The verdict in three sentences
A business web app is developed in 12 to 22 weeks in 2026, agile and sprint-based. The plan breaks down into scoping (2-3 wks), design (3-4), development (8-16) and QA (2-3). Each 2-week sprint costs 8,000 to 15,000 EUR and delivers a testable increment: start with the MVP to gain useful time from week 10.
The plan phase by phase
A reliable timeline rests on clear phases with deliverables. Here is the standard 2026 breakdown.
| Phase | Duration | Deliverable | Indicative budget (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping | 2-3 wks | Requirements, backlog, wireframes | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| UX/UI design | 3-4 wks | Mockups, design system | 8,000 - 16,000 |
| Development | 8-16 wks | Sprint increments | 32,000 - 96,000 |
| QA | 2-3 wks | Tests, fixes, training | 6,000 - 15,000 |
| Total | 12-22 wks | App in production | 52,000 - 139,000 |
Development splits into 4 to 8 sprints of 2 weeks. A sprint mobilizes on average 1.5 to 2 developers.
What lengthens or shortens the timeline
Some factors weigh heavily on the schedule. Anticipate them from scoping.
| Factor | Impact on timeline |
|---|---|
| Number of API integrations | +1 to +3 wks per complex integration |
| Decision-maker availability | Approval delays = +2 to +4 wks |
| Requirements quality | Good spec = -2 to -4 wks of drift |
| Existing data migration | +1 to +3 wks |
| MVP scope vs full | MVP first = -30 to -50 % of initial timeline |
| Compliance / hardened security | +2 to +4 wks |
Mini case study
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Sophie, COO of a maintenance SMB in Rennes, wants her field-service app before peak season in 4 months (about 17 weeks). The full project is estimated at 20 weeks: too tight.
The solution: ship an MVP in 11 weeks (scheduling + mobile intervention sheets), live before the season, then billing and reporting modules in 2 further sprints. MVP cost: 48,000 EUR over 5 sprints. She gains 6 weeks of useful go-live and absorbs the activity peak without spreadsheets, while spreading the investment.
FAQ
How long to develop a business app? From 12 to 22 weeks depending on scope and integrations. A working internal MVP can ship in 8-11 weeks.
What is a sprint and what does it cost? A sprint is a 2-week cycle delivering a testable increment. Count 8,000 to 15,000 EUR per sprint depending on the team involved.
Why ship the MVP first? Because it puts the essential value into production early, reduces risk and saves operational time from week 10 instead of week 22.
What delays projects the most? Late decision-maker approvals and vague requirements. A good spec and an available point of contact can save 2 to 4 weeks.
Does agile change the timeline? It doesn't magically shorten it, but it makes the timeline predictable and delivers value from the first sprints rather than only at the very end.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target date, priority modules and integrations: we build a realistic plan with MVP first. 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.
