The verdict in three sentences
A group HR director in energy, mining or banking checks an executive search firm's website before handing over a leadership search: without visible sector references and a confidentiality process, the boutique does not make the shortlist. A credible site costs 5 to 12 million FCFA (about USD 8,500 to 20,000), with a confidential candidate area and anonymised roles, delivered in 8 weeks. With fees of 20 to 30% of the executive's annual salary, a single search more than covers the investment.
What an executive search website costs in 2026
The site serves two audiences that must never cross: client companies, who want method and discretion, and senior executives, often still in post, who want to submit a profile without any risk of being identified.
| Component | Price 2026 | Scope | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilingual institutional site | 3,000,000 to 5,500,000 FCFA (USD 5,000 to 9,200) | 10 to 15 pages, method, sectors, team, insights | 6 weeks |
| Anonymised roles | 800,000 to 1,800,000 FCFA (USD 1,300 to 3,000) | Listings without client names, sector and country filters, alerts | 2 weeks |
| Confidential candidate area | 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA (USD 2,500 to 5,800) | Encrypted CV upload, profile visible to one consultant only, deletion on request | 3 weeks |
| Client area (search tracking) | 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 FCFA (USD 1,700 to 4,200) | Shared shortlist, reports, time-limited access | 3 weeks |
| Hosting and security | 75,000 to 200,000 FCFA per month (USD 125 to 330) | Encryption, backups, monitoring | Ongoing |
| Editorial content | 150,000 to 400,000 FCFA per month (USD 250 to 670) | Compensation studies, market notes | Ongoing |
A complete project usually lands between 7 and 9 million FCFA (USD 11,700 to 15,000). The bottom of the range suits a two-partner boutique starting out; the top, 12 million, a firm with several offices and a client area.
Credibility signals a group HR director expects
An HR director at an oil major subsidiary or a pan-African bank often compares three firms, including one global player. The site must answer their questions before the first call.
| Credibility signal | What the HR director checks | How to show it | Weight in the decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sector references | Searches in energy, mining, banking, telecoms | Number of searches per sector, no client names | Very high |
| Search methodology | Steps, timelines, guarantees | 6-step process, average 10 to 14 weeks | High |
| Replacement guarantee | What happens if the executive leaves | Written 6 to 12 month guarantee | High |
| Confidentiality | Protection of candidates and client | Data policy, off-limits commitment | Disqualifying if missing |
| Team and track record | Partners' experience | Detailed bios, languages spoken | High |
| Regional network | Coverage and diaspora reach | Placement map, share of diaspora candidates | Medium to high |
| Compliance | Personal data law | Privacy notice, CV retention period | Medium |
As 2026 ballpark figures in the Gabon market: a managing director of an oil subsidiary often earns 80 to 150 million FCFA a year (USD 133,000 to 250,000), a bank CFO 50 to 90 million. At 25% fees, a search brings in 12 to 37 million FCFA (USD 20,000 to 62,000).
Confidentiality: the non-negotiable point
The senior executive market is small, and a CV that circulates can cost a candidate their job. The candidate area must encrypt documents, limit visibility to the consultant in charge, log access and allow full deletion in one click. Published roles describe the sector, scope and country, never the client's name.
Mini case study
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Mr Mba, partner at a 6-person executive search boutique, runs 9 searches a year, almost all through referrals. He invests 8.5 million FCFA (about USD 14,000) in a site with a candidate area and anonymised roles. Within a year the site generates 3 enquiries from HR directors who did not know him, 2 of which become searches. For a role paying 100 million FCFA a year at 25% fees, each search brings in 25 million FCFA, so 50 million FCFA (about USD 83,000) in total. The candidate pool also grows from 400 to 1,100 qualified profiles, cutting average time to shortlist from 5 to 3 weeks.
FAQ
How much does an executive search website cost?
Between 5 and 12 million FCFA (USD 8,500 to 20,000) depending on candidate and client areas. Most projects fall between 7 and 9 million FCFA.
Should client names be published?
No, unless agreed in writing. Show the number of searches per sector instead, for example 40 energy and mining searches since 2018, which reassures without breaching confidentiality.
How do you protect the CVs of sitting executives?
With file encryption, access limited to the consultant in charge and deletion on request. This module costs 1.5 to 3.5 million FCFA (USD 2,500 to 5,800).
Is a second language useful?
Yes: international group subsidiaries and diaspora candidates often read in English, while local stakeholders read in French. It adds about 15% to the copywriting budget.
How long until launch?
Allow 8 weeks, including 2 weeks to write the sector and methodology pages. The client area can follow later.
Let's scope your project. Share your sectors, countries covered and an indicative budget between 5 and 12 million FCFA (USD 8,500 to 20,000), and we will scope a credible, confidential site delivered in 8 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.
