The verdict in three sentences
For a Dublin buyer in 2026, a French-speaking nearshore agency bills a 300-450 EUR day rate against 600-900 EUR locally, while natively covering FR/EN West African markets. A credible professional-services showcase site ranges from 250,000 FCFA (starter) to 2,000,000 FCFA (premium), roughly 380 to 3,050 EUR. The real number includes hosting and maintenance, the two lines most often missing from a first quote.
FCFA-to-EUR tier grid in 2026
A professional-services firm (law, accounting, consulting) needs credibility and clarity, not e-commerce. Here is the 2026 grid observed in Dakar (order of magnitude).
| Tier | 2026 price (FCFA) | EUR equivalent | Pages | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 250,000 - 450,000 | 380 - 685 | 5 - 7 | 2 weeks |
| Growth | 500,000 - 900,000 | 760 - 1,370 | 8 - 12 | 3 weeks |
| Premium | 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 | 1,830 - 3,050 | 12 - 18 | 4 weeks |
On top of the build price come the recurring costs, often underestimated in early quotes.
| Recurring line | 2026 cost (FCFA/mo) | EUR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Managed hosting | 15,000 - 40,000 | 23 - 61 |
| Maintenance & security | 50,000 - 150,000 | 76 - 229 |
| Local SEO | 75,000 - 200,000 | 114 - 305 |
| Domain name (yearly) | 12,000 - 25,000/yr | 18 - 38/yr |
Nearshore francophone: the international read
For a European buyer, the cost comparison is striking. A French-speaking nearshore vendor bills a 300-450 EUR day rate against 600-900 EUR locally, while natively covering FR/EN West African markets. The table below summarises the gap for a 10-page showcase project.
| Model | Day rate | 10-page budget | Language coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Western Europe) | 600 - 900 EUR | 8,000 - 14,000 EUR | FR or EN |
| Nearshore francophone (Dakar) | 300 - 450 EUR | 3,800 - 6,500 EUR | FR + EN |
Mini case study
Sarah, operations lead at a Dublin advisory firm expanding into francophone Africa, hires a Dakar nearshore team for a bilingual FR/EN showcase site. She budgets 1,500,000 FCFA (about 2,290 EUR) build plus 30,000 FCFA/month hosting. Compared with a local 10-page quote of 11,000 EUR, she saves roughly 8,700 EUR on the build while gaining native FR coverage. Within four months the site supports two French-language markets and generates 12 qualified enquiries a month, validating the nearshore choice.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
How much is a credible showcase site for a professional-services firm?
From 250,000 FCFA (starter) to 2,000,000 FCFA (premium) in 2026, roughly 380 to 3,050 EUR. Aim for at least the growth tier (500,000-900,000 FCFA) for a professional finish and a blog.
What recurring costs should I plan after launch?
Hosting 15,000-40,000 FCFA/month and maintenance 50,000-150,000 FCFA/month. Optional local SEO runs 75,000-200,000 FCFA/month and accelerates acquisition.
How fast is a showcase site delivered?
From 2 weeks for a starter to 4 weeks for a premium in 2026, depending on content and photo readiness.
Is French-speaking nearshore reliable for a Dublin buyer?
Yes: a 300-450 EUR day rate versus 600-900 EUR locally, with native FR/EN coverage. It is a strong cost lever for reaching West African markets.
Do I need the site in both French and English?
For a firm targeting international clients or the diaspora, bilingual FR/EN is an asset. It adds a small cost but significantly widens the audience.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target markets, page count and whether you want local SEO: we frame a starter (250,000 FCFA) to premium (2,000,000 FCFA) tier with EUR equivalents. 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.
