The verdict in three sentences
Accounting practice software in Abidjan costs in 2026 between 5,000,000 and 15,000,000 FCFA, delivered in 10 to 14 weeks. Generic imported tools ignore the revised SYSCOHADA chart of accounts, local VAT and the formats the tax authority expects: the top cause of re-keying. An OHADA-aligned tool with a client portal automates data entry and recovers billable hours for every staff member.
OHADA modules and their cost in 2026
an Ivorian firm needs an OHADA-compliant base, proper VAT handling and a portal to exchange documents and filings with clients. Here is the per-module order of magnitude.
| Module | Function | Cost (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Revised SYSCOHADA chart of accounts | Accounts, journals, balances | 1,200,000 - 3,000,000 FCFA |
| VAT + filings | Calculation, statements, tax export | 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 FCFA |
| DMS + document collection | Filing, invoice OCR | 1,200,000 - 3,000,000 FCFA |
| Client portal | Document upload, tracking | 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 FCFA |
| Time-tracking + invoicing | Fees, profitability | 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 FCFA |
| Firm dashboard | Deadlines, workload, KPIs | 800,000 - 2,000,000 FCFA |
Custom vs local SaaS and ROI on data entry
The choice is between a local SaaS (subscription, variable fit) and a custom build owned by the firm. The real gain is measured in automated data-entry hours.
| Criterion | Local SaaS | Custom OHADA |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 FCFA/yr | 5,000,000 - 15,000,000 FCFA (one-off) |
| Recurring cost | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 FCFA/yr | 12-18% maintenance/yr |
| Revised SYSCOHADA compliance | Variable | Native, guaranteed |
| Data-entry automation (OCR) | Depends on plan | Tailored, extensive |
| Client portal | Depends on plan | Included, custom |
| Tool ownership | No | Yes |
Mini case study
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Mr. Koffi, chartered accountant running an 8-staff firm in Abidjan, processes client documents manually. Each staff member spends about 6 hours/week keying invoices. A custom OCR-enabled tool at 9,000,000 FCFA (delivered in 12 weeks) automates 70% of that entry. Across 8 people: 8 × 4.2 h × 45 weeks = 1,512 hours/year recovered. Redeployed to work billed at 30,000 FCFA/hour, additional potential exceeds 45,000,000 FCFA/year. Even capturing a quarter of that potential, the tool pays for itself in under a year.
FAQ
Does the software handle the revised SYSCOHADA? Yes, it's the base: chart of accounts, journals, balances and statements compliant with the up-to-date OHADA framework. This is exactly what imported tools fail to do correctly.
Can we export filings for the tax authority? Yes, a VAT and filings module produces the expected statements and exports. Formats match the Ivorian obligations in force.
What's the starting budget? From 5,000,000 FCFA for an accounting + VAT + DMS base. A full scope with client portal and OCR sits between 9,000,000 and 15,000,000 FCFA.
Does invoice OCR work locally? Yes, OCR extracts amounts, VAT and suppliers from scanned invoices; a calibration phase on your documents improves accuracy in the first weeks.
How long until operational? 10 to 14 weeks, including migrating client files and an acceptance phase with your staff before go-live.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your headcount, priorities (SYSCOHADA, VAT, portal, OCR) and indicative budget, and we'll scope an OHADA-compliant tool profitable in the first year. 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.
