The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, invoicing and dunning automation for an SME costs 3,000,000 to 9,000,000 FCFA (about 4,600-13,700 EUR) depending on scope (generation, dunning, bank reconciliation). Monthly maintenance runs from 150,000 to 450,000 FCFA, but a DSO cut by 10 to 25 days frees cash often larger than the project cost within the first quarter. The key choice: fast SaaS module versus custom development connected to your ERP.
Cost breakdown in FCFA (2026)
The budget depends on how many functions are automated and how deeply they integrate with your accounting. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Automated function | 2026 range (FCFA) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping + dunning rules | 400,000 - 900,000 | 1 week |
| Automatic invoice generation | 1,200,000 - 3,000,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| Multi-channel dunning (email, SMS, WhatsApp) | 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| Bank / payment reconciliation | 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Maintenance + monitoring | 150,000 - 450,000 /month | ongoing |
A 3,000,000 FCFA project covers invoicing + simple dunning; at 9,000,000 FCFA, you add automatic reconciliation and mobile-money integration.
Custom vs SaaS module
SaaS starts fast but adapts poorly to local specifics; custom fits your processes and payment methods.
| Criterion | SaaS module | Custom development |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 500,000 - 2,500,000 FCFA | 3,000,000 - 9,000,000 FCFA |
| Monthly cost | 60,000 - 300,000 FCFA | 150,000 - 450,000 FCFA |
| Mobile money integration | limited | native |
| WhatsApp dunning | rare | yes |
| Fit to local processes | low | full |
| Time to deliver | 1-2 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
For an SME billing in FCFA with mobile-money collections, custom with WhatsApp dunning and mobile-money reconciliation delivers the best impact on DSO.
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Mini case study
Ms Kone, CFO of a 40-staff distribution SME, handles 220 invoices/month with a DSO of 62 days. Receivables tie up around 85,000,000 FCFA. A project at 6,500,000 FCFA + 300,000 FCFA/month automates dunning and reconciliation, bringing DSO down to 45 days (-17 days). Cash freed: about 23,000,000 FCFA available, plus 12 h/week saved in accounting. Project return on investment in under 4 months.
FAQ
How long to automate dunning? A multi-channel dunning module runs in production in 2 to 3 weeks. The full project with reconciliation takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Can we dun by WhatsApp and SMS? Yes: WhatsApp and SMS dunning shows open rates above 90% in West Africa, far beyond email. It is the main lever for cutting DSO.
Does it integrate with mobile money? Yes, in custom builds: reconciliation of mobile-money collections is automated, removing manual matching.
What DSO gain? Expect 10 to 25 days of reduction depending on your starting point, meaning tens of millions of FCFA of cash freed for a mid-size SME.
What maintenance budget? Between 150,000 and 450,000 FCFA/month for monitoring, changes and support, depending on invoice volume.
Let's scope your project. Send us your monthly invoice volume, your current DSO and your payment methods: we price the automation that frees the most cash. 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.
