The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, knowing HTML, CSS and some JavaScript is no longer enough to be well paid: SMEs and European clients want React and Next.js applications delivered, tested and deployed. A local bootcamp costs 800,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA, and English-language online courses leave you alone when you get stuck. The Kolonell Academy course "React and Next.js: build modern web applications", 24 hours, 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR / 165 USD), certificate included, gets you over that threshold with two live applications in your portfolio, paid with Wave or Orange Money.
Local salary or European clients: 2026 figures
Two routes open up for a Dakar React developer. The first is a salaried job at an IT services firm, a fintech, a telecom operator or a startup in Almadies or Mermoz. The second is freelancing for clients in France, Belgium or Canada, paid in euros, with a close time zone (GMT, one to two hours from Paris).
| Situation | Pay (2026 estimate) | Monthly equivalent in FCFA | Constraints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior React developer, permanent job in Dakar | 400,000 to 550,000 FCFA a month | 400,000 to 550,000 FCFA | Stability, IPRES pension and health cover |
| Experienced React and Next.js developer in Dakar | 600,000 to 900,000 FCFA a month | 600,000 to 900,000 FCFA | 2 to 4 years of experience required |
| Freelance for Senegalese SMEs | 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA a day | 400,000 to 900,000 FCFA depending on work | Payments sometimes late |
| Freelance for European clients, junior profile | 150 to 200 EUR a day | 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 FCFA over 10 billed days | Finding clients, careful written English or French |
| Freelance for European clients, experienced | 250 to 350 EUR a day | 1,600,000 to 2,300,000 FCFA over 10 billed days | Strong portfolio, contracts, invoicing |
| Freelance platforms (Malt, Upwork) | 10 to 20% commission | Deducted from the rate | International competition |
The calculation uses 1 EUR = 655.957 FCFA. A beginner freelancer rarely bills 20 days a month: 8 to 12 days is a more realistic first-year assumption. No income is guaranteed; it all depends on the portfolio and on steady work.
Comparing ways to move up to React
The course React and Next.js: build modern web applications is level 4 of the Web development track, at 100,000 FCFA, taught in French. It assumes you master functions, arrays, objects, the DOM and fetch. Across eight modules: components, JSX and props, state and events, lists and forms with validation, effects and custom hooks, global state and architecture, Next.js App Router and SEO, Server Actions and authentication, then testing, performance and deployment. You build two real SME applications and put them online.
| Criterion | Local bootcamp in Dakar | English online courses | Kolonell Academy level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 800,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA | 10,000 to 60,000 FCFA or subscription | 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR) |
| Duration | 3 to 6 months full time | Variable, often abandoned | 24 hours, at your own pace |
| Language | French | English | French |
| Next.js App Router and Server Actions | Depends on the programme | Often outdated courses | Yes, current version |
| Deliverable projects | 1 to 3 projects | Isolated exercises | 2 live applications |
| Compatible with a job or studies | Rarely | Yes | Yes |
| Payment | Transfer, sometimes in instalments | International bank card | Wave or Orange Money |
If your JavaScript is not solid yet, the Web development track starts at level 1 (25,000 FCFA) and goes up to level 5, full stack developer. All 5 levels together cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA, roughly four times less than the low end of a bootcamp.
What recruiters and clients check
| Skill | Why it matters in 2026 | Matching module |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable components and props | Basis of every React technical test | Module 1 |
| Forms and validation | SME orders, bookings and online quotes | Module 3 |
| API calls and hooks | Connecting to a back end or to Wave | Module 4 |
| Server rendering and SEO with Next.js | Sites that must be found on Google | Module 6 |
| Authentication | Customer and admin areas | Module 7 |
| Testing and deployment | Standard requirement from European clients | Module 8 |
Mini case study
Ousmane, 24, self-taught in Grand Yoff, builds HTML and JavaScript showcase sites for 150,000 to 200,000 FCFA each, about two a month, so 350,000 FCFA. He pays 100,000 FCFA with Wave and completes the 24 hours in six weeks, publishing both applications on GitHub.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Scenario A: he is hired as a junior React developer at 500,000 FCFA a month, 150,000 FCFA more, and the course pays for itself in about three weeks. Scenario B: he lands an 8-day assignment at 150 EUR a day for an agency in Lyon, so 1,200 EUR or about 787,000 FCFA, minus 10% platform and transfer fees, leaving 708,000 FCFA. In both cases these are 2026 orders of magnitude that depend on his portfolio and his prospecting.
FAQ
Do I need JavaScript before starting?
Yes, you need to master functions, arrays, objects, the DOM and fetch. Otherwise, level 3 JavaScript at 75,000 FCFA prepares you directly for this course.
What computer do I need?
A PC with 8 GB of RAM is enough for Node.js, a code editor and a browser. In Dakar you can find one second-hand for 200,000 to 300,000 FCFA.
How do I find European clients?
A portfolio with two live applications is the first proof clients ask for. Then you need to prospect on LinkedIn, Malt or Upwork, allowing for 10 to 20% commissions.
How do I receive euro payments in Senegal?
Freelancers often use an online multi-currency account and then convert to FCFA, paying 1 to 3% in fees depending on the service. Check fees and your tax obligations before your first invoice.
How do I pay for the course?
The 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR) is paid with Wave or Orange Money, no international bank card needed. Access opens on confirmation.
Take the next step. Enroll in React and Next.js: build modern web applications: 24 hours online, taught in French, 100,000 FCFA (about 152 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.