The verdict in three sentences
A custom portal costs the equivalent of 120,000 to 350,000 MAD to build in 2026, while a vertical SaaS solution subscribes at 900-2,500 MAD/month. Custom becomes justified as soon as your business has specific workflows or exceeds 30-40 active users. In all cases, hosting must stay compliant with local data-protection law.
Custom or vertical: the 2026 numbers
A vertical solution starts fast and cheap but adapts poorly to specifics. Custom demands a heavier upfront investment but becomes your asset. Here are the orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | Custom | Vertical SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 120,000-350,000 MAD | 0-15,000 MAD (setup) |
| Monthly cost | Hosting 400-1,200 MAD | 900-2,500 MAD / month |
| MVP timeline | 7 weeks | 1-3 weeks |
| Customization | Total | Limited |
| Code ownership | You | Vendor |
Custom becomes an amortized asset; the vertical solution stays a rental. The choice depends on usage duration and customization needs.
Total cost over 3 years
Project a Standard custom portal at 220,000 MAD versus a vertical solution at 1,800 MAD/month for 25 users.
| Item | Custom 3 years | Vertical 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Build / setup | 220,000 MAD | 12,000 MAD |
| Subscription / hosting | 28,800 MAD | 64,800 MAD |
| Maintenance (15 %/yr) | 99,000 MAD | Included |
| Business customization | Included | +30,000 MAD |
| 3-year total | 347,800 MAD | 106,800 MAD |
For 25 users and standard usage, the vertical solution stays cheaper. Custom takes the lead above 60-80 users or when customization becomes critical.
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Mini case study
Ms. Tan, head of an HR services SME in Singapore (32 staff), managed her 140 clients via emails and shared files. A vertical solution at 1,800 MAD/month equivalent did not cover her multi-level approval workflow. She chose a custom portal at 235,000 MAD, with compliant hosting at 800 MAD/month. Gains: 9 hours/week saved on document management, about 90,000 MAD/year in value, and an automated approval workflow. Estimated payback: 30 months.
FAQ
What does data-protection law require for a client portal? It requires consent, a declared processing purpose and a declaration to the authority for personal data. Local or EU hosting with an up-to-date register covers the essentials. Budget legal support of 5,000-15,000 MAD if needed.
Can a vertical solution last long? Yes, as long as your processes stay standard and your user count moderate. As soon as you request specific developments billed extra, custom becomes competitive again.
How long for a custom MVP? About 7 weeks for authentication, document area and notifications. Advanced modules (billing, integrations) then add in batches of 3-5 weeks.
Can we host locally? Yes, several local hosts offer compliant datacenters at 400-1,200 MAD/month. EU hosting remains a valid alternative if your flows allow it.
What maintenance budget to plan? Count 15 % of the build cost per year for a custom portal, i.e. 18,000-52,500 MAD depending on scope. The vertical solution includes maintenance in the subscription.
Let's scope your project. Custom portal from 120,000 MAD or guidance on choosing a vertical solution: tell us users, workflows and compliance constraints. 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.
