List of French-Speaking Countries in Africa

French unites over 200 million people in 29 African countries today. This demonstrates that Africa contains highest number of French speaking people across the globe. French unites nations and cultures of different regions of Africa.

Various states in Africa chose to retain French as the official language after securing their independences. It allows individuals to communicate with one another over borders. Also, it provides business and educational opportunities throughout the continent.

There are 167 million French speakers in Africa, more than on any other region in the world. The number of French speakers continues to increase in Africa as more and people join the group.

French Speakers in Africa

African French speakers practice their language in schools, government agencies, and enterprises. African youth learn French to get better jobs. African countries trade and share culture with each other through the language.

More than 30 African countries have French speakers. Some people speak it along with Arabic, English, or their own language. Different African countries use French in different ways because of their histories and demands.

When compared to other regions, Africa is where the number of French speakers grows the fastest. This rise is caused by an increase in population. Each year more schools are taking the French study. Business can connect with the population through the language spoken here.

What are the French Speaking Countries in Africa?

Colonial history brought French to Africa. French now remains the strong language across the continent. Here we are providing a list of French speaking countries with highest numbers of French speaking population:

• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Algeria
• Cameroon
• Ivory Coast
• Senegal
• Morocco
• Mali
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Tunisia
• Benin
• Burundi

The above is the group of countries where the majority of the French speaking people resides. You can see that the use of French varies greatly depending on the country.

Countries in Africa with French as Official Language

French is an official language in 29 African countries. Each African country carefully picks its official language. These languages can be found in government documents. Schools must educate in the official languages. Judiciary and government administration is practiced in the French language.

Countries With French as their Only Official Language

10 African countries have declared French as their official language, that means the government administration will be conducted in that language. Benin leads the group as it conducts all its matters in the French language.

Ivory coast uses the French languages for conducting official business. Senegal uses French for government and schooling.

Togo, Congo, Guinea, and Gabon also use the French languages for Government administration. These countries rely on the French language for conducting official business.

Countries with French and Arabic Speakers

French and Arab are commonly used languages in the North African countries. These two are the languages used by the schools and government of Algeria. We know that the Tunisia uses Arabic language in its everyday use but for official and business purpose uses French language. The Moroccan education is offered in the two languages.

In Djibouti, Chad and Mauritania, French and Arabic are also used concurrently. This mixture enables the Francophone and Arab worlds to relate to these countries. Many people are bilingual here.

Countries With Both French and English Speakers

Cameroon has both English and French speaking population. The government records are recorded in both English and Spanish.

English, French and Kinyarwanda are declared the official language of Rawanda. French, English and Creole are combined in Seychelles. These multilingual cultures enable nations to cater to the maximum of people.

French and English in Africa

English and French are the most favoured languages in the African continent. Both languages are used by millions of people across Africa. There are places in Africa where each tribe and people speak the language as their prominent language.

West and Central Africa mostly utilises French language. Countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Congo speak French on a daily basis. French speakers have shared history and cultural connections.

In East and Southern Africa, English language holds greater prominence. Regarding education and business, all three countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa) prefer to use the English language. These places are easily accessible to the English-speaking markets.

English has more speakers overall, but most French people live in a few areas. French speakers in Africa are increasing at a quicker rate than English speakers. More and more young Africans are learning French to get better jobs.

There are 29 African countries where French is the official language. English is an official language in 27 out of 54 counties in Africa. It is also apparent that the two languages are significant in Africa due to the proximity of this battle.

French is an official language alongside the English language in some countries. This multitasking approach allows individuals to become members of the two language groups. It also makes conducting the businesses with other countries easy.

The Growing Need for Translation Services

Translation services hold greater significance since Africa’s use of myriads of languages. Over 2000 languages are used by the people here. Some groups are linked by French, but all of them are linked by translation services.

It is necessary to translate information for social media in order to reach a bigger audience. Courses taught in French are translated into your native language via online education platforms.

Translation services are important for international help groups working in Africa.

French-speaking African mining and oil businesses need safety translation services. They translate training and technical documentation into local languages.

French helps Africans do business and study abroad. It opens doors for them in France, Canada, and other countries where French is spoken. This makes French a useful language for getting ahead in life and work all over Africa.