The verdict in three sentences
An Abidjan SMB chooses between an imported vertical SaaS (20 to 60 EUR/month/seat plus adaptation) and local custom development priced between 6,000,000 and 18,000,000 FCFA. Vertical wins on speed and entry cost; custom wins on OHADA fit, native mobile payment and local support. On a 4-year TCO, the gap narrows sharply once seat count passes 12 to 15.
Comparing the two models
Vertical SaaS ships with its own processes, often designed for Europe or the US. Adapting to Ivorian realities (OHADA chart of accounts, local VAT, Wave/Orange Money, sometimes unstable mobile connectivity) creates hidden costs. Custom starts from your processes but requires upfront investment and project governance.
| Criterion | Imported vertical | Local custom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | Low (configuration) | 6,000,000 - 18,000,000 FCFA |
| License | 20-60 EUR/month/seat | None |
| OHADA fit | Partial, needs adapting | Native |
| Mobile payment | Rarely native | Wave / OM integrated |
| Support | Remote, time-zone gap | Local, French |
| Evolutions | Vendor roadmap | Your priorities |
The 4-year TCO, line by line
Total cost of ownership reconciles licenses, adaptation, training and maintenance. Take a 20-seat SMB.
| Cost line (4 years, 20 seats) | Imported vertical | Local custom |
|---|---|---|
| Licenses | 20 x 40 EUR x 48 months ≈ 38,400 EUR (~25,200,000 FCFA) | 0 |
| Adaptation / integration | 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 FCFA | Included in build |
| Initial development | 0 | 6,000,000 - 18,000,000 FCFA |
| Training | 800,000 - 1,500,000 FCFA | 800,000 - 1,500,000 FCFA |
| Maintenance | Partly included | 100,000 - 250,000 FCFA/month |
| 4-year TCO (order of magnitude) | 29,000,000 - 33,000,000 FCFA | 11,600,000 - 31,500,000 FCFA |
Mini case study
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Koffi, head of a trading SMB in Abidjan (18 active seats), evaluates a vertical SaaS at 45 EUR/month/seat, i.e. 810 EUR/month ≈ 532,000 FCFA/month, plus 4,000,000 FCFA of adaptation. Over 4 years: 532,000 x 48 + 4,000,000 = 29,536,000 FCFA, with constrained processes. Against that, local custom at 12,000,000 FCFA with 180,000 FCFA/month maintenance costs 12,000,000 + (180,000 x 48) = 20,640,000 FCFA over 4 years, while integrating Wave/OM and the OHADA chart without compromise. Gap in favor of custom: ~8,900,000 FCFA, plus the strategic edge of owning the tool. Custom becomes profitable once the SMB passes 12 seats or demands strong local compliance.
FAQ
At how many seats does custom win? Around 12 to 15 seats, accumulated licenses tip the 4-year TCO toward custom. Below that, vertical is often faster and lower-risk.
Does imported vertical handle OHADA? Partially. Most require paid accounting and tax configuration, and some do not natively cover the OHADA chart or local filings.
Can I start vertical then move to custom? Yes, a common path: validate the need with a vertical, then internalize in custom once volume and local specifics justify it.
Is mobile payment really a factor? Yes. A vertical without native Wave/Orange Money forces costly manual reconciliation; custom integrates it at the source.
What is the risk with remote support? Time-zone gaps, language and lack of local context lengthen incident resolution. A local partner answers in French and knows your constraints.
Let's scope your project. Share your seat count, OHADA requirements and payment flows for a costed vertical-vs-custom trade-off (6,000,000 to 18,000,000 FCFA). 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.
