The verdict in three sentences
A business mobile app's cost depends on three variables: the number of platforms (iOS, Android, web), backend/API complexity and payment integrations. In 2026 the range runs from 1.5M FCFA (PWA) to 15M FCFA (dual-platform native). For 90 % of SMEs, cross-platform (Flutter or React Native) is the best compromise, 3 to 8M FCFA.
Price by technology
Not all apps are equal: a PWA runs in the browser, native needs two codebases. Here are the 2026 ballparks.
| Technology | 2026 cost (FCFA) | Timeline | Platforms | Maintenance/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWA (installable web app) | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | 4-8 wks | Web + mobile | 300,000 - 600,000 |
| Cross-platform (Flutter/RN) | 3,000,000 - 8,000,000 | 8-16 wks | iOS + Android | 500,000 - 1,200,000 |
| Native iOS + Android | 6,000,000 - 15,000,000 | 12-24 wks | iOS + Android | 900,000 - 2,000,000 |
| Native single-platform | 3,500,000 - 8,000,000 | 8-14 wks | iOS or Android | 500,000 - 1,000,000 |
A PWA skips the stores and review waits; native gives best performance and full hardware access (NFC, biometrics). Cross-platform hits the sweet spot: one team, two platforms.
What moves the bill
The technical foundation (backend, API, payment) often weighs more than the screens.
| Component | Extra 2026 cost (FCFA) | Timeline impact |
|---|---|---|
| Backend + database + API | 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 | +2-4 wks |
| Wave / Orange Money integration | 400,000 - 1,000,000 | +1-2 wks |
| Auth + roles | 300,000 - 800,000 | +1 wk |
| Push notifications | 200,000 - 500,000 | +1 wk |
| Offline-first mode | 500,000 - 1,500,000 | +2 wks |
| Store publishing (Apple + Google) | 100,000 - 250,000 | +1-2 wks |
Also budget $99/year for the Apple Developer account and $25 once for Google Play — fixed fees independent of the vendor.
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Mini case study
Fatou, who runs a pharmacy in Thiès, wants a customer ordering app with Wave payment. Dual-platform native would exceed 7M FCFA. In cross-platform Flutter with backend, Wave payment and notifications, the quote lands at 4,200,000 FCFA delivered in 11 weeks, plus 700,000 FCFA/year maintenance. She reaches iOS and Android with one team and keeps budget for version 2.
FAQ
PWA or native, how to choose? If you don't need NFC, deep biometrics or store presence, a 1.5-3M FCFA PWA is enough. Otherwise, cross-platform or native.
Is Wave/Orange Money payment hard to integrate? Budget 400,000 to 1,000,000 FCFA and 1 to 2 weeks. Confirmation webhooks are essential and must be tested.
Why does native cost double? Two codebases (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) = twice the work. Cross-platform shares ~80 % of the code.
How much to maintain it afterward? 500,000 to 2,000,000 FCFA/year depending on tech, for OS updates, security and evolutions. Essential to stay in the stores.
Can it ship in phases? Yes: a cross-platform V1 at 3-4M FCFA, then added modules. Often healthier than one big native project at once.
Let's talk about your project. We scope the tech, backend and payment for a clear, surprise-free quote. 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.
