Africa is a continent known for its rich diversity of languages and cultures. From native languages to those introduced during colonial times, Africa has a wide range of linguistic influences. Among these, French is one of the most prevalent languages, spoken by millions of people in 21 African nations. These countries are commonly referred to as francophone countries, as they use French as either their official language or as one of their official languages alongside others.
Out of the 21 francophone countries in Africa, one nation has recently made the decision to no longer recognize French as its official language. That country is Mali, which has included this change in its new constitution. Despite this, the remaining 20 francophone countries still maintain French as a significant language within their borders.
Here is a list of the 20 francophone countries in Africa that use French as an official or recognized language:
1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Located in Central Africa, the DRC embraces a diverse range of cultures and languages, with French serving as one of the country’s official languages.
2. Madagascar: Situated off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is not only known for its unique wildlife and biodiversity but also for its linguistic diversity. French is one of the official languages alongside Malagasy.
3. Cameroon: As a country located in West and Central Africa, Cameroon is home to numerous ethnic groups and languages. French, alongside English, is one of the official languages and is widely spoken across the country.
4. Ivory Coast: Also known as Côte d’Ivoire, this West African nation recognizes French as its official language. However, there are also over 60 indigenous languages spoken in the country.
5. Niger: Located in West Africa, Niger is a francophone nation that uses French as its official language, along with native languages such as Hausa and Zarma.
6. Burkina Faso: Formerly known as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa with French as its official language. Indigenous languages such as Mossi and Fulfulde are also widely spoken.
7. Senegal: Situated on the westernmost tip of Africa, Senegal is a francophone country that has French as its official language. Wolof, a local language, is also widely spoken.
8. Chad: This Central African country recognizes French as its official language, alongside Arabic. Indigenous languages such as Sara and Kanembu are also spoken.
9. Guinea: Located in West Africa, Guinea is a francophone nation where French is one of the official languages. Numerous ethnic groups and languages coexist within the country.
10. Rwanda: Rwanda, a country in East-Central Africa, recognizes both French and English as official languages. However, the majority of the population speaks Kinyarwanda, the native language.
11. Burundi: Situated in East Africa, Burundi uses French as one of its official languages. Kirundi, a Bantu language, is also spoken widely in the country.
12. Benin: This West African nation recognizes French as its official language, alongside indigenous languages such as Fon and Yoruba.
13. Togo: Togo is another West African country where French is spoken and recognized as an official language. The Ewe and Kabye languages are also widely spoken.
14. Central African Republic: Located in Central Africa, this francophone nation recognizes French as its official language alongside Sango, a local language spoken by a significant portion of the population.
15. Republic of the Congo: Also known as Congo-Brazzaville, this Central African country uses French as its official language alongside Kituba, Lingala, and other indigenous languages.
16. Gabon: This Central African nation recognizes French as its official language alongside Fang, Punu, and other local languages.
17. Djibouti: Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti uses French as one of its official languages. Arabic, Somali, and Afar are also spoken in the country.
18. Equatorial Guinea: Located on the west coast of Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea recognizes French as an official language alongside Spanish and Portuguese.
19. Comoros: This archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa recognizes French, alongside Arabic and Comorian, as an official language.
20. Seychelles: Situated in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles recognizes French, English, and Seychellois Creole as official languages.
These francophone countries in Africa demonstrate the influence of the French language and its persistence as a significant linguistic force. While these nations also prioritise their indigenous languages, French serves as a bridge language for communication within and outside Africa. These countries bear testament to the complex linguistic landscape of Africa, where the diverse range of languages and cultures thrive side by side.
