Education is a cornerstone of development, with every country working to nurture and mould the next generation of competent and skilled workers.
Across Africa, many countries have made education a priority, but some stand out for their exceptional progress in skill development and academic excellence.
Here are the top 10 African countries with the best education systems according to rankings by Bscholarly and the World Education Forum.
- Seychelles
Seychelles is the only African country with an education system ranked among the top 50 globally, placing 43rd ahead of countries like Ukraine and Russia. With a score of 69.3 points,
Seychelles boasts the best education system on the continent. In this archipelago nation, education is free through secondary school until age 18 and compulsory until age 16.
Seychelles has the highest literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa at 96.20%. Additionally, it is the first and only African country to have fully achieved UNESCO’s “Education for All” goal.
- Tunisia
Tunisia’s educational system ranks 71st globally, with a score of 61.4 points. The country allocates about 20% to 30% of its national budget to education, an investment that has positioned Tunisia as a leading nation in Africa for educational standards.
Tunisia ranks 49th in school life expectancy and 51st in primary education pupil-to-teacher ratio, reflecting its strong commitment to education.
- Mauritius
Mauritius ranks third in Africa and 74th globally, with a score of 61 points.
Schooling is compulsory up to the age of 16, and the government has made education free from pre-primary to tertiary levels.
Additionally, the government provides free transportation to all students, enhancing accessibility and earning Mauritius a top spot among Africa’s best education systems.
Mauritius also boasts one of the highest literacy rates on the continent. As of 2022, the adult literacy rate was 91.9%.
- South Africa
With a literacy rate of 94%, South Africa ranks fourth in Africa for educational development, scoring 58.4 points and placing 84th globally.
Although many public schools in South Africa charge tuition fees, the country invests approximately 18% of its budget in education, underscoring its commitment to improving the education system.
- Algeria
Algeria ranks fifth in Africa and second in North Africa with a score of 57.4 points.
The country’s literacy rate stands at 75%. Algeria provides free education and mandates schooling for children aged six to fifteen.
The education system is well-structured, with primary education lasting five years, followed by four years of lower secondary school and three years of upper secondary school. Foundational education, known as “Enseignment Fondemental,” is compulsory for all students.
- Botswana
Botswana ranks 92nd globally in educational standards, emphasizing compulsory education for citizens aged 4 to 18.
This focus has resulted in a literacy rate of 88%. Botswana’s education system includes seven years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, and two years of senior secondary education.
- Kenya
Kenya ranks 95th globally, with a literacy rate of 78.7%.
Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 17. The country introduced a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017 to replace the long-standing 8-4-4 curriculum. The CBC aims to produce engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens.
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, where learners spent eight years in primary education, four years in secondary school, and four years at university, the CBC curriculum follows a 2-6-3-3-3 structure.
Basic education is organized into three levels: Early Years Education, Middle School Education, and Senior School.
Notably, Kenya is ranked 43rd globally for digital skills.
- Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean, has recently reformed its educational system.
Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 and free for those between 6 and 12. The Cape Verdean education system includes six years in primary school, three years in lower secondary, and three years in upper secondary. Cape Verde has a score of 53.3 points, ranking 98th globally, with an 80% literacy rate.
- Egypt
Egypt ranks 99th globally in education, with a literacy rate of 71%. The country offers free and compulsory education for children aged six to fifteen.
The public education system consists of three levels: basic education (for ages 4–14), secondary school (for ages 15–17), and tertiary education.
Egypt is also recognized for its digital skills, contributing to its global ranking.
- Namibia
Namibia is highly rated for critical thinking and teaching, with a global ranking of 82nd for educational staff training.
The country’s education system is compulsory until the age of 18, with a literacy rate of 88.2%.
