Executive Assistant Pay at NGOs and Multinationals in Dakar 2026

The verdict in three sentences

In Dakar in 2026, an executive assistant earns roughly 250,000 to 400,000 FCFA a month in an SME and 500,000 to 900,000 FCFA at a multinational or international NGO (2026 ballpark). The gap is not about the diploma alone: it comes from managing an executive's diary, administrative correspondence, Excel reporting and written communication in French and English. The Kolonell course 'Assistant de direction' costs 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR) for 47 hours, compared with more than 1,000,000 FCFA and 2 years for a BTS diploma.

Real pay in Dakar, from secretary to head office

The title 'executive assistant' covers very different jobs. In a Dakar SME, the role is mostly reception, typing and filing. At a multinational subsidiary in Plateau or Almadies, or an international NGO based in Mermoz or Point E, the expectation is a true partner to the director: priority management, board preparation, expense tracking, strict confidentiality. Pay follows.

These amounts vary with seniority, English level and organization size. At NGOs, some roles are indexed to international scales, which explains the top of the range. No course guarantees a salary: it gives you the skills recruiters check in interviews and practical tests.

Training paths: BTS, private school or a targeted course

The classic route is a 2-year BTS in executive assistance at a private school in Dakar. It is a recognized diploma, but total fees often exceed 1,000,000 FCFA, not counting 2 years without a salary. For a secretary already in a job or a young management graduate, a targeted course can be enough to step up.

The course Executive assistant: office tools, organization and communication is level 5, the most advanced, of the track, and is taught in French. It covers ten modules: the job itself, the executive's diary and priorities, administrative mail, meetings and boards, filing and confidentiality, Excel reporting, executive presentations, travel and expenses, professional communication, and taking up the post.

What moves you from 300,000 to 700,000 FCFA

Recruiters at multinationals and NGOs in Dakar nearly always test the same things. Here is the gap between a secretarial profile and an executive-level profile.

The reporting module is often the game changer: a director who receives a clear indicator sheet every Monday never wants to go back. It is also what you will be asked to show in tests.

Mini case study

Fatou, 27, has been a secretary at a freight-forwarding SME in Dakar for 3 years, earning 220,000 FCFA a month. She wants an executive assistant role at an NGO. Option 1: a 2-year BTS, over 1,000,000 FCFA in fees, in evening classes. Option 2: the Kolonell course at 200,000 FCFA, taken in the evenings over about 12 weeks at 4 hours a week (47 hours in total).

Six months later, with a portfolio of documents produced during the course (dashboard, minutes, board pack), she lands an NGO assistant role at 450,000 FCFA, the low end of the NGO range. The monthly gain is 450,000 − 220,000 = 230,000 FCFA. The course pays for itself in less than one month of extra salary, about 4 weeks. This is an illustrative scenario: hiring also depends on English, network and market conditions.

FAQ

Do I need a diploma to become an executive assistant in Dakar?

Many job ads ask for two years of higher education, but recruiters value experience and practical tests. A secretary with 2 to 3 years of experience and a solid portfolio can target roles at 350,000 FCFA and above.

Does the course prepare for recruiters' Excel tests?

Yes, a full module covers executive reporting in Excel: formulas, pivot tables and charts. If you are a complete beginner, the Excel level of the same track is recommended before the 47 hours of level 5.

Is English mandatory at NGOs?

At most international NGOs in Dakar, fluent written English is expected, especially for donor reports. It explains much of the gap between 400,000 and 700,000 FCFA.

How do I pay?

Payment is by Wave or Orange Money. The full Office and productivity track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 if you take all 5 levels.

How long does it take to finish?

The course lasts 47 hours. At 4 hours a week, count about 12 weeks, or 6 weeks at 8 hours a week.

Take the next step. Enroll in Executive assistant: office tools, organization and communication: 47 hours, 200,000 FCFA, Kolonell Academy certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money. Questions? WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.