The verdict in three sentences
In Thiès, moving from secretary to executive assistant means an observed salary gap of 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA per month in 2026, provided you master organization, advanced office software and written communication. Employers in the city (industry, cement plants, transport, NGOs, private schools) hire on demonstrable skills, not on a diploma title. A structured 47-hour online course at 200,000 FCFA pays for itself within one to two months of extra salary, as a 2026 order of magnitude.
How much does an executive assistant earn in Thiès in 2026
Thiès has a varied economy: industrial sites around the city, transport and logistics firms on the Dakar-Touba corridor, schools, clinics, NGOs and regional administrations. The salaries below are 2026 orders of magnitude observed in job ads and conversations with recruiters; they vary with company size and English level.
| Position | Experience | Monthly net salary (2026 order of magnitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Receptionist secretary (SME) | 0 to 2 years | 90,000 to 150,000 FCFA (137 to 229 EUR) |
| Administrative secretary | 2 to 5 years | 130,000 to 200,000 FCFA (198 to 305 EUR) |
| Junior executive assistant | 0 to 2 years in role | 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA (229 to 381 EUR) |
| Experienced executive assistant (SME) | 3 years and more | 250,000 to 350,000 FCFA (381 to 534 EUR) |
| Executive assistant (large company, industry) | 3 years and more | 300,000 to 450,000 FCFA (457 to 686 EUR) |
| Bilingual assistant to a CEO | 5 years and more, fluent English | 400,000 to 600,000 FCFA (610 to 915 EUR) |
The gap between an administrative secretary and an experienced executive assistant comes down to three concrete abilities: managing an executive's calendar and travel without errors, producing clean documents (minutes, tracking sheets, official letters) and filtering information. These skills can be learned and proven in an interview with examples.
Training options and their real cost
| Option | Price (2026) | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom training in Thiès | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA (229 to 457 EUR) | 1 to 3 months, fixed hours | Group classes, center certificate |
| Private BTS or degree in secretarial studies | 400,000 to 900,000 FCFA per year | 2 to 3 years | Diploma, but little hands-on tool practice |
| Free YouTube tutorials | 0 FCFA (except data) | Variable | Isolated tips, no path, no certificate |
| International online certificates | 30,000 to 150,000 FCFA | Variable | Often in English, outside the local context |
| Kolonell Academy, Executive Assistant | 200,000 FCFA (305 EUR, about 330 USD) | 47 h, self-paced | Office tools, organization, communication, certificate |
The course Executive Assistant: office tools, organization and communication is level 5 of the track, priced at 200,000 FCFA, online and taught in French. It covers calendar management, meeting preparation, minutes, Excel for administrative tracking, professional writing and file organization. If you start from scratch in office software, the Office tools and productivity track offers all 5 levels for 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA bought separately.
What a Thiès recruiter actually checks
| Skill | How it is tested | Expected level |
|---|---|---|
| Word and formatting | Official letter to write in 20 minutes | Styles, headers, mail merge |
| Excel | Expense or leave tracking sheet | Formulas, filters, simple pivot table |
| Calendar and travel | Role play: three conflicting meetings | Prioritization and reasoning |
| Minutes | Summary of a mock meeting | Clarity, decisions, owners, deadlines |
| Communication | Call or email to an unhappy partner | Professional tone, rephrasing |
| English | A few spoken exchanges | Strong asset, often +50,000 FCFA |
Prepare a small portfolio: one set of minutes, one Excel tracking sheet, one template letter. Shown in an interview, it is often worth more than a line on a CV.
Mini case study
Fatou, 27, a secretary at a private school in Thiès, earns 140,000 FCFA per month (illustrative persona). She takes the online course in the evenings, about 6 hours per week, so 8 weeks to cover the 47 hours. She builds a three-document portfolio and applies for assistant roles at a transport company and a clinic.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Calculation: if she lands a job at 220,000 FCFA, the gain is 80,000 FCFA per month. Course cost: 200,000 FCFA. Payback: 200,000 / 80,000 = 2.5 months, roughly 10 weeks of extra salary. If she stays at her school but gets a raise to 180,000 FCFA, payback stretches to 5 months. These figures are an estimate; no job is guaranteed.
FAQ
Do you need a diploma to become an executive assistant in Thiès?
Many SMEs hire on experience and skills rather than diplomas. A two-year post-secondary degree helps in large companies, but a solid portfolio and 2 years of secretarial work already open roles at 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA.
How long does the course take?
The course lasts 47 hours. At 5 to 6 hours per week, plan for 8 to 10 weeks, with online access from a phone or a computer.
Is English essential?
Not for a first role, but working English can add 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per month in companies dealing with foreign partners. The Professional English track complements this profile well.
Can I pay by mobile money?
Payment is by Wave or Orange Money. For 200,000 FCFA, set the amount aside before enrolling, or start with a lower level of the track if your budget is tight.
Is the certificate recognized?
The Kolonell Academy certificate attests to the skills practiced and projects completed. It does not replace a state diploma, but it supports your portfolio in interviews.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive Assistant: office tools, organization and communication: 47 hours online, taught in French, 200,000 FCFA, 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.
