The verdict in three sentences
In Thiès, Excel remains the most requested office skill in job ads for assistants, junior accountants, stock controllers and administrative staff. A candidate who masters pivot tables, XLOOKUP and dashboards can expect 20 to 30% more salary than one who only enters data, as a 2026 order of magnitude. Online training lets you learn without leaving your job or your classes, with a certificate to show recruiters.
What Excel is really worth in Thiès in 2026
The Thiès economy (cement and mining industries in the region, transport, trade, schools, NGOs, accounting firms) hires people who can produce reliable reports quickly. Here are the ranges observed, to be read as estimates.
| Position | Monthly salary FCFA (order of magnitude) | Expected Excel level |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry clerk | 100,000 to 150,000 | Entry, formatting |
| Administrative assistant | 150,000 to 250,000 | Formulas, filters, sorting |
| Administrative assistant with advanced Excel | 180,000 to 320,000 | Pivot tables, XLOOKUP, charts |
| Junior accountant | 200,000 to 350,000 | SUMIFS, reconciliations, dashboards |
| Stock controller | 180,000 to 300,000 | Stock in and out tracking, alerts |
| Monitoring and evaluation officer (NGO) | 300,000 to 500,000 | Data analysis, indicators |
The 20 to 30% gap is not automatic: you negotiate it at hiring or during a review, backed by a practical test or a certificate. Many Thiès recruiters give a short Excel exercise during interviews.
In-person, free or online: comparing the options
| Option | Cost FCFA | Duration | Advantages | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free YouTube tutorials | 0 | Variable | Free, targeted topics | No structure, no certificate |
| In-person class in Thiès | 60,000 to 150,000 | 2 to 6 weeks | Trainer on site | Fixed hours, commuting |
| International online certificates | 0 to 40,000 | 10 to 30 h | Rich content | Often in English, examples far from local context |
| Kolonell "Practical Excel" | 75,000 | 14 h | Exercises on office cases, verifiable certificate | Requires self-discipline |
| Full Kolonell Office track | 350,000 instead of 450,000 | About 91 h | From computer basics to executive assistant | Higher investment |
The course Practical Excel: tables, formulas and analysis for work is level 3 Advanced, 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR) for 14 h, taught in French. It assumes you can already use a computer and open a workbook. If not, the Office and productivity track starts at level 1 for 25,000 FCFA, and its 5 levels cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
What you will be able to do after 14 hours
| Skill | Concrete office example | Estimated time saved |
|---|---|---|
| Conditional formulas (IF, SUMIFS) | Total sales per salesperson per month | 2 h per week |
| XLOOKUP | Find an item's price in a 2,000-row catalogue | 30 min per day |
| Pivot tables | Spending summary by department in 3 clicks | 3 h per monthly report |
| Conditional formatting | Red alert on stock below threshold | Errors avoided |
| Charts | Cash receipts curve for the director | 1 h per presentation |
| Data validation | Drop-down lists to avoid typing errors | Fewer corrections |
Mini case study
Moussa, 27, an administrative assistant at a transport company in Thiès, earns 170,000 FCFA a month. At each month end he spends a full day consolidating route sheets by hand. He pays 75,000 FCFA for the course with Orange Money and follows it in the evening, 2 hours a day for a week. He automates his report with a pivot table and saves about 6 hours a month. Three months later, he is put in charge of fuel tracking and gets a raise to 210,000 FCFA. Gain: 40,000 FCFA a month, so the course pays for itself in under 2 months.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
Do Thiès employers recognize the Kolonell certificate?
It is a certificate verifiable online: a recruiter can check it in seconds. It does not replace a state diploma, but it strengthens a CV and supports a practical test in an interview.
Do I need my own computer?
Yes, a computer with Excel or a compatible alternative is needed for the exercises. A used PC costs 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA in Thiès, and a 4G connection is enough to follow the videos.
How long does it take to finish the course?
The 14 hours take 1 to 3 weeks depending on your pace. At 30 minutes a day, allow about a month.
I know nothing about Excel, where should I start?
Start with level 1 of the Office track at 25,000 FCFA, then move to level 3. The full track at 350,000 FCFA saves you 100,000 FCFA if you are aiming for an executive assistant role.
Is Excel still useful with AI?
Yes: AI tools suggest formulas, but you need to know how to check them. In 2026, more than half of administrative job ads in Senegal still mention Excel, as an order of magnitude.
Take the next step. Enroll in Practical Excel: tables, formulas and analysis for work: 14 h, 75,000 FCFA, verifiable online 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.
