The verdict in three sentences
In a dense market such as Dakar, a mechanic still loses half a day to a full day finding a part across scattered dealers and importers, and the same friction exists in Singapore between Sin Ming, Kaki Bukit and Jalan Besar: this is what a B2B spare parts marketplace monetises. A serious MVP costs 18 to 25 million FCFA (EUR 27,400 to 38,100), while a full platform with a vehicle-based catalogue, garage credit and integrated logistics reaches 35 to 45 million FCFA (EUR 53,400 to 68,600). The model works with a 6 to 12% commission if the platform guarantees the right part and delivery within 24 hours, not just a directory.
Development cost by level in 2026
Figures below are for a West African build; a Singapore-based team typically costs 1.8 to 2.5 times more.
| Level | Scope | Budget FCFA | EUR equivalent | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVP | Multi-vendor catalogue, OEM part number search, ordering, mobile money and card payment, back office | 18,000,000 to 25,000,000 | EUR 27,400 to 38,100 | 12 to 16 weeks |
| Standard | MVP + vehicle search (make, model, year, VIN), garage quotes, vendor dashboard | 25,000,000 to 35,000,000 | EUR 38,100 to 53,400 | 16 to 20 weeks |
| Full | Standard + 30-day garage credit, logistics and rider tracking, mobile app, importer stock API | 35,000,000 to 45,000,000 | EUR 53,400 to 68,600 | 20 to 28 weeks |
| Catalogue data | Purchase or licence of a part cross-reference and vehicle database | 3,000,000 to 12,000,000 a year | EUR 4,600 to 18,300 | from launch |
| Operations | Hosting, maintenance, vendor support | 600,000 to 1,500,000 a month | EUR 900 to 2,300 | monthly |
The most underestimated item is the catalogue. A truck part can have 10 equivalent references across manufacturer and suppliers. Without a cross-reference table, the mechanic either finds nothing or orders the wrong part, and returns destroy the margin.
Commissions and business model
| Category | Average garage basket | Recommended commission | Platform revenue per order | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filters, oils, consumables | 35,000 FCFA | 6 to 8% | 2,100 to 2,800 FCFA | High volume, thin vendor margin |
| Brakes and suspension | 90,000 FCFA | 8 to 10% | 7,200 to 9,000 FCFA | Core of the passenger car market |
| Engine parts | 250,000 FCFA | 8 to 10% | 20,000 to 25,000 FCFA | Compatibility check essential |
| Truck parts | 400,000 FCFA | 6 to 9% | 24,000 to 36,000 FCFA | Fleet and haulier clients |
| Inspected used parts | 120,000 FCFA | 10 to 12% | 12,000 to 14,400 FCFA | 30-day platform warranty |
| Premium vendor subscription | 25,000 to 75,000 FCFA a month | fixed | depends on vendor count | Featured listings, analytics, stock API |
Payment runs through Wave (1% merchant fee), Orange Money (about 1 to 1.5%) or bank transfer for fleets; in Singapore, PayNow and cards play the same role. The platform collects, keeps its commission and pays vendors weekly. For regular garages, 30-day credit capped at 500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA often beats the informal channel, but requires a financing partner or dedicated working capital.
Vendor vetting and 24-hour delivery
Each importer provides company registration, a verified stock address and a list of part numbers. A vendor score (right-part rate, preparation time, disputes) drives visibility. For delivery, a network of 8 to 15 motorbike riders covers Dakar, Pikine and Rufisque in under 4 hours for 1,500 to 3,000 FCFA per trip; outlying cities are served next day by carrier.
Mini case study
Modou, an entrepreneur in Dakar, brings together 60 importers and targets 450 active garages in year two. Assumptions: 6 orders per garage per month, an average basket of 110,000 FCFA, an average commission of 8.5%. Monthly volume: 450 x 6 x 110,000 = 297 million FCFA. Commission revenue: 25.2 million FCFA a month, plus 20 premium vendors at 50,000 FCFA, i.e. 1 million. With a standard platform at 32 million FCFA, 1.2 million a month in operations and an operations team costing 9 million a month, monthly profit reaches about 16 million FCFA: development pays back in two months once this volume is reached, the real challenge being to get there within 12 to 18 months.
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FAQ
Should we start with every vehicle make?
No. Start with the 10 models that represent 60 to 70% of the local fleet (Toyota, Hyundai, Peugeot, Renault, Mercedes trucks in Dakar). The catalogue then grows make by make.
How do we stop garages and vendors dealing directly?
By offering what direct deals cannot: right-part guarantee, delivery within 4 hours, 30-day credit and clean invoices. Platforms that live only on introductions lose 30 to 50% of their volume.
Can we collect via Wave and pay vendors automatically?
Yes, through the Wave Business API and bulk disbursements. Weekly payouts are the norm, with a 7-day holding period for returns.
What legal structure does the platform need?
A locally registered limited company is enough at the start. If the platform extends credit, a partnership with a microfinance institution or bank is needed to stay compliant with BCEAO rules in West Africa, or MAS rules in Singapore.
Can we expand to Abidjan, Bamako or other markets?
Yes, a multi-country architecture (currency, carriers, local vendors) can be planned from day one for an extra 2 to 4 million FCFA.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your vendors, categories and delivery area: we will price a marketplace between 18 and 45 million FCFA with an MVP live in 12 to 16 weeks. 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.
