The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, an executive assistant role pays clearly more than standard secretarial work: as a 2026 order of magnitude, 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA a month in an SME and 500,000 to 900,000 FCFA in an international NGO or multinational. What moves you from one to the other is mastering a director's calendar, meetings through to the minutes, Excel reporting and sensitive communication. A focused 47-hour course at 200,000 FCFA (about 305 EUR) usually pays for itself within the first or second month of extra salary.
How much does an executive assistant earn in Dakar in 2026
Salary depends mainly on the type of employer, then on experience and English. The figures below are 2026 orders of magnitude based on local job ads and salary surveys (WageIndicator 2025 for Senegal, offers published in Dakar), not guaranteed amounts.
| Employer in Dakar | Entry level (0-2 yrs) | Experienced (3-6 yrs) | Extra requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small SME (10-30 staff) | 170,000 - 250,000 FCFA net | 250,000 - 350,000 FCFA | Versatility, front desk, invoices |
| Structured SME (50-200 staff) | 250,000 - 350,000 FCFA | 350,000 - 450,000 FCFA | Excel reporting, meeting management |
| Large Senegalese company | 300,000 - 450,000 FCFA | 450,000 - 650,000 FCFA | Minutes, archiving, confidentiality |
| International NGO | 500,000 - 700,000 FCFA | 700,000 - 900,000 FCFA | Fluent English, donor reports |
| Multinational, regional organisation | 450,000 - 650,000 FCFA | 600,000 - 900,000 FCFA and more | Multi-time-zone calendar, travel |
| Remote assistance (freelance) | 75,000 - 250,000 FCFA per client per month | Depends on volume | Online tools, reliability |
The most common jump is from a small SME to an NGO or large company: often 200,000 to 400,000 FCFA more per month (roughly 305 to 610 EUR). Recruiters at these organisations rarely test typing speed. They test whether you can prepare a board meeting, write clean minutes within an hour and maintain a dashboard.
Training options: price, length and what you learn
| Option | 2026 cost | Length | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTS in office management, private school in Dakar | 600,000 - 1,200,000 FCFA per year | 2 years | Recognised diploma | Long, expensive, few real executive cases |
| In-person training centre | 150,000 - 400,000 FCFA | 1 to 3 months | Direct supervision | Fixed hours, often office software only |
| Free YouTube tutorials | 0 FCFA (plus mobile data) | Variable | Free | No method, no feedback, no certificate |
| International online certificates | 30 - 300 EUR | 10 to 40 h | Good foundation | Examples outside the OHADA and Senegalese context |
| Kolonell, Executive Assistant | 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR, about 330 USD) | 47 h, 10 modules | 10 graded projects, local cases, verifiable certificate | Requires regular self-paced work |
The course Executive Assistant: office tools, organisation and communication, taught in French, is level 5 Advanced of its track. It covers the director's calendar and priorities, administrative mail, meetings and general assemblies from notice to minutes, filing and archiving in line with OHADA practice and Senegal's personal data law 2008-12, Excel reporting, executive presentations, travel and professional communication. It includes 61 lessons, 163 exercises and 10 projects graded against a rubric.
If your office basics are shaky, start lower in the Office and productivity track: the five levels, from getting started with a computer to executive assistance, cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 when bought separately.
What recruiters actually look at
| Skill tested in interview | Example exercise | Related module |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar management | Solve 3 appointment conflicts in 10 minutes | Calendar and priorities |
| Writing | Formal letter to a ministry | Mail and correspondence |
| Meetings | Minutes of a 45-minute meeting | Meetings, boards and assemblies |
| Excel | Monthly expense dashboard | Executive reporting |
| Discretion | Confidential staff file scenario | Filing and confidentiality |
| Organisation | 3-day mission to Abidjan, budget and travel order | Travel and expenses |
Walking into an interview with a professional portfolio (meeting kit, dashboard, board presentation, procedures manual) changes the conversation: you show instead of claim.
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.
Awa, 26, is a secretary at a distribution SME in Dakar, earning 220,000 FCFA net a month. She takes the course over 10 weeks at 5 hours a week and pays 200,000 FCFA with Wave. With her 10 projects in a portfolio, she applies for an executive assistant role at a structured 120-employee SME, offered at 330,000 FCFA.
Calculation: monthly gain of 330,000 minus 220,000, i.e. 110,000 FCFA. The course is paid back in under 2 months of new salary. Over 12 months, the net gain is 1,320,000 minus 200,000, i.e. 1,120,000 FCFA (about 1,700 EUR). If she then targets an NGO at 550,000 FCFA, the gap rises to 330,000 FCFA a month. This scenario is an estimate: hiring also depends on the market and the interview.
FAQ
Do you need a BTS to become an executive assistant in Dakar?
Many job ads ask for two years of higher education, but a large share of SMEs hire on demonstrated skills. A verifiable certificate and 10 concrete projects often make up for the lack of a long diploma, especially with 1 to 2 years of office experience.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The course lasts 47 hours. At 5 hours a week, allow about 10 weeks; at 8 hours a week, 6 weeks is enough while keeping your current job.
Is English essential to work for an NGO?
Yes in most international NGOs, which pay 500,000 to 900,000 FCFA. A B1 level is enough to handle the calendar and emails; donor reports usually require B2.
Can you work as an executive assistant remotely?
Yes, SME owners and diaspora entrepreneurs pay 75,000 to 250,000 FCFA per client per month for remote assistance. Two or three regular clients can add up to a real income, with no guarantee.
How do I pay for the course?
Payment is made online with Wave or Orange Money, in one go: 200,000 FCFA for the course alone, or 350,000 FCFA for the full 5-level track.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive Assistant: office tools, organisation and communication: 47 hours, 10 graded projects, 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR), verifiable Kolonell certificate. 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.
