The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, many candidates read and write English correctly but freeze when speaking the moment the recruiter switches: "So, tell me about yourself". The online Conversational English course from Kolonell Academy (75,000 FCFA, about 115 EUR, 24 hours, certificate) works precisely on speaking up, pronunciation, rephrasing and taking part in meetings. If you are aiming for an NGO, an international organisation, a multinational or an oil and gas subcontractor, this is the level that turns a bilingual CV on paper into a bilingual candidate in the interview.
Where spoken English separates candidates in Dakar
Since oil and gas production started, service companies, port logistics, audit firms and high-end hotels in Dakar have been recruiting people able to hold a conversation with English-speaking teams. NGOs and international agencies based in Dakar do the same for their programme officer roles. In most of these processes, part of the interview takes place in English, often by video with a manager in London, Houston, Nairobi or Accra.
The recruiter is not looking for a perfect accent. They check that you are understood the first time, that you can give a reasoned opinion and that you ask for clarification instead of answering off topic.
Options to improve your spoken English in Dakar (2026 order of magnitude):
| Option | Indicative price | Volume | Speaking practice | Interview preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell "Conversational English" online | 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR) | 24 h, 6 modules | Guided exercises | Yes, real situations |
| Private lessons at home | 200,000 to 400,000 FCFA | 20 to 30 h | Strong | Depends on the teacher |
| Language institute (Plateau, Point E) | 150,000 to 350,000 FCFA per session | 30 to 60 h | Average, in groups | Rarely |
| Conversation club | 0 to 10,000 FCFA per session | 1 to 2 h per week | Free, uncorrected | No |
| Free apps and videos | 0 FCFA (excluding data) | Unlimited | Weak | No |
What the course works on and what a bilingual job targets
The course Conversational English: speak with ease at work, taught in French, is level 3 (Intermediate) of the Professional English track, for people at A2 to B1 level. Its six modules: confidence when speaking without freezing, pronunciation and accent to be understood the first time, expressing ideas and opinions, asking, clarifying and rephrasing, taking part in simple meetings, then professional conversations in real situations. The stated goal: two minutes of spontaneous English about your work, without searching for words.
| Target job in Dakar | Bilingual monthly salary (2026 order of magnitude) | Typical speaking requirement |
|---|---|---|
| NGO programme assistant | 400,000 to 600,000 FCFA | Part of the interview in English |
| Programme officer, international organisation | 600,000 to 900,000 FCFA | Regular meetings in English |
| Logistics coordinator, oil and gas subcontractor | 500,000 to 900,000 FCFA | Briefings with expatriate teams |
| Guest relations, high-end hotel | 300,000 to 500,000 FCFA | Welcoming guests and complaints |
| Junior consultant at an audit firm | 450,000 to 700,000 FCFA | Assignments with an international network |
| Same job without spoken English | 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA | Career often capped |
These ranges are indicative: they vary by employer, experience and contract type (national or international).
The Professional English track includes five levels, from beginner to leadership. The full track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA (about 534 EUR instead of 686 EUR).
Mini case study
Cheikh, 27, holds a master's degree in logistics from Dakar and failed two interviews with gas sector subcontractors: the English part threw him off. He works as a freight forwarding officer at 300,000 FCFA a month.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
- Cost of the course: 75,000 FCFA, i.e. 24 hours spread over 8 weeks, 3 hours a week.
- With module 6, he prepares a two-minute presentation of his background and three model answers about his achievements.
- At the third interview, he lands a logistics coordinator job at 550,000 FCFA, i.e. 250,000 FCFA more per month.
- The course represents less than 10 days of that salary gap.
Illustrative scenario: hiring also depends on experience and the market.
FAQ
What level do I need?
You need to read and write simple English, A2 to B1 level. If basic emails are still a problem, take level 2, Office English, first at 50,000 FCFA.
How is speaking practised in an online course?
The 6 modules rely on speaking aloud, recording and rephrasing exercises, with sentence templates. Plan 15 to 20 minutes of speaking practice per day on top of the lessons.
How long until I am ready for an interview?
The programme lasts 24 hours. At 3 hours a week, you finish in 8 weeks; intensively, 4 weeks are enough.
Is the certificate enough as proof of level?
It is a Kolonell Academy training certificate, not a standardised test. Some international organisations also ask for a recognised test, which costs around 100,000 to 150,000 FCFA separately.
How do I pay?
The 75,000 FCFA price is paid with Wave or Orange Money when you enrol online.
Take the next step. Enroll in Conversational English: speak with ease at work: 24 hours online, 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR), certificate included, 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.
