The verdict in three sentences
An international buyer who receives your proposal Googles your name before signing: without a credible bilingual FR/EN site, the contract goes to a better-referenced competitor. A B2B site built for wholesale matchmaking (catalog, technical sheets, quote requests, certifications) costs 700,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA in 2026 and pays for itself on the first contract above 5,000,000 FCFA. The key is not design beauty but proof: references, volumes, certifications and responsiveness via WhatsApp Business.
What an import-export site costs in 2026
Trading has a specific need: show a serious catalog, downloadable technical sheets and a quote form that qualifies the prospect. Here are the 2026 ranges (rough estimate, Dakar market).
| Package | Price FCFA | Price EUR | Key content | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter showcase | 700,000 | 1,070 | 5 pages, FR/EN, contact form | 7-10 d |
| Growth B2B | 1,000,000 | 1,525 | + product catalog, PDF sheets, quotes | 12-18 d |
| Premium trading | 1,500,000 | 2,290 | + buyer account, multilingual, SEO blog | 3-4 wk |
| Maintenance option | 75,000/mo | 115/mo | hosting, updates, backup | ongoing |
A trader targeting EU/US export must use at least the Growth B2B tier: the quote form and technical sheets are what turn a visitor into a qualified lead.
The ROI of a single B2B contract
In trading, contract value dwarfs the site cost. Let us compare the acquisition cost via website versus classic field prospecting.
| Channel | 2026 cost | Qualified leads/mo | Cost per lead | Conversion rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2B site + SEO | 1,000,000 (one-off) + 75,000/mo | 8-15 | ~30,000 FCFA | 10-20 % |
| Trade fairs | 2,500,000/yr | 5-10 | ~250,000 FCFA | 15-25 % |
| Phone prospecting | 150,000/mo (rep) | 3-6 | ~30,000 FCFA | 5-10 % |
| Word of mouth only | 0 | 1-3 | 0 | 30 % |
A single import contract of 5,000,000 FCFA at a 15 % margin yields 750,000 FCFA: the site is paid off with one deal in the year.
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Mini case study
Mamadou runs an agricultural-equipment import company in Dakar. Before his site, he signed 2 international contracts a year through his network. He invests 1,200,000 FCFA in a bilingual Growth site with a 40-item catalog and a quote form. In 6 months he receives 22 quote requests (9 from Malian and Ivorian buyers), converting 4 for a total volume of 38,000,000 FCFA. At a 12 % margin, that is 4,560,000 FCFA in margin: the site pays for itself nearly 4 times over in the first half-year, excluding maintenance.
FAQ
Do I really need an English version? Yes, it is non-negotiable for export. Over 60 % of buyers outside the CFA zone browse in English; a French-only site repels EU, US and English-speaking African prospects (Nigeria, Ghana).
Does the quote form replace a salesperson? No, it makes them more effective. It qualifies the need (product, volume, Incoterm, deadline) before the call, which can shorten the sales cycle by 20 to 30 %.
How do I integrate WhatsApp Business? A floating button opens a pre-filled conversation with the product reference. For trading it is the number-one channel: replies in under 2 hours versus 1-2 days by email.
How long to appear on Google? Allow 3 to 6 months for queries like "equipment importer Dakar" with an active blog. Well-optimized product pages start ranking from 8 weeks.
Can I display my certifications and references? Absolutely, and it is crucial. Certification logos (ISO, sector standards) and a referenced client list strongly boost trust and therefore B2B conversion.
Let's talk about your project. A bilingual import-export site that captures international leads and pays for itself on the first contract can be built in a few weeks. 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.
