The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, many employees in hotels, NGOs, port logistics or service companies read English well but translate in their heads and lose their voice in meetings. The Kolonell course Anglais conversationnel : parler avec aisance au travail (level 3 Intermediate, 75,000 FCFA, about 110 EUR / 130 USD, 24 hours, certificate, target level B1, explanations in French) tackles exactly this block with recorded speaking exercises, pronunciation and meeting participation. Online and self-paced, it costs less than four hours of private lessons a month over two months.
Why you understand but do not speak
Speaking blocks usually have three causes: word-for-word mental translation, fear of making mistakes in front of colleagues and a lack of ready-made expressions. A hotel receptionist in Les Almadies, an NGO project officer in Point E or a freight forwarder at the port of Dakar live the same scene: they follow the conversation, prepare their sentence, and by the time it is ready the topic has moved on.
The course does not restart grammar from scratch. It gets you speaking out loud from the first lesson and recording yourself on your phone, then corrects word stress and endings that prevent you from being understood. Prerequisites: level 2 of the track (Office English) or A2 level, meaning you can write a simple email and handle a short call, plus a microphone and earphones.
| Option in Dakar (2026) | Indicative price | Volume | Speaking practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell course level 3 | 75,000 FCFA (110 EUR), one-off | 24 h, self-paced | Guided recordings and simulations |
| Private lessons | 10,000 to 20,000 FCFA per hour | 24 h = 240,000 to 480,000 FCFA | High, depends on teacher |
| Language institute | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA per session | 30 to 40 h in groups | Medium, groups of 10 to 20 |
| Free apps | 0 to 6,000 FCFA a month | Unlimited | Low, little real conversation |
| Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA (530 EUR) instead of 450,000 | From beginner to leadership | Progressive |
Local prices are 2026 orders of magnitude observed in Dakar and vary by neighbourhood and institute.
The programme in six modules
The course Conversational English: speak with confidence at work is built around real workplace situations, with two recorded projects.
| Module | Goal | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Speaking confidence | Stop translating in your head | Speak for two minutes without searching for words |
| 2. Pronunciation and accent | Be understood the first time | Personal sheet of your 30 risky words |
| 3. Ideas, opinions and viewpoints | Give, nuance and justify your view | A position defended in three minutes |
| 4. Ask, clarify, rephrase | Stop pretending to understand | Automatic clarification phrases |
| 5. Simple meetings | Progress updates, questions, proposals | Active participation on video calls |
| 6. Real situations | Client, partner, colleague | Final simulation with a partner |
You also leave with a bank of 150 spoken expressions sorted by function (giving an opinion, clarifying, interrupting, proposing), usable in your very next meeting.
What speaking confidence is worth on the Dakar market
The gaps below are 2026 orders of magnitude observed on the job market. They depend on the sector, and the course guarantees neither a job nor a salary.
| Sector in Dakar | Indicative salary, French-only profile | Observed gap, bilingual speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Upscale hotels (front desk, guest relations) | 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA | + 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA |
| NGOs and international organisations | 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA | + 100,000 to 150,000 FCFA |
| Port logistics and freight forwarding | 200,000 to 400,000 FCFA | + 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA |
| Call centres and customer support | 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA | + 50,000 to 80,000 FCFA |
| Trade with Ghana and Nigeria | Variable | Access to English-speaking suppliers and clients |
In percentage terms, this is often a 20 to 40 % premium depending on the role. The Professional English track then takes you to business English (level 4) and leadership in English (level 5).
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Mini case study
Moussa, 29, a receptionist at a hotel in Les Almadies, earns 180,000 FCFA a month. His manager offers him the front office supervisor post at 250,000 FCFA, provided he handles English-speaking guests alone. Private lessons option: 24 hours at 15,000 FCFA, i.e. 360,000 FCFA. Kolonell option: 75,000 FCFA, at three hours a week for eight weeks. If the promotion happens, the 70,000 FCFA monthly gap pays back the course in just over a month. This is a hypothesis: the decision also depends on his employer.
FAQ
I understand well but cannot speak. Is this course for me?
Yes, that is its purpose. Module 1 addresses the block, and every lesson across the 24 hours makes you speak out loud and record yourself.
What level do I need to start?
A2: writing a simple email and handling a short call. If you are not there yet, start with level 2, Office English, at 50,000 FCFA (80 EUR).
How do I practise without a teacher in front of me?
You record yourself, compare with the models and work on dialogues with a partner (colleague, relative or classmate). Thirty minutes a day for eight weeks covers the programme.
Is the course in English or French?
Explanations are in French and exercises in English. For a French speaker at A2 to B1, this is faster than 100 % English lessons.
How do I pay the 75,000 FCFA?
By Wave or Orange Money, in one payment. The full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Take the next step. Enroll in Conversational English: speak with confidence at work: 24 hours of guided practice, 75,000 FCFA (about 110 EUR / 130 USD), 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.
