The verdict in three sentences
A custom business platform in Dublin runs between FCFA 8,000,000 and 45,000,000 (approx. EUR 12,200-68,600) in 2026, depending on the number of modules and roles. No-code can start at FCFA 2,000,000 but plateaus fast; vertical SaaS avoids the build but costs in subscription and limits customization. Custom wins as soon as your processes are specific to your trade and volume justifies the upfront investment.
The three routes compared (2026, FCFA)
The right choice depends on how specific your processes are and your growth horizon.
| Criterion | Custom | No-code | Vertical SaaS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 8M - 45M FCFA | 2M - 6M FCFA | 0 - 1.5M FCFA |
| Monthly cost | 150k - 600k FCFA | 200k - 500k FCFA | 300k - 1.2M FCFA |
| Customization | Total | Limited | Low |
| Code ownership | You | Platform | Vendor |
| Setup time | 3 - 6 months | 3 - 8 wk | 1 - 3 wk |
| Scalability | High | Medium | Vendor-bound |
Custom is the only route that makes you own the code and follow your processes without compromise.
Custom grid per module (2026, FCFA)
| Module | Price FCFA | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| User management + roles | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | 2 wk |
| Business core (specific workflow) | 3,000,000 - 12,000,000 | 4-8 wk |
| Dashboard + reporting | 1,800,000 - 4,000,000 | 2 wk |
| Wave/OM payment integration | 1,200,000 - 3,500,000 | 2 wk |
| Mobile app (PWA) | 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 | 3 wk |
| Maintenance (annual) | 15-20% of build | ongoing |
Application maintenance represents 15 to 20% of the build cost per year, i.e. FCFA 1,500,000 to 9,000,000/year.
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Mini case study
Aisling, managing partner of a firm in Dublin runs 15 staff and case tracking scattered across Excel and email. She invests FCFA 14,000,000 (approx. EUR 21,300) in a custom platform: case management, deadlines, billing and Wave payment, delivered in 4 months. Her staff lost 1 h/day hunting for documents. Saving: 15 x 1 h x 22 days x FCFA 4,500/h = FCFA 1,485,000/month, or FCFA 17,820,000/year. The platform pays for itself in under 10 months, and the firm cuts missed deadlines, a source of disputes.
FAQ
What is the starting budget for a business platform in Dublin in 2026? Around FCFA 8,000,000 for a focused scope (one business core + roles + dashboard), delivered in 3 months. Multi-module platforms climb to FCFA 25-45,000,000.
No-code or custom to start? No-code (FCFA 2-6M) validates an idea fast, but as soon as your processes are specific or your volume high, custom becomes cheaper over 3 years thanks to code ownership.
How much is annual maintenance? Between 15 and 20% of the build cost, i.e. FCFA 1,500,000 to 9,000,000/year, covering fixes, security and small enhancements.
Can Wave and Orange Money be integrated? Yes: a Wave or OM payment connector costs FCFA 1,200,000 to 3,500,000 and ships in 2 weeks, confirmation webhooks included.
What is the lead time for a first version? 3 to 6 months depending on the number of modules: 3 months for a focused business core, 5-6 months for a full multi-role platform with mobile.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your business process, your roles and your target budget: we frame a first version deliverable in 3 to 4 months. 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.
