The verdict in three sentences
The corporate (institutional) vertical is the most lucrative segment for a referral partner: tickets start at 5,000,000 FCFA and frequently exceed 20,000,000 FCFA. The referral commission here is 8% — lower than the showcase-site rate, but applied to amounts so large that a single signature is worth several months of showcase deals. The job is to open a door with a CEO, a CIO, a bank or an NGO, then let Kolonell take it from there.
Why 8% on corporate is still the best effort-to-reward ratio
On a showcase site, the referrer earns 15% but on 250,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA. On corporate work, they earn 8% on amounts ten to fifty times larger. The sales cycle is longer (3 to 9 months), but the number of contacts to manage is small: a serious corporate referrer works 5 to 10 accounts, not 200 prospects.
| Corporate ticket 2026 (FCFA) | Client type | 8% commission (FCFA) | Equivalent in showcase deals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000,000 | Structured SME, firm | 400,000 | ~11 Starter showcases |
| 8,000,000 | Mid-cap, federation | 640,000 | ~17 Starter showcases |
| 12,000,000 | International NGO | 960,000 | ~25 Starter showcases |
| 15,000,000 | Regional group | 1,200,000 | ~32 Starter showcases |
| 25,000,000 | Bank / insurer | 2,000,000 | ~53 Starter showcases |
| 40,000,000 | Multi-subsidiary holding | 3,200,000 | ~85 Starter showcases |
| 60,000,000 | Public institution | 4,800,000 | ~128 Starter showcases |
The Kolonell referral program by vertical
Corporate is only one of four verticals open to referral partners. The full scale lets you pick your specialty based on your network.
| Vertical | Referral commission | Average ticket 2026 (FCFA) | Average earning per signature (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% + 5% recurring | 500,000 | 75,000 |
| E-commerce | 12% | 2,000,000 | 240,000 |
| Marketplace | 10% | 5,000,000 | 500,000 |
| Corporate | 8% | 15,000,000 | 1,200,000 |
A referrer well connected in Lagos corporate circles (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, regional banks) can target 2 to 4 corporate signatures per year, i.e. 2,400,000 to 4,800,000 FCFA in annual commissions with a very small portfolio.
Mini case study
Emily, an independent consultant in Lagos, knows the communications director of a regional insurance company. She sets up an introductory lunch, passes the contact to Kolonell, and stays present at the two key meetings. The project signs at 22,000,000 FCFA (corporate rebuild + partner portal). Her 8% referral commission: 1,760,000 FCFA. For roughly 6 hours spread over 4 months, that is an extraordinary hourly return.
FAQ
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How much does a referrer earn on a typical corporate project?
On the median ticket of 15,000,000 FCFA, the 8% commission is 1,200,000 FCFA. Bank or holding projects routinely exceed 2,000,000 FCFA in commission.
Do I have to close the sale myself?
No. The referrer opens the door and facilitates the introduction; the Kolonell team handles technical pre-sales, the quote and negotiation. The commission is due once the contract is signed.
Is the cycle really 3 to 9 months?
Yes, corporate decisions go through committees, budgets and sometimes tenders. That is why it is better to nurture a few solid accounts than to chase many prospects.
Is there a recurring share like on showcase sites?
The 5% recurring share is specific to the showcase vertical (monthly maintenance). On corporate work, value comes from the high one-off ticket and project extensions, often re-commissioned.
Can I combine corporate with other verticals?
Yes, and it is recommended to smooth your income: spaced-out large corporate tickets are complemented by steadier showcase and e-commerce deals.
Let's talk about your project. Do you know a decision-maker at a large company or institution in Lagos? Become a Kolonell referral partner and turn one introduction into 1,200,000 FCFA. 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.
