The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, an executive assistant role pays between 250,000 and 600,000 FCFA a month in 2026, and the gap mostly depends on the size of the employer and how well you master the tools. Recruiters filter on three concrete proofs first: Word and Excel without hesitation, a manager's calendar kept free of conflicts, and clean letters and minutes on the first draft. A targeted 40-hour course at 200,000 FCFA can close those gaps faster than an extra year of study, provided you practise on real files.
How much does an executive assistant earn in Dakar in 2026
The ranges below are 2026 orders of magnitude based on job offers published in Dakar and conversations with recruiters. They vary by sector, working language and level of responsibility.
| Employer type | Gross monthly salary (2026 order of magnitude) | Frequent requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Local SME (10 to 50 staff) | 250,000 to 350,000 FCFA | Office suite, reception, mail, filing |
| Firm (lawyers, accountants, consulting) | 300,000 to 450,000 FCFA | Careful writing, confidentiality, multi-partner calendar |
| Large Senegalese company | 400,000 to 550,000 FCFA | Excel reporting, travel management, committees |
| Subsidiary of an international group | 450,000 to 600,000 FCFA | Professional English, collaboration tools, process discipline |
| NGO or international organisation | 400,000 to 600,000 FCFA | Donor reports, English, mission logistics |
| Remote freelance assistant | 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per client | Autonomy, online tools, invoicing |
Moving from an SME to an international subsidiary often means 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA more per month. That jump rarely depends on the diploma alone: it depends on producing a clean tracking spreadsheet, preparing a board meeting and writing usable minutes in under an hour.
Which training to choose: BTS, local centre or online course
| Option | Indicative cost 2026 | Length | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS in office administration at a private school in Dakar | 600,000 FCFA a year, so 1,200,000 FCFA over 2 years | 2 years | Recognised diploma, internship, broad theory |
| Short course at a centre (secretarial, office software) | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | 1 to 3 months in person | Supervised practice, fixed hours, commuting |
| YouTube tutorials and free certificates | 0 FCFA (plus data) | Variable | Useful basics, no follow-up, no real files |
| Kolonell Academy "Executive assistant" | 200,000 FCFA | 40 h, at your own pace | Real management cases, quizzes, PDF materials, certificate |
| Full Office and productivity track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | About 90 h in total | From computer basics up to the executive role |
The BTS remains relevant if you have no post-secondary diploma. If you already hold a degree in management, communication or humanities, a short practical course is often the best trade-off between cost and time.
The course Executive assistant: office software, organisation and communication, taught in French, is level 5 Pro Track, 200,000 FCFA for 40 hours. It covers managing an executive's calendar and mail, preparing meetings and minutes, filing, Excel reporting and written and spoken communication. If your Word, Excel or email basics are shaky, the Office and productivity track starts at level 1 and builds up to this role. All 5 levels together cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
What recruiters really test in interviews
| Skill tested | Common exercise | Expected level |
|---|---|---|
| Word | Format an official letter in 15 minutes | Styles, headers, mail merge |
| Excel | Build an expense tracking sheet | Formulas, filters, simple pivot table |
| Calendar | Resolve three scheduling conflicts | Prioritisation, communication with the manager |
| Writing | Write minutes from raw notes | Clarity, decisions and owners identified |
| Communication | Screen an urgent call | Courtesy, discretion, judgement |
Showing up with a small portfolio (a template letter, a tracking sheet, a set of minutes) often makes the difference between two candidates with similar profiles.
Mini case study
Awa, 24, a management graduate in Dakar, works as a receptionist in an SME for 200,000 FCFA a month. She is aiming for an executive assistant role in a consulting firm, paid around 350,000 FCFA.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
- Course cost: 200,000 FCFA, paid with Wave.
- Time invested: 40 hours, about 5 hours a week for 8 weeks, evenings and weekends.
- Target monthly gain: 350,000 minus 200,000, so 150,000 FCFA a month.
- Payback: 200,000 divided by 150,000, roughly 6 weeks of extra salary once the job is secured.
Compared with a private BTS at 1,200,000 FCFA over two years, the difference is 1,000,000 FCFA and almost two years. Hiring is never guaranteed, but Awa shows up with concrete documents to present.
FAQ
Do I need a BTS to become an executive assistant in Dakar?
Many job offers ask for two years of higher education, but SMEs and firms also hire on demonstrated skills. A 30 to 60-minute practical test often weighs as much as the diploma.
How much does the Kolonell Executive assistant course cost?
It costs 200,000 FCFA for 40 hours, at level 5 Pro Track of the Office and productivity track. The full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Can I follow the course on a phone?
Yes, lessons, quizzes and PDF materials are online and work on mobile. Still plan for a computer for the Word and Excel exercises, which make up a good share of the 40 hours.
What salary should I aim for in a first job?
As a 2026 order of magnitude, a first SME job pays around 250,000 to 300,000 FCFA a month. With English and two years of experience, the 450,000 to 600,000 FCFA range becomes realistic.
How do I pay for enrollment?
Enrollment is online and payment accepts Wave and Orange Money. Access to the lessons opens as soon as payment is confirmed.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive assistant: office software, organisation and communication: 40 hours, 200,000 FCFA, Kolonell Academy 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.
