The verdict in three sentences
Developing a robust custom business platform costs between 8,000,000 and 30,000,000 FCFA in 2026, over 14 to 22 weeks. The price reflects a scalable architecture, integrations with existing tools and annual maintenance of 15 to 18%. The real trade-off is not the sticker price but the build vs buy decision against your specific processes.
Phases and cost per batch
A scalable platform is split into batches delivered progressively. This secures quality and lets you steer the budget batch by batch.
| Batch | Content | Timeline | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping & architecture | Specs, tech choices, mockups | 2 - 3 wks | 1,200,000 - 2,500,000 FCFA |
| Scalable foundation | Auth, roles, database, API | 3 - 5 wks | 3,000,000 - 6,500,000 FCFA |
| Business modules | Workflow, data entry, management | 5 - 7 wks | 4,000,000 - 11,000,000 FCFA |
| Integrations | ERP, payment, third-party tools | 2 - 4 wks | 2,000,000 - 6,000,000 FCFA |
| Reporting & steering | Dashboards, exports | 2 - 3 wks | 1,800,000 - 4,500,000 FCFA |
| Acceptance & deployment | Testing, training, go-live | 2 - 3 wks | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 FCFA |
Build vs buy: the right trade-off
Custom is not always the answer. Here is how to decide in 2026.
| Criterion | Custom (build) | Off-the-shelf (buy) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 8,000,000 - 30,000,000 FCFA | 0 - 3,000,000 FCFA |
| Recurring cost | Maintenance 15-18%/yr | Licences 500,000 - 2,000,000 FCFA/yr |
| Process fit | Total | Partial, forced adaptation |
| Scalability | Unlimited | Vendor-dependent |
| Lock-in | Low (code is yours) | High (foreign vendor) |
| Implementation time | 14 - 22 wks | 2 - 6 wks |
Build wins when your processes are a competitive advantage or too specific for generic software. Otherwise, buying is faster.
Mini case study
Ms Kouassi, CEO of a logistics SME, wants a shipment-tracking platform integrated with her ERP. Scope: scalable foundation, business modules, ERP integration, reporting. Budget: 18,000,000 FCFA, timeline 19 weeks. The platform automates tracking of 320 shipments/month, removing 6 h/day of manual coordination. At 3,500 FCFA/hour, that is 462,000 FCFA/month saved. Added to fewer customer disputes (estimated at 1,500,000 FCFA/year), the platform pays back in around 30 months, with a software asset that remains her property.
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FAQ
What makes the price vary threefold?
The number of modules, integration complexity (ERP, payment) and scalability requirements. A single-module platform without integrations stays near 8,000,000 FCFA; a connected multi-module platform climbs toward 30,000,000 FCFA.
What are the main risks to anticipate?
Scope creep mid-project, dependencies on third-party APIs, and the availability of business stakeholders for acceptance testing. Serious scoping and batch delivery reduce these risks.
What does annual maintenance cost?
Between 15 and 18% of the build cost, i.e. around 2,700,000 to 3,200,000 FCFA/year for an 18,000,000 FCFA platform, hosting, security and fixes included.
Do I own the code?
Yes, on a custom project the source code is delivered to you. You are not locked to a vendor and can evolve the platform with the team of your choice.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the processes to cover, your integrations and your budget (8,000,000 to 30,000,000 FCFA): we frame a scalable platform delivered in batches over 14 to 22 weeks. 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.
