The verdict in three sentences
The diaspora is the most under-used referral channel: every member in London knows shops, associations and SMEs back home that need a website. By referring a Kolonell project, a diaspora partner earns 8% to 15% paid in FCFA via Wave, without fronting a single euro. The favorable time zone and family trust make this network a sales accelerator.
Why the diaspora converts
A diaspora member holds an advantage few local partners have: intimate trust. When you recommend a provider to your merchant cousin in Dakar or to the village association, your word is worth more than any advertisement.
| Diaspora asset | Effect on the sale |
|---|---|
| Family/community trust | Shorter sales cycle |
| Co-financing capacity | Prospect hesitates less on price |
| Time zone (evening in Europe = daytime in Africa) | Available to call |
| "Invest rather than send" mindset | Turns remittance into a project |
In 2026, a growing share of diaspora transfers is shifting toward productive investment rather than pure consumption. Funding or triggering an e-commerce site for the family shop fits exactly into that shift.
Cross-border commissions: how much you earn
Kolonell prices are shown in FCFA and EUR. Your commission is computed on the ticket, whatever the prospect's country.
| Referred project | Ticket (EUR / FCFA) | Rate | Commission (EUR ≈ / FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase Starter | €380 / 250,000 | 15% | ~€57 / 37,500 |
| Showcase Premium | €1,830 / 1,200,000 | 15% | ~€274 / 180,000 |
| E-commerce Growth | €3,050 / 2,000,000 | 12% | ~€366 / 240,000 |
| Marketplace Starter | €3,810 / 2,500,000 | 10% | ~€381 / 250,000 |
| Institutional Standard | €7,620 / 5,000,000 | 8% | ~€610 / 400,000 |
Payout is made in FCFA via Wave or Orange Money (ideal if you have a mobile-money account back home or family to receive it), or by bank transfer. EUR amounts are a 2026 order of magnitude at the fixed FCFA/EUR rate.
Which poles convert best from the diaspora
| Pole | Typical diaspora target | Ease of conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | Family shop, artisan, association | Very high |
| E-commerce | Shop wanting to sell to the diaspora | High |
| Marketplace | Ambitious entrepreneur in the network | Medium |
| Institutional | Corporate/NGO contacts | Low but big ticket |
Showcase and e-commerce dominate, because they answer a concrete need and are decided quickly. An e-commerce site also lets the family shop sell directly to the diaspora, which instantly resonates with the partner.
Mini case study
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Fatou, a nurse in London, is very active in a Senegalese association. She refers three members: her aunt's shop takes an e-commerce Growth (FCFA 2,000,000 → FCFA 240,000 commission), a restaurateur friend in Dakar takes a Premium showcase (FCFA 1,200,000 → 180,000), and the association itself takes a Starter showcase (FCFA 250,000 → 37,500).
Total commissions: FCFA 457,500 (about €697), paid in FCFA via Wave to her mother's account in Dakar. Fatou only made three evening calls from London, taking advantage of the time difference.
FAQ
How am I paid from abroad?
In FCFA via Wave, Orange Money or bank transfer. Many diaspora partners have it paid to a relative's mobile-money account back home, then settle it per their family arrangement.
Does the price change for a client paying in euros?
No. The displayed EUR price matches the FCFA rate at the fixed exchange rate. Your commission stays the same percentage of the ticket, whatever the client's payment method.
Do I have to manage the project remotely?
No. You refer and register the prospect; Kolonell handles production, the relationship and after-sales directly with the client back home. You coordinate nothing.
Which pole should I target first from the diaspora?
Showcase and e-commerce, which decide fast and answer a visible need. E-commerce is doubly appealing because it lets the shop sell to the diaspora itself.
How long is my prospect reserved for me?
90 days after registration. Even if your cousin takes two months to decide, the commission stays yours as long as the prospect is declared under your name.
Let's talk about your project. From Paris or London, turn your network back home into income with the Kolonell referral program. 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.
