The verdict in three sentences
Learning artificial intelligence as a beginner requires neither a technical degree nor a powerful computer: a phone, a connection and five well-chosen uses are enough to save 3 to 5 hours a week on writing and organisation. In Thiès, one-off workshops cost 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA for half a day, often without follow-up. A short 5-hour course at 25,000 FCFA, tested on your real working week, is the lowest-risk entry point.
What AI concretely changes for a beginner in Thiès
The gains below are 2026 orders of magnitude observed on common tasks, for someone using free tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Meta AI on their phone.
| Profile in Thiès | Common task | Time without AI | Time with AI (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary school teacher | Prepare an exercise sheet and answer key | 90 min | 30 to 40 min |
| SME administrative employee | Write a formal letter or email | 30 min | 10 min |
| Trader at the central market | Write 5 WhatsApp ads for products | 45 min | 15 min |
| Town hall or public service agent | Summarise a 10-page document | 40 min | 10 min plus proofreading |
| Student at Iba Der Thiam University | Build a 4-week revision plan | 60 min | 15 min |
Added up over a week, these gains often free 3 to 5 hours. The rule is the same everywhere: AI produces a first draft, you proofread and correct it.
How much learning AI costs in 2026
| Option | Cost 2026 | What you get | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tools alone (ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI) | 0 FCFA, plus data | Direct access to the tools | Without a method, many give up after a few tries |
| Paid AI subscription | About 12,000 FCFA a month, so 144,000 FCFA a year | Stronger models, higher limits | Pointless until the basic uses are mastered |
| One-off workshop in Thiès or Dakar | 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA per half day | Group demonstration | Travel, little individual practice |
| YouTube videos | 0 FCFA | Plenty of tips | Scattered content, rarely adapted to the Senegalese context |
| Kolonell Academy "Discover AI" | 25,000 FCFA | 5 h, five tested uses, data protection | Beginner level, no programming |
| Full Artificial intelligence track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | About 87 h, up to AI consultant | Several months of commitment |
Simple advice: master the free versions first. A 12,000 FCFA monthly subscription only makes sense once you have identified regular uses.
The right course for a first step
The course Discover AI and use it this week, taught in French, is level 1 Essential, 25,000 FCFA for 5 hours. You learn what AI really is, how to open ChatGPT, Gemini or Meta AI on your phone, how to write a clear request and how to avoid sharing sensitive data. Each use is tested on a real task from your week.
To go further, the Artificial intelligence track continues with writing and analysis with AI, generative AI for professionals, automation, then consulting assignments. All 5 levels together cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Mini case study
Mamadou, 38, a French teacher at a secondary school in Thiès, spends about 6 hours a week preparing worksheets, tests and report comments. He values one hour of his time at around 2,500 FCFA, based on his private tutoring rate.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
- Course cost: 25,000 FCFA, paid with Wave.
- Time invested: 5 hours, spread over one week.
- Estimated time saved: 3 hours a week, worth 7,500 FCFA weekly.
- Payback: 25,000 divided by 7,500, roughly 3 to 4 weeks.
Mamadou reinvests part of that time in two extra hours of private tutoring a week. The outcome depends on his consistency, but the initial investment is lower than the price of a single 30,000 FCFA workshop.
FAQ
Do I need to know how to code to learn AI?
No, level 1 contains no code at all. Knowing how to use a smartphone and WhatsApp is enough; the course lasts 5 hours.
Do I need a paid AI subscription for the course?
No, the course relies on the free versions of ChatGPT, Gemini and Meta AI. A subscription at about 12,000 FCFA a month can come later if your uses justify it.
Is my data safe with these tools?
Not automatically: one module explains what you should never paste into an AI (ID numbers, student data, client information). These habits take less than 30 minutes to learn.
How much does the full track cost?
The 5 levels of the Artificial intelligence track cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000. You can also start with level 1 at 25,000 FCFA and decide afterwards.
How do I enroll from Thiès?
Enrollment is online and payment accepts Wave and Orange Money. You access the lessons as soon as payment is confirmed, without travelling.
Take the next step. Enroll in Discover AI and use it this week: 5 hours, 25,000 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.
