The verdict in three sentences
An Ivorian accounting firm running its files on Excel and WhatsApp loses considerable time on OHADA tax deadline tracking and client follow-ups. A custom build (10 000 000-22 000 000 FCFA) aligned with SYSCOHADA, with a client portal and mobile payment, saves around 25 hours/month and secures compliance with the tax calendar. Local SaaS remains relevant for a small firm, but custom pays off once the firm manages more than 80-100 recurring client files.
Custom vs local SaaS: 2026 figures
Order of magnitude for 2026, Abidjan market.
| Item | Local SaaS | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per user / month | 8 000 - 25 000 FCFA | 0 (owned) |
| Acquisition cost | 0 - 500 000 FCFA | 10 000 000 - 22 000 000 FCFA |
| Annual maintenance | Included | 15 - 20 % of project |
| OHADA tax calendar | Partial | Full custom |
| Client portal | Rare | Included |
| Mobile payment (Wave, Orange Money) | Variable | Integrated |
| Implementation timeline | 2 - 4 weeks | 4 - 6 months |
Modules and budget of a custom project
2026 order-of-magnitude estimate per module for an Ivorian firm.
| Module | Budget FCFA | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Client file management + DMS | 3 000 000 - 5 000 000 | 5 - 7 weeks |
| OHADA tax deadline calendar | 2 500 000 - 4 000 000 | 4 - 6 weeks |
| Client portal + document upload | 2 500 000 - 4 500 000 | 5 - 7 weeks |
| Billing + mobile payment | 2 000 000 - 4 000 000 | 4 - 5 weeks |
| Dashboard + reporting | 1 500 000 - 3 500 000 | 3 - 5 weeks |
Mini case study
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Mr. Kouadio, chartered accountant and managing partner of a 9-staff firm in Abidjan Plateau. He manages 120 client files with tax deadline tracking on a spreadsheet, a source of delays and client penalties. He commissions a custom core at 15 000 000 FCFA (files + OHADA calendar + client portal + Wave/Orange Money payment) + annual maintenance of 2 700 000 FCFA. The system saves 25 hours/month of manual tracking, i.e. 300 hours/year: valued at 8 000 FCFA/hour, that is 2 400 000 FCFA/year of recovered time, not counting avoided late penalties and a stronger professional image with clients.
FAQ
Does the software comply with SYSCOHADA? Yes, it is the core of an Ivorian custom project: revised SYSCOHADA chart of accounts, OHADA tax and social filing calendar, and standardised statements configured to current regulations.
Can Wave and Orange Money be integrated? Yes, fee collection via mobile payment is built directly into billing, speeding up settlements and reducing follow-ups.
How long to deploy? Expect 4 to 6 months for a full core. A first module (file management or client portal) can ship in 5 to 7 weeks for a quick start.
Is the client portal useful? Very: it lets clients upload documents, view their deadlines and pay fees online, sharply reducing back-and-forth on WhatsApp and email.
What minimum budget to start? A first module from 2 500 000 - 5 000 000 FCFA validates the approach before extending scope. The full core sits between 10 000 000 and 22 000 000 FCFA.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your staff count, client file volume and priority modules (OHADA calendar, portal, mobile payment), and we will price the custom core (indicative budget 10 000 000 - 22 000 000 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.
