The verdict in three sentences
Custom software (FCFA 8,000,000-22,000,000, approx. EUR 12,200-33,500) replaces spreadsheets as soon as your collection volumes, weighing and cash become impossible to track by hand. Offline mode is non-negotiable: at collection sites connectivity is intermittent, and data must sync when the network returns. The real gain is the reliability of stock and producer payments, cutting losses and disputes.
Spreadsheets vs custom: the 2026 grid (FCFA)
Agri-commodity trading (grains, oilseeds, shea) handles multiple weighings, producer advances and scattered stock. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | Excel spreadsheets | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | near zero | FCFA 8,000,000-22,000,000 |
| Offline mode | no | yes, auto sync |
| Weighing / collection tracking | manual, error-prone | timestamped, reliable |
| Cash / advances | scattered | consolidated in real time |
| Setup time | immediate | 4-8 months |
| Maintenance | 0 | FCFA 300,000-800,000/month |
The spreadsheet costs nothing to buy but generates hidden losses: weighing errors, unrecovered advances, phantom stock.
What a custom project covers (FCFA)
Breaking down by lot helps weigh an FCFA 8,000,000 core against a full FCFA 22,000,000 platform.
| Functional lot | 2026 range | Indicative lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Collection + producer management | FCFA 2,000,000-5,000,000 | 5-8 weeks |
| Weighing module + tickets | FCFA 1,500,000-4,000,000 | 4-7 weeks |
| Multi-site stock | FCFA 1,800,000-4,500,000 | 5-8 weeks |
| Cash + advances | FCFA 1,500,000-4,000,000 | 4-7 weeks |
| Offline mode + sync | FCFA 2,000,000-5,000,000 | 6-9 weeks |
| Reporting + dashboards | FCFA 1,000,000-3,000,000 | 3-5 weeks |
Mini case study
Issouf, manager of an agri-trading business (4 collection sites, 900 producers), loses about 3% of volumes to weighing errors and poorly tracked advances. On annual revenue of FCFA 480,000,000, that is FCFA 14,400,000 in losses. A custom project at FCFA 15,000,000, plus FCFA 500,000/month maintenance (FCFA 6,000,000/year), costs FCFA 21,000,000 in year one. By halving losses (FCFA 7,200,000 recovered) and firming up cash, payback lands in year two, with maintenance alone amply covered.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
How much is custom agri-trading software?
Between FCFA 8,000,000 and 22,000,000 depending on scope. A collection-weighing-stock core starts at FCFA 8,000,000; the full platform with offline and cash reaches FCFA 22,000,000.
Is offline mode really essential?
Yes, in rural areas connectivity is intermittent. Weighing and collection entries happen offline then sync automatically, which costs FCFA 2,000,000-5,000,000 to build.
What is the delivery timeline?
An operational core ships in 4-5 months. A full platform with cash and advanced reporting takes 6 to 8 months.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Budget FCFA 300,000-800,000/month, i.e. FCFA 3,600,000-9,600,000/year, covering fixes, minor evolutions and support.
Can we integrate producer mobile payments?
Yes. Orange Money or Wave integration for producer advances and settlements adds to the project and is priced by transaction volume.
Let's scope your project. Share your number of collection sites, annual volume and an indicative budget, and we will frame a core with offline mode. 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.
