The verdict in three sentences
For a customs broker in Lomé handling 3,500 files a year, custom forwarding software costs 12,000,000 to 28,000,000 FCFA (about EUR 18,300 to 42,700) depending on the number of modules and interfaces. The return comes from two sources: 25 % more productivity for declarants and avoided demurrage thanks to alerts on free-time deadlines. A well-phased project pays back in 10 to 14 months.
The three options and their five-year cost
Many Togolese forwarders still work with spreadsheets, paper binders and direct entry into the customs system. Here are the realistic 2026 options, as orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | Spreadsheets and paper | Imported forwarding package | Custom software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | 0 FCFA | 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 FCFA | 12,000,000 to 28,000,000 FCFA |
| Recurring cost | Lost time, errors | 150,000 to 400,000 FCFA a month | 200,000 to 350,000 FCFA a month (maintenance) |
| 5-year cumulative cost | Invisible but high | 12,000,000 to 32,000,000 FCFA | 24,000,000 to 49,000,000 FCFA |
| Fit with the Togolese single window | None | Partial | Full |
| Duty and disbursement calculation in FCFA | Manual | Often needs configuration | Native |
| Demurrage alerts | No | Basic | Per container, per shipping line |
| Time to go live | Immediate | 1 to 2 months | 4 to 6 months |
The imported package looks cheaper, but it often forces double entry between the tool and local platforms, which cancels part of the productivity gain.
What complete forwarding software covers
The budget is built module by module. Here is the typical split for a mid-sized broker.
| Module | Functions | Indicative 2026 budget |
|---|---|---|
| File opening and tracking | Client record, scanned documents, status, declarant assignment | 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 FCFA |
| B/L and container tracking | B/L and container numbers, arrival dates, free time, terminal exit | 2,000,000 to 4,500,000 FCFA |
| Duty and tax calculation | Customs value, ECOWAS CET duties, VAT, fees, pre-declaration simulation | 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 FCFA |
| Disbursements and invoicing | Advances for the client, fees, invoices and statements in FCFA | 1,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA |
| Single window interface | Data exchange with the national platform, permit tracking | 2,500,000 to 6,000,000 FCFA |
| Alerts and dashboard | Demurrage, blocked files, productivity per declarant | 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA |
The most profitable line is often the smallest: demurrage alerts. A container forgotten at the terminal after free time costs, depending on the shipping line and container type, in the order of 15,000 to 50,000 FCFA a day.
How to make the project succeed
Start with the core: file opening, B/L and container tracking, alerts. This first release is usable within 8 to 10 weeks. Then add duty calculation, disbursement invoicing and finally the single window interface, which depends on the access granted by the national platform. Plan training for every declarant and a 2 to 3 week parallel-run period.
Mini case study
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Mr Agbodjan, director of a customs brokerage at the port of Lomé, employs 12 declarants for 3,500 files a year, at a loaded cost of 450,000 FCFA a month each, or 64,800,000 FCFA a year. A 25 % productivity gain is worth the equivalent of 16,200,000 FCFA, or the capacity to absorb 875 more files without hiring. Alerts cut by 60 % the 480 demurrage days paid each year at 30,000 FCFA, a saving of 8,640,000 FCFA. For software at 20,000,000 FCFA plus 3,000,000 FCFA annual maintenance, the net annual gain of about 21,800,000 FCFA pays back the project in 11 months.
FAQ
Does the software replace the declaration in the customs system?
No, the official declaration is still lodged in the Togolese customs system. The software prepares the data, computes the amounts and avoids double entry when an interface is available.
How long does the full project take?
Allow 4 to 6 months for all modules. The first release (files, containers, alerts) runs after 8 to 10 weeks.
Can we manage several branches, Lomé and border posts?
Yes, a multi-site module usually adds 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA. Each branch sees its own files, management consolidates everything.
Can clients track their files online?
A client portal with file status and documents costs in the order of 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 FCFA. It sharply reduces follow-up calls.
How is the project paid?
Payment is usually staged: 30 % at kickoff, 40 % on delivery of the first release, 30 % at full go-live.
Let's scope your project. We price your forwarding software (files, B/L and containers, duties and disbursements, single window, demurrage alerts) with an indicative FCFA budget and a first release delivered in 10 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.
