The verdict in three sentences
A custom-built system for an accounting firm in Dakar runs between 6,000,000 and 18,000,000 FCFA depending on scope (client portal, SYSCOHADA statements, billing, regional hosting), over a 9 to 16 week timeline. A subscription SaaS at 25,000-60,000 FCFA/month/seat is cheaper upfront but becomes more expensive than amortising the custom build over 3 years once a firm exceeds 12 staff. The real gain is time: 8 hours/week recovered on document collection, roughly a half-time role handed back to production.
What custom software costs in 2026
Price depends mostly on the number of modules and the level of SYSCOHADA automation. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for Dakar.
| Module | Timeline | Price FCFA | Price EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client files + document management | 3-4 wks | 2,500,000 | 3,810 |
| Revised SYSCOHADA tax statements | 3-5 wks | 3,500,000 | 5,335 |
| Client portal (document upload) | 2-3 wks | 2,000,000 | 3,050 |
| Billing + automated reminders | 2 wks | 1,800,000 | 2,745 |
| Dashboard & partner reporting | 2 wks | 1,500,000 | 2,285 |
| Regional hosting + backups/year | - | 900,000 | 1,372 |
A firm taking the full stack lands around 12,000,000-14,000,000 FCFA in year one, hosting included.
SaaS vs custom: the 3-year math
SaaS bills per seat; custom is amortised. Comparison for a 12-person firm.
| Cost line | SaaS (3 yrs) | Custom (3 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 seats at 40,000 FCFA/month | 17,280,000 | 0 |
| Initial development | 0 | 12,000,000 |
| Hosting + maintenance/year | included | 2,700,000 |
| SYSCOHADA customisation | limited | included |
| 3-year total | 17,280,000 | 14,700,000 |
| Code ownership | no | yes |
Over 3 years custom dips below SaaS and leaves the firm owning its tool. Below 8 seats, SaaS stays the rational choice.
Mini case study
Mr Fall, partner at a 12-person firm in Dakar-Plateau, loses 8 hours/week per staffer chasing documents (statements, invoices, contracts). Loaded cost estimate: 4,000 FCFA/hour. Annual loss: 12 x 8 h x 45 weeks x 4,000 = 17,280,000 FCFA/year of non-billable time. A custom client portal at 12,000,000 FCFA that recovers even 60% of that time frees 10,300,000 FCFA/year: the tool pays for itself in under 14 months, before counting new files absorbed at constant headcount.
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FAQ
Does it really handle the revised SYSCOHADA?
Yes: chart of accounts, statements and financials are configured to the OHADA framework in force in 2026. Custom builds let you tune automation to your file types, which an imported generic SaaS rarely does.
How long until go-live?
Expect 9 to 16 weeks depending on scope. A files + portal core can ship in 9 weeks; adding statements and advanced billing pushes toward 16.
Does client data stay in Senegal?
It can be hosted in a regional datacentre with encrypted backups, for about 900,000 FCFA/year. That is a compliance and trust argument with sensitive clients.
Can we start small then extend?
Yes. Many firms launch the files + portal core (about 6,000,000 FCFA), then add statements and reporting the following year. Modular architecture avoids rebuilding everything.
What annual maintenance budget should we plan?
Between 1,500,000 and 2,700,000 FCFA/year for hosting, backups, regulatory updates and support. That is the price of longevity and SYSCOHADA updates.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your headcount, file types and priorities (portal, statements, billing): we frame a scope from 6,000,000 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.
