The verdict in three sentences
In Kaolack, the groundnut economy (oil mills, traders, haulage firms, cooperatives and the banks that finance them) creates steady demand for executive assistants who can run a diary, correspondence, meetings and reporting. The salary jump is clear: as a 2026 order of magnitude, 100,000 to 180,000 FCFA for a secretary versus 200,000 to 400,000 FCFA (about 305 to 610 EUR) for an executive assistant. For someone already in a job or a recent graduate, the Executive Assistant course: office tools, organization and communication (level 5, 200,000 FCFA, taught in French) is a shorter alternative to a two-year diploma for reaching that level.
The administrative job market in Kaolack
The groundnut marketing season (usually November to March) concentrates the need: contracts with operators, weighings, delivery notes, invoices, truck coordination, bank follow-ups. Management teams hire or strengthen their office staff, often on fixed-term contracts that can become permanent.
| Role (Kaolack, 2026) | Indicative gross monthly salary | Main duties |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative or data entry clerk | 80,000 - 120,000 FCFA (122 - 183 EUR) | Entering delivery notes, filing |
| Secretary | 100,000 - 180,000 FCFA (152 - 274 EUR) | Reception, phone, mail |
| Accounting secretary | 150,000 - 220,000 FCFA (229 - 335 EUR) | Invoices, payment tracking |
| Executive assistant (SME, haulier) | 200,000 - 280,000 FCFA (305 - 427 EUR) | Diary, meetings, director's files |
| Executive assistant (oil mill, large trader) | 280,000 - 400,000 FCFA (427 - 610 EUR) | Reporting, bank and partner relations |
| Bilingual executive assistant | 350,000 FCFA and up (534 EUR and up) | Dealing with foreign buyers |
These are 2026 estimates: they vary with company size, season bonuses (often a 13th month or end-of-season bonus) and experience.
What a director really expects
The director of an oil mill or trading firm expects more than good typing. They want someone who anticipates: meetings confirmed the day before, minutes sent within 24 hours, an up-to-date delivery tracking sheet, flawless letters to partners. These are exactly the skills of level 5 in the Office Tools and Productivity track: organization, diary and meeting management, files, Excel reporting and executive-level written communication.
Comparing training routes
| Option | Indicative 2026 cost | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretarial or assistant diploma (BTS, private school) | 400,000 - 700,000 FCFA per year (610 - 1,067 EUR) | 2 years | School leaver with no experience |
| Short in-person course in Dakar | 150,000 - 350,000 FCFA plus travel and lodging | 1 - 3 weeks | Employee with leave |
| Free Word and Excel tutorials | 0 FCFA (data aside) | Variable | Very disciplined self-learner |
| Kolonell "Executive Assistant", level 5 | 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR) | 47 h | Secretary or graduate aiming at management support |
| Kolonell full Office Tools track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA | Progressive | Someone starting from the basics |
The Kolonell course is taken online from Kaolack, without leaving your job, with quizzes, PDF materials and a certificate. Payment is by Wave or Orange Money. If you are not yet comfortable with Word and Excel, the full 350,000 FCFA track makes more sense than level 5 alone.
Mini case study
Aminata, 27, holds a management degree and works as a secretary at a Kaolack haulage firm for 150,000 FCFA a month. She takes the Executive Assistant course (200,000 FCFA paid with Wave in two transfers) at 6 hours a week, about 8 weeks for the 47 hours. Before the next season, she applies for an executive assistant role at an oil mill paying 250,000 FCFA. Monthly gain: 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR). The course pays for itself in 2 months of salary, and the annual gain reaches 1,200,000 FCFA, provided she gets the job: the course strengthens the application, it does not guarantee a hire.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
Do I need a vocational diploma to become an executive assistant in Kaolack?
No, many employers hire on experience and a practical test (letter, Excel sheet, diary). A BTS (400,000 to 700,000 FCFA a year) remains useful for a school leaver with no experience.
When should I apply to groundnut businesses?
Aim for September and October, before the season opens. Needs peak between November and March, and fixed-term roles can become permanent.
Is the course suitable if I am new to computers?
Level 5 assumes you can use Word, Excel and email. If not, take the full track for 350,000 FCFA, which starts from the basics.
How much time should I plan?
The course is 47 hours. At 6 hours a week, allow 8 weeks, compatible with a full-time job.
Can I pay with Orange Money?
Yes, the 200,000 FCFA fee is payable with Wave or Orange Money. For any question, message +221 77 596 93 33 on WhatsApp.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive Assistant: office tools, organization and communication: 47 hours, 200,000 FCFA (305 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.
