The verdict in three sentences
A SYSCOHADA-compliant MVP ERP costs between 8 and 16 M FCFA in 2026, a full platform (tax returns, local VAT, payroll, DMS) between 22 and 40 M FCFA. Maintenance runs 250,000 to 600,000 FCFA/month with a 10 to 18 week timeline. Against imported licenses billed in EUR and unfit for the OHADA chart of accounts, custom wins on tax compliance and closing time.
What the ERP costs by scope
Foreign licenses handle neither the revised SYSCOHADA chart, nor Senegal's 18 % VAT, nor OHADA tax returns. Custom starts from your real obligations.
| Scope | Key features | 2026 cost (FCFA) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP | SYSCOHADA general ledger, 18 % VAT, DMS | 8 – 16 M | 10–12 wks |
| Intermediate | + tax returns, fixed assets, dashboards | 16 – 26 M | 12–15 wks |
| Full platform | + CNSS/IPRES payroll, multi-file, client portal | 22 – 40 M | 14–18 wks |
| Maintenance | Fixes, tax updates, hosting | 250,000 – 600,000 /mo | Recurring |
| Local vs cloud hosting | Dakar server or EU cloud | 100,000 – 400,000 /mo | Recurring |
Regulatory updates are the real stake: every change to VAT, CNSS/IPRES rates or the SYSCOHADA chart must flow through without breaking your closings.
SYSCOHADA vs imported licenses: the comparison
An imported license costs in foreign currency and ignores local specifics, forcing costly manual reprocessing.
| Criterion | Imported license | Custom OHADA ERP |
|---|---|---|
| Revised SYSCOHADA chart | Partial / manual | Native |
| Local 18 % VAT + returns | No | Yes |
| CNSS / IPRES payroll | No | Yes |
| Billing | EUR, FX-indexed | FCFA, controlled |
| 5-year cost (20 users) | 30 – 45 M FCFA subscription | 22 – 40 M build + maintenance |
| Local tax compliance | Weak | Full |
Beyond compliance, the custom ERP eliminates the manual reprocessing that weighs down every closing and exposes the firm to tax-return errors.
Mini case study
Me Sarr runs a 15-person accounting firm in Dakar managing 90 client files. The annual closing ties up the team for 3 weeks per cycle because of manual reprocessing between the imported tool and OHADA returns. A 28 M FCFA custom ERP automates the returns and halves that time: 1.5 weeks saved per cycle. At a loaded cost of 3 M FCFA per team-week, that is 4.5 M FCFA saved per year, plus the end of late penalties. The ERP pays for itself in about 3 years, maintenance included.
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FAQ
Why not use a cheaper international license?
Because it ignores the revised SYSCOHADA chart, 18 % VAT and OHADA returns. Manual reprocessing cancels the saving and exposes you to tax errors.
How much is the lightest MVP?
An MVP ERP with SYSCOHADA general ledger, VAT and DMS starts at 8 M FCFA and ships in 10 to 12 weeks.
Local hosting or cloud?
Both exist: a Dakar server for sovereignty (100,000 to 250,000 FCFA/month) or EU cloud for resilience (200,000 to 400,000 FCFA/month). The choice depends on your confidentiality requirements.
Does the ERP handle CNSS and IPRES payroll?
Yes, on the full platform: compliant payslips, CNSS/IPRES contributions and local filings are built in from the spec stage.
What is a realistic go-live timeline?
From 10 weeks for an MVP to 18 weeks for a full multi-file platform with payroll and client portal.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of files, priority modules (returns, VAT, payroll) and an indicative budget between 8 and 40 M FCFA. Detailed quote within 48 h. 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.
