The verdict in three sentences
Custom accounting practice software, built for the revised SYSCOHADA standard, costs between FCFA 8,000,000 and 25,000,000 (roughly USD 13,000 to 41,000) across francophone Africa in 2026. The gap with a generic tool like localised Sage isn't only price, it's genuine localisation: OHADA chart of accounts, local VAT, filing formats, and a mobile client portal. For a growing firm, custom becomes an asset you own rather than a licence you rent forever.
What custom covers in a francophone African capital
An accounting firm in Dakar, Abidjan or Douala needs a tool that speaks OHADA natively, handles local VAT, and enables remote document collection. Here are the 2026 line items in FCFA (USD approximate).
| Module | Scope | Range (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| SYSCOHADA chart of accounts | Normalised accounts, OHADA filing | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 |
| Jobs & clients | Files, tax deadlines | 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 |
| VAT & local filings | 18 % VAT, tax authority formats | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 |
| Client portal | Document collection, mobile, WhatsApp | 2,000,000 - 5,000,000 |
| Billing & fee tracking | Fixed fee, time, chasing | 1,500,000 - 4,500,000 |
| Integration & UAT | Migration, testing, training | 1,000,000 - 4,000,000 |
| Total project | Full suite | 8,000,000 - 25,000,000 |
Ongoing support is about FCFA 300,000 per month (FCFA 3,600,000 a year, ~USD 5,900). Delivery takes 4 to 8 months.
Custom vs localised Sage (8-staff firm)
A 5-year comparison, localised Sage estimated at FCFA 900,000 per year all-in.
| Line | Localised Sage | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Build / initial licence | 1,200,000 | 15,000,000 |
| 5-yr subscription / licence | 4,500,000 | 0 |
| 5-yr support | partly included | 18,000,000 |
| Genuine OHADA localisation | limited | native |
| Mobile client portal | absent | included |
| 5-year total | 5,700,000 | 33,000,000 |
In raw cash, Sage stays cheaper. Custom wins when OHADA localisation, the mobile client portal and no dependency on a foreign vendor become strategic to differentiate the firm and attract diaspora clients.
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Mini case study
Mr. Ndiaye, an accountant in Dakar with 8 staff, loses time reworking non-OHADA filings and collecting documents by email. A custom client portal at FCFA 14,000,000, plus FCFA 300,000 monthly support, automates collection via WhatsApp and normalises OHADA filings. Saving 20 hours a month of rework, valued at FCFA 15,000 an hour, he gains FCFA 3,600,000 a year and onboards 5 new diaspora clients thanks to the portal. Effective payback in about 3 years.
FAQ
Does it really handle the revised SYSCOHADA? Yes, that's the heart of custom: normalised chart of accounts, OHADA filing and compliant financial statements, versus the partial adaptation of generic tools.
What's the minimum viable budget? At least FCFA 8,000,000 for a serious core (OHADA, jobs, billing). Below that it's a prototype.
Does the client portal work on mobile 3G? Yes, it's built offline-first and lightweight, with WhatsApp document collection, suited to local connectivity.
What does maintenance cost? About FCFA 3,600,000 a year (FCFA 300,000 per month) for fixes, tax updates and enhancements.
Can I pay in instalments? Yes, the project splits into milestones (core, VAT, portal), payable on delivery of each batch.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your headcount, OHADA needs and target budget, and we'll propose a financeable milestone plan. 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.
