The verdict in three sentences
A Dakar manager steering a subsidiary in Accra, a supplier in Lagos or reporting to London can no longer get by with "survival" English. One-to-one executive coaching costs 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA per hour and an intensive institute programme 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA, while the Kolonell Expert English course costs 200,000 FCFA for 57 hours of content. The best value combines this structured programme with a few coaching sessions focused on your real stakes.
The market for executive English in Dakar in 2026
Plateau, Almadies, Mermoz: provision for executives is concentrated and expensive. 2026 orders of magnitude:
| Option | 2026 price | Volume | What you get | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-to-one executive coaching | 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA per hour (38 to 76 EUR) | 20 h = 500,000 to 1,000,000 FCFA | Tailor-made, very flexible | High cost, few materials |
| Intensive institute programme | 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA | 40 to 60 h | Group of executives, attestation | Rigid schedule |
| Seminar abroad (Accra, London) | 1,500,000 FCFA and up, excluding flights | 1 to 2 weeks | Immersion | Time away from the office, budget |
| International online platforms | 100,000 to 300,000 FCFA per year | Variable | Generic content | Poorly suited to West Africa |
| Kolonell Academy level 5 Expert | 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR) | 57 h online | 10 modules, certificate | Speaking to practise alongside |
For an employer, the Kolonell programme also fits within an executive's annual training budget, often between 300,000 and 1,000,000 FCFA in structured Dakar companies.
What the expert level covers
The course Expert English: leadership, management and technical English (taught in French) is level 5 of the track. It targets the situations where a manager's credibility is on the line.
| Block | Modules | Manager situation |
|---|---|---|
| Intercultural | Cultural differences at work | Understand a direct Nigerian partner and an indirect British head office |
| Meetings and calls | International calls and meetings, leading a team | Chair an 8-person steering committee on Teams |
| Writing | Writing for a global audience | Write a monthly report or an escalation email |
| Public speaking | Professional speeches, managerial communication and feedback | Present results, run an annual review |
| Sensitive situations | Conflict, persuasion, strategic negotiation | Renegotiate a supplier contract in Accra |
| Specialisation | Sector technical English, certifications | Finance, mining, energy, telecoms, NGOs |
The full Professional English track (5 levels) costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA (about 534 EUR instead of 686 EUR): useful if some of your team start from a lower level.
What leadership English changes for your career
At this level, fluent English is often an entry requirement rather than a bonus. Indicative 2026 ranges in Dakar and Abidjan:
| Profile | Indicative monthly pay | English required |
|---|---|---|
| French-speaking manager in a local SME | 600,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA | Rarely |
| Bilingual manager in a pan-African bank | 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 FCFA (1,525 to 3,050 EUR) | Yes, meetings and reporting |
| Country manager in an international NGO | 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 FCFA | Yes, daily |
| Executive in mining or energy | 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 FCFA | Yes, technical |
| Senior bilingual consultant (per day) | 150,000 to 400,000 FCFA | Yes, regional assignments |
These amounts depend on sector, experience and employer. The course guarantees neither a position nor income.
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.
Ousmane, 38, sales director of a distribution company in Dakar, has to chair a monthly meeting with the Ghanaian distributor and report to a London-based shareholder. He compares two options.
- Coaching only: 30 h x 35,000 FCFA = 1,050,000 FCFA
- Kolonell level 5 (200,000 FCFA) + 8 h of targeted coaching (280,000 FCFA) = 480,000 FCFA
- Saving: 570,000 FCFA
If he targets a regional director role paying 300,000 FCFA more per month, the 480,000 FCFA investment pays back in under two months. This gain remains a career assumption, not a guaranteed result.
FAQ
What level do I need to start the expert level?
A solid intermediate level, around B1 to B2: you can follow a meeting but struggle to lead or negotiate. Below that, start with levels 3 or 4 of the track.
How long does it take to complete the 57 hours?
At 4 to 5 hours a week, allow about 3 months. You can take the modules in whatever order your priorities dictate.
Can my company pay?
Yes, Wave or Orange Money payment also works for a business account. At 200,000 FCFA, the course fits most annual training budgets.
Does the technical English module cover my sector?
It gives you a method to build your own glossary and covers the sectors most present in West Africa: finance, energy, mining, telecoms, NGOs. Allow 2 to 3 hours to build your 150 key terms.
Does the certificate replace a TOEIC or IELTS?
No, it is a Kolonell Academy certificate. The last module prepares you to aim for an official certification if your employer requires one.
Take the next step. Enroll in Expert English: leadership, management and technical English: 57 h online, 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR), 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.
