The verdict in three sentences
A custom management web app for an SME in Nairobi costs between 6 and 20 million FCFA in 2026, depending on module count and automation depth. The project runs 3 to 6 months and must include an intermittent offline mode and mobile payment integration (mobile money wallets). The real challenge is not digitizing everything at once but starting with the module that bleeds the most time or money.
Priority modules and their ROI
Digitizing everything is the classic trap. The right approach: price each module by its return on investment and deploy in waves. Here are the reference modules for an SME.
| Module | What it solves | Cost FCFA | Typical ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock management | Stockouts and overstock, real-time inventory | 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 | -30% stockouts |
| Sales & invoicing | Invoicing, VAT, client history | 2,000,000 - 4,500,000 | -50% admin time |
| Client CRM | Follow-up, reminders, loyalty | 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 | +15% repeat sales |
| Mobile payment | Integrated wallet collection | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | -40% unpaid |
| Reporting/dashboard | Margin and cash steering | 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 | faster decisions |
| Offline mode | Entry without network, auto sync | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | field continuity |
An SME rarely starts with all six modules. It picks the two that hurt most, then expands once the ROI is proven.
Project tiers in 2026
The overall budget depends on module count and business complexity. Here are the indicative tiers, 2026 order of magnitude.
| Tier | Modules | Price FCFA | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 2 modules (stock + sales) | 6,000,000 - 9,000,000 | 3 months |
| Standard | 4 modules + mobile payment | 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 | 4-5 months |
| Complete | 6 modules + offline + mobile app | 16,000,000 - 20,000,000+ | 6 months |
Intermittent offline mode is not a luxury: network and power cuts require local entry that syncs on reconnection, otherwise teams fall back to paper.
Mini case study
Koffi runs a food distribution SME in Nairobi, 3 warehouses and 14 field reps. He selects the Standard tier at 12,500,000 FCFA: stock, sales, CRM and mobile payment, with offline mode. Today his reps lose on average 1.5 hours/day on manual entry and double keying, i.e. 21 hours/day across the team. At a loaded cost of 1,500 FCFA/hour, that is about 780,000 FCFA/month of lost time. The app recovers 60% of that time, i.e. 468,000 FCFA/month: the project pays back in about 27 months on this line alone, not counting fewer stockouts and unpaid invoices.
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FAQ
Why a custom app rather than off-the-shelf software?
Generic software imposes its processes, often unfit for the local field (mobile payment, offline, languages). Custom software matches your real flows and integrates wallets natively, avoiding manual workarounds.
How much does maintenance cost after delivery?
Count 8 to 15% of development cost per year, i.e. 500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA depending on scope. It covers fixes, enhancements, backups and supervision.
Is offline mode really essential?
Yes for any field team. Network cuts make a 100% online app unusable at times. Local entry with deferred sync guarantees continuity.
Can we integrate mobile money wallets?
Yes, via their merchant APIs. Integration costs 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA and enables direct collection, automatic reconciliation and fewer unpaid invoices.
How long before go-live?
From 3 months for an Essential tier to 6 months for a Complete one. Wave-based deployment (one module first) creates value from the second month.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your 2 or 3 priority modules, transaction volume and indicative budget between 6 and 20 million 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.
