The verdict in three sentences
In Casamance, English opens concrete doors: tourism in Cap Skirring, NGOs and international projects, trade with neighbouring Gambia. Level 1 Essential of the Kolonell Academy Professional English track, 25,000 FCFA for 13 hours, starts from zero and gets you introducing yourself, describing your work and understanding simple sentences on the job. It costs less than a single month at a language institute, and the pace fits your schedule.
Why English is worth it when you live in Ziguinchor
The region welcomes English-speaking visitors, Gambian, British or Northern European, mostly between November and April. Hotels, guesthouses, guides and restaurants that can welcome guests in English keep those customers. NGOs and development programmes in Casamance also post jobs where basic English is required, even for assistant or field officer roles.
Trade with The Gambia, a few hours by road, also involves English with suppliers and transporters. In these jobs, a bilingual profile often earns a 10 to 20% premium, a 2026 order of magnitude, or simply gets the job over a French-only candidate.
| Option to learn English | Price, 2026 order of magnitude | Pace | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Beginner English course | 25,000 FCFA (38 EUR) for 13 h | Your own pace, online | Requires personal discipline |
| Language institute in Ziguinchor | 40,000 to 70,000 FCFA per month | 2 to 3 sessions a week | Cost over several months, fixed hours |
| Private lesson | 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA per session | Depends on availability | Very variable quality |
| Free app | 0 FCFA (excluding data) | Free | No follow-up, little professional speaking |
| Full Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | About 100 h | Commitment over several months |
What you will be able to do after 13 hours
The Beginner English course to introduce yourself and be understood (taught in French) is level 1 Essential of the Professional English track. Everything is explained in French, so you do not get stuck in the first lesson.
| Block | Content | Use in Ziguinchor |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds and alphabet | Pronouncing the sounds that trip up French speakers | Spelling a name or address on the phone |
| Numbers and prices | Counting, giving a price, a time, a date | Quoting a rate to a tourist or a Gambian supplier |
| Introducing yourself | Name, age, job, city, experience | Job interview or first contact with an NGO |
| Talking about your work | Describing what you do, your hours, your services | Welcoming a guest at a guesthouse or restaurant |
| Understanding | Common questions, simple instructions | Following a site or project meeting |
| Core vocabulary | About 300 useful work words | Reading a job ad or a short email |
The final goal is concrete: a one-minute introduction in English, spoken without reading. Level 2, Office English at 50,000 FCFA, then adds email and phone skills.
Mini case study
Ibrahima, 22, lives in Ziguinchor and works as a seasonal waiter in a Cap Skirring hotel for 90,000 FCFA a month. The manager offers him a front desk job at 110,000 FCFA if he can welcome English-speaking guests. He takes the course at 25,000 FCFA during the off-season, 45 minutes a day, about 3 weeks.
If he gets the job, the 20,000 FCFA monthly difference pays back the course in just over a month and brings about 120,000 FCFA over a 6-month season, a 2026 order of magnitude. Hiring is never guaranteed, but he walks into the interview with a prepared introduction and a verifiable certificate.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
I haven't studied English since high school. Is this for me?
Yes, the course restarts from the alphabet and basic sounds. Most learners who have forgotten everything follow without trouble, at 30 to 45 minutes a day.
Is the internet connection in Ziguinchor good enough?
Lessons are designed for an ordinary mobile connection. Plan a data bundle of a few gigabytes over the 13 hours, or use wifi for the audio parts.
Does it replace a language institute?
To get started, yes, at a much lower cost: 25,000 FCFA versus 40,000 to 70,000 FCFA a month. To reach fluent English, you need the following levels and a lot of speaking practice.
How long before I can hold a simple conversation?
With regular practice, allow 3 to 6 weeks for the introduction and basic exchanges. Real ease takes several months and levels 2 and 3 of the track.
How do I pay for enrollment?
With Wave or Orange Money, no bank card needed. Access opens as soon as payment is confirmed.
Take the next step. Enroll in Beginner English: introduce yourself, understand and be understood: 13 h online, 25,000 FCFA, verifiable 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.
