The verdict in three sentences
In Casamance, international NGOs, development projects, hotels and regional government offices look for reliable executive assistants, but mostly find secretaries who struggle with Excel, meeting minutes and shared calendars. Moving from secretary to executive assistant often means earning 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA more per month. The course Executive assistant: office tools, organization and communication, level 5 Pro Track at 200,000 FCFA (about 305 EUR) for 47 hours, taught in French, covers exactly what these employers ask for.
Executive assistant salaries in Ziguinchor in 2026
The Ziguinchor market is smaller than Dakar's, but NGOs and donor-funded programs push salaries up for strong profiles. Hotels in Cap Skirring and Oussouye add seasonal demand.
| Employer in and around Ziguinchor | Net monthly salary 2026 (order of magnitude) | Usual requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Local SME, retail | 150,000 to 220,000 FCFA | Word, letters, reception |
| Public administration, regional office | 200,000 to 300,000 FCFA | filing, official letters, minutes |
| Hotel in Cap Skirring | 200,000 to 320,000 FCFA | calendar, bookings, basic English |
| Local NGO or development project | 280,000 to 450,000 FCFA | Excel reporting, minutes, field missions |
| International NGO (experienced) | 450,000 to 600,000 FCFA and more | English, collaborative tools, discretion |
| Freelance remote assistance | 75,000 to 250,000 FCFA per client per month | autonomy, online tools |
These figures are 2026 estimates, consistent with national data placing beginners between 170,000 and 430,000 FCFA net in Senegal. No salary is guaranteed.
Private BTS, short course or online training: which to choose
| Option | 2026 price | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private BTS in administration (Ziguinchor or Dakar) | 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA | 1 year | diploma, school pace, little practice |
| In-person office skills course | 60,000 to 150,000 FCFA | 1 to 3 weeks | basic Word and Excel |
| Free tutorials | 0 FCFA | variable | tools only, no executive support method |
| Kolonell Executive Assistant course | 200,000 FCFA | 47 h, at your own pace | 10 modules, 10 projects, verifiable certificate |
| Office and productivity track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | several months | from computer basics to an executive role |
If your computer basics are shaky, the Office and productivity track starts with the computer, files and professional email, then Excel and the Office suite: the 5 levels cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA. If you already use Word and Excel daily, level 5 alone is enough.
The skills that make the difference in interviews
Ziguinchor recruiters rarely test typing speed: they ask you to write meeting minutes, prepare a budget tracking sheet or organize a field mission. The course prepares you for these tests: calendar and priority management, administrative letters, minutes, filing and archiving, Excel reporting, presentations, travel planning and written communication. Each of the 10 modules ends with a deliverable you can show in an interview.
Mini case study
Mariama, 27, holds a bachelor's in management and works as a secretary in a Ziguinchor SME for 170,000 FCFA a month. She takes the 200,000 FCFA course over 3 months in the evenings, then applies to an NGO running an agricultural program in Casamance. She presents a monthly Excel report and a minutes template from her course projects and gets the job at 300,000 FCFA. The gain is 130,000 FCFA a month: the course pays for itself in under 7 weeks of salary (estimate, result not guaranteed).
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 degree to take the course?
No, but the level is advanced: you should already use a computer and write correct French. The 47 hours take 2 to 4 months depending on your availability.
Is the certificate recognized by NGOs?
It can be verified online and proves specific skills, but it does not replace a state diploma. Combined with your deliverables, it reassures a recruiter in the field.
Can I follow it from Ziguinchor with an average connection?
Yes, lessons are short and work on a computer or phone. A 5 to 10 GB monthly data plan is more than enough.
What salary should I aim for afterwards?
In Casamance, an executive assistant often starts between 200,000 and 300,000 FCFA, and up to 450,000 FCFA in an NGO. These are 2026 orders of magnitude.
Should I take the whole track?
Only if Excel and the Office suite are unfamiliar to you. The 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA.
Take the next step. Enroll in Executive assistant: office tools, organization and communication: 47 hours, 200,000 FCFA, verifiable certificate, 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.
