The verdict in three sentences
For a sales manager at a mining company in Ouagadougou, English is no longer a bonus: Ghanaian partners, South African suppliers, British and Australian shareholders all negotiate in English. What is most often missing is not basic grammar but the ability to write a formal email, present figures and defend a position in negotiation. Kolonell's level 4 Career course, 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR / 175 USD) for 34 h, targets exactly these situations for B1-level profiles.
Why business English pays in Burkina Faso in 2026
Gold is Burkina Faso's leading export, and many mining companies, subcontractors and donors work in English. Neighboring Ghana is also a major trading partner. 2026 orders of magnitude:
| Professional situation in Ouagadougou | Impact of business English | 2026 order of magnitude (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Language bonus at some mining companies | Paid after a test or assessment | 50,000 to 150,000 per month |
| Bilingual vs non-bilingual sales manager | Salary gap for the same role | 100,000 to 300,000 per month |
| Consultant for an English-speaking NGO or donor | Access to international assignments | 75,000 to 200,000 per day |
| Responding to a tender in English | Market accessible or not | contracts worth several million |
| Purchasing manager with Ghanaian suppliers | Direct negotiation without interpreter | 2 to 5% savings on purchases |
| One-off meeting interpreter | Cost avoided by the company | 100,000 to 250,000 per day |
These figures vary by company and are not guaranteed. They show that a few months of targeted practice can change a manager's trajectory.
Learning business English: options and prices
| Option | Price (FCFA) | Duration | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free apps | 0 | varies | Vocabulary, regularity | Nothing on negotiation or tenders |
| Language center course in Ouagadougou | 150,000 to 300,000 per session | 30 to 40 h | Group speaking | Fixed hours, general content |
| Private tutor | 10,000 to 20,000 per hour | 30 h = 300,000 to 600,000 | Tailored | High cost |
| Kolonell Business English course | 100,000 | 34 h | 8 business modules, role plays, full portfolio | Assumes B1 level |
| Full Professional English track | 350,000 instead of 450,000 | 5 levels | From basics to expert level | Longer commitment |
The Business English: presentations, negotiation and documents course, with explanations in French, covers eight modules: writing professional English (tenses, structure, clarity), formal and semi-formal emails, short reports, memos and minutes, business, finance and marketing vocabulary, sales presentations and pitches, negotiating and defending your ideas, understanding commercial and technical documents, and role plays based on real cases. It is level 4 of the Professional English track. If your level is below B1, start with levels 1 to 3 or take the bundle at 350,000 FCFA.
What you produce during the course
By the end of the 34 hours you have a complete business portfolio in English, ready for a real client: a series of formal emails, a short report, a sales pitch, a negotiation script and a model tender response. This portfolio is useful in meetings, but also in job interviews or a language-bonus assessment.
Mini case study
Issouf, 36, sales manager at a mining subcontractor in Ouagadougou, handles transport contracts with a Ghanaian partner. Until now, the company has paid an interpreter 150,000 FCFA per negotiation meeting, about once a month.
- Investment: course 100,000 FCFA, 34 h spread over 10 weeks.
- Cost avoided: 150,000 FCFA a month for the interpreter, i.e. 1,800,000 FCFA a year.
- If his company then pays him a language bonus of 75,000 FCFA a month, his personal gain reaches 900,000 FCFA a year.
- Return on investment: the course pays for itself with the first meeting run without an interpreter, or in under two months of bonus.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
This scenario is indicative: whether a bonus is paid depends on each employer's policy.
FAQ
What level do I need to take the course?
B1: you understand a simple conversation and can write a basic email. Below that, levels 1 to 3 of the track (25,000 to 75,000 FCFA) are a better fit.
Is the course taught in English?
Explanations are in French, exercises and templates in English. For a French speaker this is faster than learning a new concept directly in English.
How long does it take to finish the 34 hours?
Roughly 8 to 12 weeks at 3 to 4 h a week. Lessons remain accessible afterwards for review.
Is it enough to negotiate with British partners?
The course gives you structures, vocabulary and scripts. Fluency comes with practice: allow 2 to 3 months of real use after the course.
Can my company pay?
Yes. At 100,000 FCFA, the course costs less than a single language-center session or one day of interpreting.
Take the next step. Enroll in Business English: presentations, negotiation and documents: 34 h, 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR / 175 USD), certificate included. 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.
