The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, the gap between an administrative assistant (150,000 to 250,000 FCFA a month) and a senior executive assistant at a bank, NGO or multinational (350,000 to 700,000 FCFA) comes down to concrete skills, not one more diploma. Recruiters test complex diary management, minute writing, Excel reporting and working English. A targeted 200,000 FCFA course costs three to four times less than a year of private BTS and pays for itself within months if it leads to a promotion.
What multinationals in Dakar actually expect
In the regional headquarters based in Almadies, Plateau or Mermoz, the executive assistant is the gatekeeper of the managing director or country manager. They manage a diary across several time zones, prepare board meetings, keep confidential files and write in both French and English. The job also requires solid office software skills: Outlook for invitations and calendar delegation, Word for standard letters, Excel for budget tracking, PowerPoint for meeting decks.
| Skill tested in interviews | Administrative assistant | Multinational executive assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Diary management | 1 manager, local meetings | 1 to 3 executives, multiple time zones |
| Writing | Simple letters | Committee minutes, briefing notes |
| English | Basic reading | Daily written exchanges, calls |
| Excel | Lists and tables | Budget tracking, pivot tables |
| Travel arrangements | Rare | Visas, tickets, hotels, per diem |
| Confidentiality | Standard | HR, legal and board files |
| Expected response time | Same day | Under 2 hours |
2026 salaries in Dakar: order of magnitude by employer type
The figures below are 2026 estimates based on job ads and conversations with Dakar recruiters. They vary with seniority, English level and company size.
| Role and employer | Gross monthly salary (FCFA) | Common benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary at a local SME | 120,000 to 180,000 | Transport sometimes |
| Administrative assistant | 150,000 to 250,000 | IPRES pension, health cover depending on employer |
| Executive assistant, SME | 250,000 to 400,000 | Annual bonus |
| Executive assistant, bank | 350,000 to 600,000 | 13th month, health insurance |
| Executive assistant, international NGO | 400,000 to 700,000 | Insurance, ongoing training |
| Executive assistant, multinational (bilingual) | 450,000 to 700,000 | 13th month, phone, bonus |
Comparing training options
The classic route is a BTS in executive assistance at a private school, but it takes two years and a heavy budget. For someone already employed, a short practical course closes the gaps without leaving the job. The Kolonell Academy course Executive Assistant: Office Tools, Organisation and Communication is level 5 (advanced) of its track: 200,000 FCFA (about 305 EUR), 47 hours of content, online, with a certificate, taught in French. It belongs to the Office and Productivity track, whose 5 levels cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 when taken together.
| Option | 2026 cost (FCFA) | Duration | Compatible with a job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private BTS in executive assistance | 600,000 to 900,000 per year | 2 years | Hard (daytime classes) |
| Evening classes at an institute | 300,000 to 500,000 | 6 to 9 months | Yes, with commuting constraints |
| Free YouTube tutorials | 0 | Variable | Yes, but no structure or certificate |
| Kolonell Academy, Executive Assistant | 200,000 | 47 h, self-paced | Yes, on mobile or computer |
| Full Office track (5 levels) | 350,000 instead of 450,000 | Progressive | Yes |
Payment is made with Wave or Orange Money, so there is no need to wire a large sum upfront.
Mini case study
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Fatou, 29, an administrative assistant at a logistics SME in Dakar, earns 220,000 FCFA a month. She completes the course in 8 weeks in the evenings, then applies for an executive assistant role at an international NGO in Mermoz. She is hired at 420,000 FCFA. The monthly gain is 200,000 FCFA: the 200,000 FCFA course is repaid with her first month's salary. Over a year, the difference reaches 2,400,000 FCFA, excluding the 13th month. This scenario is a 2026 order of magnitude: hiring also depends on her English and network.
FAQ
Do you need a BTS to become an executive assistant in Dakar?
No, many recruiters look first at experience and practical tests. A BTS is valued, but 2 to 3 years of secretarial experience plus proven Excel and writing skills are often enough.
What level of English do multinationals require?
An intermediate written level (B1 to B2) is usually required for emails and invitations. Roles above 500,000 FCFA often require handling a phone call in English.
How long does the course take?
The 47 hours are self-paced. At 6 hours a week, plan for about 8 weeks.
Is the certificate recognised by employers?
It is a Kolonell Academy training certificate, not a state diploma. It mainly proves your skills, ideally backed by a portfolio of documents produced during the course.
Can you pay in instalments?
Payment is made with Wave or Orange Money. Taking the full track at 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 saves you 100,000 FCFA.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive Assistant: Office Tools, Organisation and Communication: 47 hours online, 200,000 FCFA, Kolonell Academy certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money. Questions? WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
