The verdict in three sentences
In Thiès, the most expensive mistake is paying for a long development programme before writing a single line of code. A short first level, at 25,000 FCFA for 6 hours, is enough to understand how a website works and find out whether the job appeals to you. If it does, you continue step by step, with an entry-level computer and an ordinary connection.
What learning to code costs in Senegal in 2026
There is no shortage of options, but prices and commitments vary enormously. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude for a beginner in Thiès.
| Option | 2026 cost | Duration | Risk for a beginner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free YouTube videos | 0 FCFA | Unlimited | Frequent drop-out, no clear path |
| Free online certificates | 0 to 30,000 FCFA (up to EUR 46) | 20 to 300 h | English content, demanding pace |
| Bootcamp in Dakar | 300,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA (EUR 457 to 1,829) + travel and housing | 3 to 6 months | Big commitment before knowing you like it |
| Private training in Thiès | 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA (EUR 152 to 381) | 1 to 3 months | Highly variable quality |
| Kolonell Academy, level 1 | 25,000 FCFA (EUR 38) | 6 h | Not enough to bill clients alone |
| Web development track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 (EUR 534 instead of 686) | Several months | Gradual commitment |
The Discover code: understand how a website works course, taught in French, is level 1 of the track, designed for people starting from zero. It explains what happens between your phone and a server, then has you write your first HTML page by hand and put it online.
What the job can pay, and the path to get there
Let's be honest: this level does not yet let you sell websites. It helps you decide. Here is the realistic path, a 2026 order of magnitude.
| Step | What you can do | Possible 2026 income |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1, Discover code | Understand a site, write a simple page | No direct income |
| Level 2, HTML and CSS | Build a clean showcase page | Small jobs 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA (EUR 76 to 229) |
| Level 3, JavaScript | Forms, menus, interactions | Sites 150,000 to 400,000 FCFA (EUR 229 to 610) |
| Levels 4 and 5 | Complete applications | Junior in Dakar 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA a month (EUR 381 to 686) |
| Experienced developer (3+ years) | Complex projects | 500,000 to 900,000 FCFA a month (EUR 762 to 1,372) |
The Web development track arranges these steps in order, from the first HTML file to a full-stack profile.
Is your equipment enough?
A refurbished computer at 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA (EUR 183 to 305) with 4 GB of memory is more than enough for level 1. A free code editor and a browser do the rest. At first, a smartphone lets you watch the videos, but you need a keyboard to write code comfortably.
Mini case study
Moussa, 20, a first-year student in Thiès, is considering a bootcamp in Dakar at 600,000 FCFA, plus about 60,000 FCFA a month for travel and housing over four months, 840,000 FCFA in total. He starts with level 1 at 25,000 FCFA.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
After 6 hours, he has published a personal page and knows he wants to continue. He works through the levels online from Thiès and chooses the full track at 350,000 FCFA. Saving compared with the bootcamp and travel: about 490,000 FCFA (EUR 747), a 2026 order of magnitude. Had he found that coding was not for him, he would only have lost 25,000 FCFA.
FAQ
Do I need to be good at maths to learn to code?
No. For the web, logic and patience matter more than maths. Level 1 uses concrete examples like Wave or a shopping site, with no formulas at all.
Can I take the course after work?
Yes. The 6 hours are split into short 15 to 30 minute sequences. Most learners finish in a week, at one hour per evening.
How old do I need to be?
There is no limit. The content suits high school students from 15 as well as 40-year-old employees considering a career change.
Will I find a job after this level?
Not yet. It usually takes 6 to 12 months of practice and the following levels to aim for a junior position at 250,000 FCFA and above. This level tells you whether the effort is worth it.
Is the certificate worth anything?
You receive a numbered Kolonell Academy certificate that can be verified online. It proves your commitment, but your published projects are what will convince a future client or employer.
Take the next step. Enroll in Discover code: understand how a website works: 6 hours, 25,000 FCFA (EUR 38), Kolonell Academy certificate included, 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.
