The verdict in three sentences
A Dakar manager who runs meetings with a donor, a parent company or a client in Accra or Lagos needs decision-grade English, not school English. The course Expert English: leadership, management and technical English, taught in French, costs 200,000 FCFA (about 305 EUR) for 57 hours, less than one term at a language centre (250,000 to 500,000 FCFA) or 10 hours of premium private lessons. In a bilingual role, the 15 to 30% salary premium seen in Dakar pays back the investment within a few months.
Why English is becoming a promotion criterion in Dakar in 2026
Projects funded by the World Bank, the AfDB or USAID, subsidiaries of English-speaking groups, oil and gas companies and trade with Ghana and Nigeria have brought English into Dakar's management committees. Basic grammar is rarely the issue; the frequent issue is pushing back on a partner, defending a budget or leading a negotiation without losing your footing.
| Work situation | Level often observed | Level the employer expects | Concrete risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly meeting with the parent company | Good understanding, rarely speaks | Lead and conclude | Decisions taken without you |
| Report to a donor | Word-for-word translation | Clear, standard writing | Back-and-forth, delayed disbursements |
| Negotiation with a Nigerian supplier | Limited vocabulary | Arguments and concessions | Less favourable terms |
| Interview for a regional role | Memorised sentences | Structured experience story | Application rejected |
| Presentation to the board | Reading the slides | Message, questions, answers | Credibility damaged |
| Managing a mixed team | Basic instructions | Feedback, correction, motivation | Misunderstandings, turnover |
Prices of the options to improve your English in Dakar in 2026
| Option | 2026 price | Hours | Cost per hour | Leadership and technical content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Academy, level 5 Advanced | 200,000 FCFA | 57 h, 10 modules | about 3,500 FCFA | Yes, core of the programme |
| Full Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | Beginner to expert | Variable | Complete progression |
| Private lessons at home | 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA per hour | On demand | 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA | Depends on the teacher |
| Language centre in Dakar | 250,000 to 500,000 FCFA per term | 36 to 60 h | 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA | Often general |
| Consumer apps | 0 to 60,000 FCFA per year | Self-paced | Low | Rarely management |
| Test preparation (IELTS, TOEIC) | 100,000 to 300,000 FCFA + exam fees | 20 to 40 h | 5,000 to 7,500 FCFA | Exam-oriented |
For the same volume, 57 hours of private lessons would cost between 855,000 and 1,710,000 FCFA. The online course does not replace conversation, but it provides the structure and vocabulary that one-to-one sessions can then drill.
What level 5 covers and what it can pay
It is the final level of the Professional English track, designed for managers who already have an intermediate level. The 10 modules cover leadership, team management and the technical English of your field: meetings, negotiation, report writing, presentations and handling disagreement.
| Profile in Dakar | Indicative 2026 monthly salary | With working English (15 to 30% premium) | Monthly gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGO project manager | 800,000 FCFA | 920,000 to 1,040,000 FCFA | 120,000 to 240,000 FCFA |
| Sales manager in an exporting SME | 700,000 FCFA | 805,000 to 910,000 FCFA | 105,000 to 210,000 FCFA |
| Finance manager in a group subsidiary | 1,200,000 FCFA | 1,380,000 to 1,560,000 FCFA | 180,000 to 360,000 FCFA |
| Engineer in the energy sector | 1,000,000 FCFA | 1,150,000 to 1,300,000 FCFA | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA |
| HR manager | 650,000 FCFA | 750,000 to 845,000 FCFA | 100,000 to 195,000 FCFA |
These salaries and premiums are 2026 orders of magnitude observed in the Dakar market and vary widely by employer. No course guarantees a promotion.
Mini case study
Fatou, 38, is head of operations at a logistics company in Dakar whose main shareholder is based in London. She understands the meetings but speaks little, and her deputy presents the monthly figures. She completes the 57 hours over 10 weeks, at 6 hours a week, then takes over the monthly presentation.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Illustrative calculation: six months later, her company gives her regional coordination with a 15% raise on a 900,000 FCFA salary, or 135,000 FCFA a month. The 200,000 FCFA course is covered in under two months. This scenario is an example, not a promised result: the promotion also depends on her performance and on the company.
FAQ
What level do I need to start level 5?
A solid intermediate level, roughly B1 to B2: you can follow a meeting and write a simple email. Below that, start lower in the track, whose 5 levels cost 350,000 FCFA together instead of 450,000.
Does the course prepare for IELTS or TOEIC?
No, it targets professional use, not a score. If an employer requires a test, plan a dedicated 20 to 40 hours of preparation plus the exam fees.
How long does it take to finish?
The 57 hours fit into 8 to 12 weeks at 5 to 7 hours a week. Lessons read on a phone, even on 3G, so you can progress during your commute.
Can my employer pay for the course?
Yes, many Dakar companies fund this kind of upskilling from their training budget. At 200,000 FCFA, the cost is lower than one term at a language centre.
How do I enroll?
You pay 200,000 FCFA by Wave or Orange Money and access is immediate. A certificate verifiable online confirms you passed the quizzes and projects.
Take the next step. Enroll in Expert English: leadership, management and technical English: 57 hours, 10 modules, level 5 Advanced, 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.
