The verdict in three sentences
Many managers and sales staff in Dakar understand written English but stay silent in meetings with Ghanaian, Nigerian or Gambian partners. That block is fixed with guided speaking practice, not more grammar: 24 structured hours at 75,000 FCFA cost less than half a session at an institute. Regional roles often pay 25 to 50% more, and speaking up in meetings is the criterion that separates candidates.
Why you freeze when speaking even though you understand
The profile is common in Dakar: A2 to B1 level, reads emails fine, follows most of a call, but the sentence will not come out when the partner from Accra or Lagos asks for your opinion. The causes are well known: few chances to speak, fear of your accent, the habit of translating in your head from French or Wolof. As a result, an English-speaking colleague or a consultant speaks for you, and they win the client's trust.
| Work situation in Dakar | What happens if you freeze | What practice changes |
|---|---|---|
| Teams meeting with a Ghanaian distributor | You listen, then confirm by email | You give your view live |
| Call from a Nigerian client | You ask them to "put it in writing" | You handle the request during the call |
| Trade fair at CICAD | Short chats, cards never followed up | 2-minute pitch, meeting booked |
| Interview for a regional role | Recited, unnatural answers | Spontaneous, structured answers |
| Visit from a Gambian delegation | A colleague translates | You lead the visit |
How much does a conversational English course cost in Dakar in 2026
| Option (2026 order of magnitude) | Price | Volume | Speaking practice | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Academy, Conversational English (level 3) | 75,000 FCFA | 24 guided hours over 8 weeks | Corrected speaking exercises | Yes, verifiable online |
| Language institute in Dakar | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA per session | 30 to 40 h in a group | Yes, shared speaking time | Attestation |
| One-to-one coaching | 10,000 to 20,000 FCFA per hour | 10 h = 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA | Maximum | No |
| Conversation clubs | 0 to 5,000 FCFA per session | Irregular | Yes, no correction | No |
| Series and podcasts | 0 FCFA | Unlimited | No, listening only | No |
The course Conversational English: speak with ease at work is level 3 of the track, intermediate category. It aims for a measurable result: talk for two minutes about your work without searching for words, give your opinion, rephrase and hold your ground in meetings. Instructions are in French, practice is in English.
What you work on over the eight weeks
| Week | Skill | Situation practised |
|---|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Fluency and pronunciation | Introduce yourself, describe your role |
| 3 | Giving your opinion | "I'd suggest", "From my point of view" |
| 4 | Rephrasing and asking to repeat | Calls with Ghanaian or Nigerian accents |
| 5 | Interrupting politely | Multi-participant meetings |
| 6 | Telling and explaining | Presenting a result or an incident |
| 7 and 8 | Spontaneity | Unexpected questions, small talk |
If your English emails are still hesitant, level 2 of the Professional English track (email and phone) can come first. After level 3 come business English and then leadership. The full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA.
Mini case study
Ndèye, 34, sales manager at an agricultural equipment distributor in Dakar, handles three distributors in Banjul, Accra and Kumasi. She understands the exchanges but lets her director run the meetings. She takes the 75,000 FCFA course, 3 hours a week for 8 weeks. One-to-one coaching for the same 24 hours would have cost her about 360,000 FCFA at 15,000 FCFA per hour, 285,000 FCFA more. If her regional speaking skills earn her a bonus or a role paid 25% more on a 450,000 FCFA salary, the monthly gain of about 112,000 FCFA pays back the course in under a month. This is a 2026 order of magnitude, not a guarantee.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
What level do I need for this course?
An A2 to B1 level: you read a simple email and follow most of a call. Below that, start with level 1 at 25,000 FCFA or level 2.
How much time does it take?
The 24 hours are best spread over 8 weeks, about 3 hours a week. Regularity matters more than the length of each session.
How do I pay for enrollment?
Level 3 costs 75,000 FCFA, payable with Wave or Orange Money. Access is immediate after confirmation.
Can my employer pay for the course?
Yes, many Dakar companies reimburse a 75,000 FCFA course more readily than a 300,000 FCFA session. The verifiable certificate serves as proof.
Does this course prepare for TOEIC or IELTS?
No, it targets speaking confidence at work, not an international exam. It does, however, strengthen the speaking part of those tests.
Take the next step. Enroll in Conversational English: speak with ease at work: 24 guided hours over 8 weeks, 75,000 FCFA, verifiable certificate, taught in French. 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.
