The verdict in three sentences
For a junior developer in Kaolack who already knows JavaScript, React and Next.js are the gateway to Dakar's IT services firms and remote work. A junior React developer job pays 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA per month as a 2026 order of magnitude, and a remote assignment bills 15 to 30 EUR per hour (about 9,800 to 19,700 FCFA). Kolonell's React and Next.js course (level 4, 24 h, 100,000 FCFA) costs five to fifteen times less than a Dakar bootcamp and is taken from Kaolack.
Why React and Next.js after JavaScript
Senegalese SMEs no longer ask only for brochure sites: online ordering, appointment booking, admin areas, dashboards. These needs are built with components, shared state and server-loaded data. That is exactly what React and Next.js cover, and they dominate front-end job offers in 2026, in Dakar as well as on international freelance platforms.
| Opportunity from Kaolack | Income, 2026 order of magnitude | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Junior React developer at a Dakar IT firm | 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA per month | Portfolio of 2 apps, Git |
| Remote job for a Dakar startup | 350,000 to 700,000 FCFA per month | Autonomy, written communication |
| Freelance project for a local SME | 400,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA per project | Deliver and deploy to production |
| Remote assignment for a European client | 15 to 30 EUR per hour | Technical English, code review |
| Maintenance of Next.js apps | 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per month per client | Reliability, update tracking |
These amounts vary widely with the portfolio. A Dakar recruiter first looks at two things: live apps that work on mobile, and a clean Git repository. The course is built to produce both.
Comparing training options
| Option | Estimated cost 2026 | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free docs and videos | 0 FCFA, plus data | Open-ended | Solid notions but no guided project |
| Classroom bootcamp in Dakar | 500,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA, plus lodging | 3 to 6 months | In-person coaching, local network |
| International online certificate | 30,000 to 150,000 FCFA per year | Variable | English videos, few local examples |
| Kolonell React and Next.js | 100,000 FCFA (about 152 EUR) | 24 h | 2 SME apps online, tests, deployment, certificate |
| Full Web development track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | Progressive | From HTML to expertise |
The Kolonell Academy React and Next.js course, taught in French, is level 4 Intermediate, 100,000 FCFA of the Web development track. It covers components, state, forms, data loading, the Next.js App Router, Server Actions, testing and deployment, applied to two real SME applications. Payment is made with Wave or Orange Money.
The three-month plan
| Week | Goal | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Complete the 24 h course (8 h per week) | First working React app |
| 4 to 5 | Finish the second Next.js app | 2 projects online, public Git repository |
| 6 to 8 | Apply to 15 Dakar IT firms and startups | 3 to 5 technical interviews |
| 9 to 12 | First assignment or first job | First developer income |
Kaolack has an edge: the cost of living is lower than in Dakar, which makes a remote job paid at Dakar rates especially attractive. Plan for a reliable connection (4G or fibre, 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA per month) and a computer with at least 8 GB of memory.
Mini case study
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Ousmane, 23, holds a computer science degree in Kaolack and does HTML integration for 150,000 FCFA per month. He takes the course (100,000 FCFA) in three weeks, publishes his two apps, then lands a remote job with a Dakar startup at 400,000 FCFA per month. His monthly gain is 250,000 FCFA, so the course pays for itself in under two weeks of extra salary. On the side, a 20-hour European assignment at 20 EUR per hour would bring in about 262,000 FCFA. This scenario is illustrative and guarantees no income.
FAQ
What JavaScript level do I need before starting?
You need to master functions, arrays, the DOM and fetch. If not, the earlier levels of the track cover them: the full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Can I follow the course on an average connection?
Yes, lessons are in Markdown with downloadable PDF materials, so they use little data. Count about 2 to 4 GB per month to install tools and deploy projects.
Is a certificate enough to get hired?
No, it complements the portfolio but does not replace it. Dakar recruiters mainly assess the 2 live apps and a 1 to 3 hour technical test.
How much does a remote assignment for Europe pay?
As a 2026 order of magnitude, a junior gets 15 to 30 EUR per hour, about 9,800 to 19,700 FCFA. First assignments often go through platforms that take a 10 to 20% commission.
How do I pay for the course?
The 100,000 FCFA are paid with Wave or Orange Money on the course page, with immediate access. The Kolonell Academy certificate is issued at the end.
Take the next step. Enroll in React and Next.js: building modern web applications: 24 h online, 100,000 FCFA, 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.
