operating alongside Cunha and just behind the central striker. Who will lead the line remains to be seen—United are still weighing up whether to stick with Rasmus Højlund or bring in a free agent, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson, and Jamie Vardy all linked as short-term options.

With the tour looming and Amorim keen to shape his squad quickly, United fans will be hoping the club can get this deal over the line in the coming days—giving Mbeumo the chance to hit the ground running in red.

Rooney Nshing 

U.S. Embassy in Prague Urges Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Profiles Public

Image shows parts of Vysehrad and Pankrac in Prague, Czech Republic Capital.

Why Should the U.S. Embassy in Prague Urges Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Profiles Public?

The U.S. Embassy in Prague has issued new guidance encouraging nonimmigrant visa applicants - especially students and exchange visitors - to set their social media accounts to public. According to the embassy, this measure is intended to help verify applicants’ identities and strengthen national security screenings, in line with policies introduced during former President Donald Trump’s administration.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated, “Every visa decision is a national security decision,” and advised applicants for F, M, and J visas to adjust their privacy settings to allow greater visibility. The recommendation is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to tighten immigration controls and monitor the online activities of foreign nationals more closely.

The F and M visa categories cover international students: the F-1 visa is for those enrolled at academic institutions such as universities, high schools, or language training programs, while the M-1 visa applies to vocational or non-academic study. The J-1 visa supports a wide range of exchange programs, including research, internships, medical training, and au pair placements.

The embassy says the updated guidance aligns with a June directive from the Trump-era White House, which emphasized the need to identify individuals who may hold hostile views toward the United States, its institutions, or its values.

However, the policy has drawn criticism both in the U.S. and abroad. In recent months, immigration officials have reportedly revoked hundreds of student visas, particularly targeting individuals who expressed support for Palestinians or joined campus protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Some students with pro-Palestinian views were detained and held in immigration facilities.

The new guidance has sparked concern in the Czech Republic, where more than 700 students are currently enrolled at American universities. Critics argue that requiring public social media accounts infringes on privacy, suppresses free speech, and risks undermining strong educational ties between the two countries. Many online commenters also pointed out that this new advice appears to contradict the embassy’s past statements supporting freedom of speech - including the right to criticize the U.S. government.

Rooney N

Fly4studycm.

Power Outage Disrupts Transport Across Czech Republic

Image Prague Congress Centre with a view of Prague City Hotel.

FLY4STUDYCM — A widespread but temporary power outage disrupted parts of the Czech Republic on Friday, halting public transport and affecting several regions, including the capital, Prague.

The outage began around noon, bringing Prague’s entire subway system to a stop, according to the city’s transport authority. Service was restored within 30 minutes, but the disruption caused delays throughout the day. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the incident an "extraordinary and unpleasant situation" in a statement on social media, assuring the public that restoring power was a top priority. The country’s power grid operator, CEPS, reported issues across four northern and eastern regions. A fallen electricity line in the northwest was identified as a possible cause.

CEPS confirmed that eight substations were affected, including a major one in Prague. Five were back online within two hours. Officials ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack or terrorism. Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek said the likely cause was a “mechanical malfunction.”

The outage led to a suspension of most tram services on the right bank of the Vltava River in Prague, while the left bank remained unaffected. Some train routes near Prague and in other parts of the country also experienced delays, but service gradually resumed.

Václav Havel Airport Prague, the city’s main international airport, was not impacted. In central Prague, many shops and restaurants remained open but only accepted cash due to the disruption.

International News on Fly4studycm 

Nshing Rooney