The verdict in three sentences
A custom booking platform for a 5-site coworking network in Casablanca costs MAD 220,000 to 480,000 excluding VAT in 2026 (about USD 22,000 to 48,000), with a 4-month timeline. It becomes profitable once the network exceeds 4 sites or 600 members, because it removes 1.5 to 3% commissions from marketplaces and a SaaS subscription billed per site. The three building blocks that justify the project are CMI payments in dirhams, connected access badges and automated monthly invoicing compliant with Moroccan tax rules. Operators eyeing Dubai can reuse the same codebase, where comparable agency builds typically quote 1.5 to 2 times higher.
What the platform must do
A coworking network sells very different products: hot desks by the hour, private offices by the month, meeting rooms by the half day, and company domiciliation. The platform must handle these offers across 5 sites, sync availability in real time and open doors for the right member at the right time.
| Module | 2026 range (MAD excl. VAT) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-site catalogue and availability engine | 40,000 to 80,000 | 4 weeks |
| Web and mobile (PWA) booking of rooms and desks | 45,000 to 95,000 | 5 weeks |
| CMI payment (Moroccan and international cards) | 20,000 to 40,000 | 2 weeks |
| Memberships and automated monthly invoicing | 35,000 to 75,000 | 4 weeks |
| Connected access control (badges, QR code, lock APIs) | 30,000 to 85,000 | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Member area, community and domiciliation | 20,000 to 45,000 | 3 weeks |
| Manager back office and occupancy dashboards | 30,000 to 60,000 | 3 weeks |
| Total | 220,000 to 480,000 | 4 months in parallel |
Access control is the most variable item: reusing existing smart locks with an API costs three times less than installing new badge readers.
Nexudus SaaS or custom build: the 5-year math
Coworking management software like Nexudus is mature and international. Its limits in Morocco are local payments, dirham invoicing with Moroccan tax mentions, and a per-site cost that adds up. In Dubai, where card payments through Stripe or Network International are standard, the SaaS fits more easily. The comparison below covers 5 sites and 700 members in Casablanca.
| Criterion | Marketplaces + scattered tools | Nexudus SaaS | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | MAD 0 | MAD 15,000 to 30,000 (setup) | MAD 220,000 to 480,000 |
| Annual subscription | MAD 0 | about USD 200 x 5 sites x 12, close to MAD 120,000 | MAD 0 |
| Sales commissions | 1.5 to 3% of booked revenue, up to 15% on marketplaces | 0% excluding bank fees | 0% excluding bank fees |
| Maintenance and hosting | MAD 0 | Included | MAD 45,000 to 80,000/year |
| Native CMI payment | No | Via third-party integration | Yes |
| 5-year cumulative cost (excl. commissions) | variable | about MAD 615,000 | MAD 445,000 to 880,000 |
Custom is therefore not always cheaper: it becomes so as the network grows, when commissions weigh heavily, or when the founder wants to resell the platform as white label to other operators, including in the Gulf.
CMI payments, invoicing and compliance
The Centre Monétique Interbancaire remains the reference gateway for card payments in Morocco. Expect roughly 1.5 to 2.5% commission per transaction depending on your bank, and 2 to 4 weeks of technical certification. Automated invoicing must carry mandatory mentions (ICE, IF, RC, 20% VAT) and prepare for the e-invoicing announced by the tax authority. On personal data, Law 09-08 requires a declaration to the CNDP, especially for building access logs. In Dubai, the equivalent references are 5% VAT and the UAE data protection law.
Mini case study
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Youssef, founder of a 5-site coworking network in Casablanca (Maarif, Anfa, Sidi Maarouf, Casa Finance City, Bourgogne), generates MAD 9,600,000 in annual revenue, 40% of it through booking platforms charging 1.5 to 3% and a small share through marketplaces at 15%. His total commissions reach about MAD 190,000 a year. He compares a SaaS at MAD 120,000 a year, which would not remove every commission, with a custom platform at MAD 350,000 plus MAD 60,000 annual maintenance. Recovering MAD 150,000 in commissions and saving a half-time reception role thanks to badges, or MAD 60,000, his gain reaches MAD 210,000 a year, minus MAD 60,000 maintenance: MAD 150,000 net, a payback of 2 years and 4 months.
FAQ
How much does a coworking booking platform cost in Morocco in 2026?
Between MAD 220,000 and 480,000 excluding VAT for a multi-site network with CMI payments and access control. A single site without badges can start around MAD 120,000.
Should I choose Nexudus or a custom build?
Nexudus suits one or two sites at around USD 200 per site per month. Beyond 4 sites or with strong local payment needs, custom becomes more profitable over 5 years.
How much does CMI payment integration cost?
Budget MAD 20,000 to 40,000 for development and 2 to 4 weeks of certification. The bank commission is around 1.5 to 2.5% per transaction.
Can access badges be driven by the platform?
Yes, through the API of connected locks or readers, for MAD 30,000 to 85,000 depending on equipment. Members receive a QR code or have their badge activated once payment clears.
What CNDP obligations apply to a coworking space?
Law 09-08 requires declaring data processing, including access logs. The process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks and should be started before launch.
Let's scope your project. We scope your booking platform: sites, CMI payment, access control, an indicative budget of MAD 220,000 to 480,000 and a 4-month timeline. 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.
