The verdict in three sentences
A generic imported ERP costs 8 to 15 EUR per user per month but ignores the SYSCOHADA chart of accounts and OHADA tax returns. A custom build ranges from 9 000 000 to 18 000 000 FCFA (about 13 700-27 400 EUR), delivered in 10 to 16 weeks, with maintenance of 900 000 to 1 800 000 FCFA/year. It gets the firm out of Excel and reclaims 5 to 8 hrs per week per staffer.
Generic ERP vs custom: the real comparison
The imported-ERP trap is the hidden cost of SYSCOHADA adaptation and paying in foreign currency. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for a 10-person firm.
| Criterion | Imported generic ERP | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0-2 000 000 FCFA | 9 000 000-18 000 000 FCFA |
| Annual license | 5 200 000-9 800 000 FCFA | 0 FCFA |
| OHADA tax return | Not native | Native |
| Language/support | EN, time zone gap | FR, on-site |
| Data hosting | Foreign cloud | Sovereign possible |
| Payment | Foreign currency | FCFA |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Over 4 years the imported ERP accumulates 20 to 40 million FCFA in licenses and never becomes a firm asset.
Detailed custom-build budget
The budget breaks down by module. Ranges match a 10-to-16-week delivery.
| Module | Scope | 2026 budget (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping + UX | Workshops, mockups | 1 000 000-2 000 000 |
| Ledger SYSCOHADA | OHADA chart of accounts | 3 000 000-5 500 000 |
| OHADA tax-return module | Statements, filings | 2 500 000-4 500 000 |
| Client portal + doc mgmt | Document uploads | 2 000 000-4 000 000 |
| Sovereign hosting | Local/regional server | 600 000-1 200 000/yr |
| Maintenance | 10-15 %/yr of build | 900 000-1 800 000/yr |
| Initial build | — | 9 000 000-18 000 000 |
Mini case study
Me Kouassi, partner at a 10-person accounting firm in Abidjan-Plateau (a client of the Dublin agency), invests 13 000 000 FCFA in a custom build + 1 400 000 FCFA/year maintenance. The SYSCOHADA module removes duplicate Excel entry: 6 hrs/week per staffer reclaimed, i.e. 6 × 10 × 45 = 2 700 hrs/year. Valued at 4 500 FCFA internal hourly cost, that is 12 150 000 FCFA of freed capacity each year. The build pays for itself in the first year of operation.
FAQ
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Does the software really handle OHADA tax returns?
Yes, that is the core of a local build. The module integrates the revised SYSCOHADA chart of accounts, financial statements and tax-authority export. Budget 2 500 000 to 4 500 000 FCFA for this module alone.
Can data be hosted in the target country?
Yes, via a local server or regional datacenter. Sovereign hosting costs 600 000 to 1 200 000 FCFA/year and reassures clients sensitive to tax confidentiality.
What are realistic timelines?
Budget 10 to 16 weeks depending on module count. The SYSCOHADA ledger ships in 6 to 8 weeks; the tax-return module and client portal follow.
What does maintenance at 900 000-1 800 000 FCFA/year cover?
OHADA regulatory changes, fixes, security and small enhancements. That is 10 to 15 % of the build, essential to stay compliant with framework updates.
Can we pay in installments in FCFA?
Yes, a 3-to-4-tranche schedule tied to milestones (scoping, MVP, testing, go-live) is standard, in FCFA with no currency risk.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the number of staff, priority modules (SYSCOHADA, OHADA returns, portal) and an indicative 9-18M FCFA budget. 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.
