The verdict in three sentences
In Saint-Louis, artificial intelligence is now learned on your phone, with free tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Meta AI inside WhatsApp. Kolonell's Discover AI course, level 1 Essential, at 25,000 FCFA (38 EUR) for 5 hours has you test five useful uses in your real week, with no jargon and no code. The realistic goal is to win back 3 to 5 hours a week on letters, summaries and research, which quickly pays back the course.
Options for starting with AI in Saint-Louis
Between Gaston Berger University, the shops on the island and in Sor, and the many civil servants of the region, demand for AI introductions surged in 2026. The offers are uneven. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude.
| Option | 2026 price | Format | For whom | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Academy, Discover AI (level 1 Essential) | 25,000 FCFA (38 EUR) | 5 h online, on phone | Complete beginners | Does not cover advanced automation |
| In-person AI workshop (Saint-Louis or Dakar) | 40,000 to 100,000 FCFA (61 to 152 EUR) | One day | Employees sent by employer | Transport, fixed hours |
| Free YouTube videos | 0 FCFA, data 3,000 to 5,000 FCFA | Variable | Self-learners | No method, often in English |
| International online certificate | 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA (50 to 100 USD) | 10 to 15 h, in English | Already comfortable profiles | Examples outside African context |
| ChatGPT Plus subscription alone | about 13,000 FCFA a month (20 USD) | Tool, no training | Advanced users | Paying without knowing how to use it |
The paid subscription is optional: the free versions of ChatGPT, Gemini and Meta AI are enough for all of level 1. The Discover AI and put it to work this week course, taught in French, starts from what you already do, sending a WhatsApp voice note, and takes you to writing clear requests, checking answers and protecting your data.
What AI saves you every day
For a beginner, the value of AI is time won back. The table gives 2026 estimates for typical uses in Saint-Louis, depending on each person's volume.
| Use | Time without AI | Time with AI | Estimated weekly gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative letter or internship application | 45 min | 10 min | 1 h for 2 letters |
| Summary of a course or 20-page document | 1 h 30 | 20 min | 1 h 10 |
| Searching suppliers or prices | 1 h | 20 min | 40 min |
| Customer messages and WhatsApp statuses | 1 h | 15 min | 45 min |
| Weekly or revision planning | 30 min | 10 min | 20 min |
| Translation French, English, simple Wolof | 40 min | 10 min | 30 min |
Added up, these uses approach 3 to 5 hours a week for an active student or trader. For a cautious beginner, count rather 1 to 3 hours in the first weeks, while the habit forms.
Discover AI is the first level of the Artificial intelligence track, which goes up to automation and the AI consultant job. The full five-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA when buying levels separately.
Mini case study
Mamadou, 21, a bachelor's student at UGB, also helps his uncle who runs a spare parts shop in Sor. He pays 25,000 FCFA with Orange Money and finishes the 5 hours in one week.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
He now uses Gemini to summarise his courses (1 hour saved a week), ChatGPT to write internship applications (1 hour) and Meta AI to prepare the shop's messages and price list (1 h 30). That is about 3 h 30 a week. His uncle, who paid a young helper 1,500 FCFA an hour for typing, saves about 5,000 FCFA a week: the course is paid back in five weeks. This calculation remains an illustration.
FAQ
I am not comfortable with computers, is this for me?
Yes. If you can use WhatsApp, you can follow the 5 hours. Every step is shown on a phone, no computer required.
Do I need ChatGPT Plus at about 13,000 FCFA a month?
No. Level 1 is done entirely with the free versions of ChatGPT, Gemini and Meta AI. A subscription only becomes useful with intensive use.
Does AI always give correct answers?
No. It can invent figures or references. A whole module teaches you to check an answer with 2 or 3 simple controls before using it.
How much mobile data should I plan for?
Count 1 to 2 GB to follow the video lessons, about 1,000 to 2,000 FCFA of data. Everyday ChatGPT use consumes very little.
How do I pay and when can I start?
You pay 25,000 FCFA with Wave or Orange Money and access opens on confirmation. You can start the same day.
Take the next step. Enroll in Discover AI and put it to work this week: 5 hours, 25,000 FCFA (38 EUR), Kolonell Academy certificate. 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.
