The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, English is no longer reserved for diplomats: port logistics staff, NGO officers and call centre agents receive emails and calls in English every week, and those who handle them alone gain a clear edge. A general course at an institute costs 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA per term and spends a lot of time on school grammar, while the Office English course at 50,000 FCFA for 18 hours goes straight to work situations. The realistic goal is to send your first email without a translator and handle a professional call to the end by the third week.
Why office English pays in Dakar in 2026
Three Dakar sectors drive demand. Logistics, around the Autonomous Port and the Diamniadio zones, deals with English-speaking shipping lines and freight forwarders, notably from Ghana and Nigeria. NGOs and international agencies based in Almadies or Mermoz write their reports and emails in English. Call centres handle customers from the UK, the US and English-speaking Africa.
| Sector in Dakar | Typical English situation | Indicative monthly pay (2026) | Effect of English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call centre, French-only service | Calls in French only | 150,000 to 200,000 FCFA | Baseline |
| Call centre, bilingual service | Calls and chats in English | 180,000 to 260,000 FCFA | 10 to 20% language bonus |
| Freight forwarding and port logistics | Emails with shipping lines, container tracking | 200,000 to 350,000 FCFA | Access to international accounts |
| NGO, international agency | Emails, reports, video meetings | 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA | Often required at hiring |
| Hospitality and tourism | Bookings, phone reception | 120,000 to 250,000 FCFA | Reception and booking roles |
| Bilingual administrative assistant | Mail, diary, calls | 250,000 to 400,000 FCFA | Gap of 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA |
These amounts are 2026 orders of magnitude that vary by employer and seniority. The language bonus is common practice in call centres, not a general rule.
Institute, free app or targeted course
The right choice depends on your goal. To pass an exam such as TOEIC, an institute remains relevant. To answer emails and the phone next month, a work-focused method is better.
| Option | 2026 cost | Duration | Office-focused | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Office English course | 50,000 FCFA | 18 h online | Yes: emails, phone, video calls, client exchanges | Yes, verifiable online |
| Language institute in Dakar | 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA per term | 30 to 40 h per term | Partly | Level attestation |
| Private tutor | 7,000 to 15,000 FCFA per hour | Variable | Depends on the teacher | No |
| Free app (Duolingo and others) | 0 FCFA, paid tier 4,000 to 8,000 FCFA a month | Unlimited | No, general vocabulary | No |
| TOEIC preparation | 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA, exam extra | 20 to 40 h | Exam-oriented | Official score |
| Full Kolonell Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | Several months | Yes, up to business English | One certificate per level |
The course Office English: emails, phone and everyday exchanges, taught in French for French speakers, is level 2 (beginner) of the Professional English track, at 50,000 FCFA. It assumes basic knowledge (A1 level) and follows five modules: introducing yourself and your company, vocabulary for daily tasks, simple and effective emails, phone, video calls and messages, then questions and exchanges with colleagues and clients. Each module provides templates adapted to your job, ready to copy and adjust.
If you are starting from zero, begin with level 1 of the Professional English track, which goes from the first "Hello" to business English. The 5 levels bought together cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA.
Mini case study
Fatou, 29, a freight forwarding agent at a customs broker in the Port of Dakar, earns 230,000 FCFA a month. Every week she forwards about ten English emails to a colleague and loses around 3 hours waiting for answers or going through a translator.
She pays the 50,000 FCFA course with Wave and completes it in 6 weeks, 3 hours a week, on her phone during her commute. With the email templates (arrival confirmation, document request, payment reminder), she replies alone in 10 minutes instead of waiting half a day.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Her manager gives her two English-speaking shipping line accounts, with a 25,000 FCFA monthly bonus. Calculation: the course pays for itself in 2 months, not counting the 12 hours saved each month. This is an illustrative scenario; bonuses depend on each company.
FAQ
What level do I need to take the course?
You need A1 level: introducing yourself, counting and understanding simple sentences. If not, level 1 of the track gets you there before you tackle these 18 hours.
Can I really improve on the phone online?
Yes, the course offers audio dialogues, call scripts and ready-made phrases to answer, put someone on hold, take a message or spell a name. With 15 minutes of practice a day, most learners can handle a simple call within 3 weeks.
Does the certificate replace TOEIC?
No, TOEIC remains an official score required by some employers. The Kolonell certificate, verifiable online, proves concrete office skills and strengthens a CV at a lower cost, 50,000 FCFA versus over 100,000 FCFA for TOEIC preparation.
How much time per week should I plan?
At 3 hours a week, the 18 hours are done in 6 weeks. The content stays available so you can review an email template when you need it.
How do I pay from Dakar?
Payment is made with Wave or Orange Money, 50,000 FCFA in one go. Access is immediate after confirmation.
Take the next step. Enroll in Office English: emails, phone and everyday exchanges: 18 hours online (taught in French), 50,000 FCFA (about 76 EUR), 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.
