The verdict in three sentences
For a group in Douala, the challenge is not to build four sites but one system: a shared design system and a multi-site architecture that pools costs. The 2026 foundation sits, as an order of magnitude, between 6,000,000 and 11,000,000 FCFA, with around 2,000,000 FCFA per added subsidiary. Expect 4 to 6 months and maintenance of 200,000 to 500,000 FCFA/month for the whole estate.
Pooled multisite vs separate sites
The real economic decision is architectural. Building 4 independent sites costs more to build AND maintain than a pooled foundation with a shared design system. The table compares both scenarios for a corporate site plus 3 subsidiaries.
| Criterion | Pooled foundation | 4 separate sites |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost | 12,000,000 - 17,000,000 FCFA | 18,000,000 - 26,000,000 FCFA |
| Design system | Single, shared | Rebuilt 4 times |
| Monthly maintenance | 200,000 - 500,000 FCFA | 500,000 - 1,000,000 FCFA |
| Brand consistency | Strong | Variable |
| Global update | 1 action | 4 actions |
| Total timeline | 4-6 months | 7-10 months |
The pooled foundation cuts build cost by about 30% and maintenance by half: it is the default choice for a group managing its brand consistently.
Foundation + subsidiaries budget breakdown
Once the architecture is chosen, the budget breaks down clearly. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for the CEMAC zone.
| Item | 2026 range (FCFA) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate foundation + design system | 6,000,000 - 11,000,000 | Reusable core |
| Subsidiary site (x3) | 2,000,000 / subsidiary | Templates derived from core |
| Multilingual FR/EN | +1,500,000 | i18n, hreflang |
| CMS + editorial governance | included in core | Validation workflow |
| Hosting + CDN / year | 800,000 - 1,800,000 | Performance, uptime |
| Maintenance / month | 200,000 - 500,000 | Fixes, evolutions |
Adding the foundation and three subsidiaries, a group typically reaches 12,000,000 to 17,000,000 FCFA for a consistent estate, annual hosting separate.
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Mini case study
Mr Ngassa, communications director of a diversified group in Douala (construction, agrifood, logistics), must unify 4 sites inherited from different vendors. As separate sites, the combined quote reaches 22,000,000 FCFA with maintenance of 800,000 FCFA/month. Opting for a pooled foundation at 14,000,000 FCFA and maintenance of 350,000 FCFA/month, he saves 8,000,000 FCFA at build and 450,000 FCFA/month, i.e. 5,400,000 FCFA/year of maintenance. Over three years, the gap exceeds 24,000,000 FCFA.
FAQ
How much does a corporate group site cost in Douala? In 2026, the corporate foundation with design system sits between 6,000,000 and 11,000,000 FCFA, each subsidiary site adding around 2,000,000 FCFA.
Why pool rather than build separate sites? The pooled foundation cuts build cost by about 30% and maintenance by half, while guaranteeing brand consistency across all subsidiaries.
What timeline for an estate of 4 sites? Expect 4 to 6 months with a pooled foundation, versus 7 to 10 months for four independently developed sites.
What maintenance to plan? For the whole estate, maintenance sits between 200,000 and 500,000 FCFA/month depending on the pace of evolutions and the expected SLA level.
Is multilingual included? No: FR/EN adds around 1,500,000 FCFA for the i18n structure and hreflang tags; budget it from the foundation design stage.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the number of subsidiaries, your target languages and your schedule, and we will quote the right multi-site architecture. 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.
