The verdict in three sentences
You don't build the whole app at once: an MVP carries one core feature, launches in 6 to 10 weeks and serves to validate real usage before investing more. Budget 800,000 to 2,000,000 FCFA for that MVP, then 2,000,000 to 4,500,000 FCFA for a full V1 if the MVP proves itself. Phasing turns an expensive bet into a series of controlled decisions.
MVP then V1 phasing: 2026 timelines and budget
The MVP isn't a cut-rate version: it's the smallest version that already delivers value. You invest big only once usage is confirmed. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Phase | Scope | Timeline | Budget (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping | Specs, mockups, prioritization | 1 - 2 weeks | 150,000 - 400,000 FCFA |
| MVP | 1 core feature, 1 platform | 6 - 10 weeks | 800,000 - 2,000,000 FCFA |
| Full V1 | Secondary features, integrations | 3 - 5 months | 2,000,000 - 4,500,000 FCFA |
| Maintenance | Fixes, hosting, evolutions | Yearly | 12 - 20% of build/yr |
Where the money goes: the line-item split
Understanding the split helps you make trade-offs. On a typical build, here's how the budget breaks down in 2026, and the effect on an MVP at 1,500,000 FCFA.
| Line item | Share of build | On a 1,500,000 FCFA MVP |
|---|---|---|
| Development | 40% | 600,000 FCFA |
| UX/UI design | 20% | 300,000 FCFA |
| Payment integrations (Wave/OM) | 15% | 225,000 FCFA |
| Testing and QA | 15% | 225,000 FCFA |
| Deployment and go-live | 10% | 150,000 FCFA |
Usual 2026 payment terms: a 40 to 50% deposit upfront, the balance milestone-based on deliveries.
Mini case study
Aissatou, who runs a pharmacy in Rufisque, wants a stock-management app with expiry alerts. Rather than ordering everything at 3,500,000 FCFA, she starts with a single-feature MVP — stock tracking with alerts — for 1,400,000 FCFA in 8 weeks. With a 40% deposit, she commits 560,000 FCFA upfront. The MVP validates usage with her 3 employees; two months later she funds V1 (supplier orders, multi-branch) on proven results, not on a bet.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know an SME, a cooperative or a pharmacy that needs a business app? The Kolonell referral partner program pays you for every project you bring in. The 2026 rates are clear and stack with recurring revenue.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | + 5% recurring |
| E-commerce | 12% | - |
| Marketplace | 10% | - |
| Institutional | 8% | - |
On a 1,500,000 FCFA MVP in the showcase pole, that's 225,000 FCFA in commission for a single successful introduction.
FAQ
Why not build everything directly?
Because a large unvalidated build is a large risk. The 800,000 - 2,000,000 FCFA MVP tests real usage before committing the 2,000,000 - 4,500,000 FCFA of V1 — you invest on facts, not assumptions.
How long for an MVP?
Generally 6 to 10 weeks, scoping included. The timeline depends on the complexity of the core feature and the payment integrations (Wave, Orange Money) to wire in.
What deposit should I plan upfront?
2026 terms hover around a 40 to 50% deposit, with the balance milestone-based on deliveries. On a 1,500,000 FCFA MVP, that's 600,000 to 750,000 FCFA at launch.
Is maintenance really mandatory?
Yes, plan 12 to 20% of the build per year: hosting, security fixes, compatibility with OS updates. An unmaintained app degrades within a few months.
Let's talk about your project. We'll scope your MVP, its budget and phasing — or discuss the referral program. 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.
