The verdict in three sentences
Buying IT equipment outright ties up scarce cash; leasing turns that spend into monthly rent. The rule: you pay a 10 to 25% premium in exchange for preserved cash and included maintenance. For a growing small business, that trade-off often wins.
Lease vs buy on a 500,000 FCFA set
The real trade-off is not price but cash-flow impact. 2026 order of magnitude for 3 laptops + 1 POS terminal.
| Criterion | Buy outright | Lease 24 months |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront outlay | 500,000 FCFA | 0 to 25,000 FCFA |
| Monthly rent | 0 | 24,000 to 26,000 FCFA |
| Total cost | 500,000 FCFA | 560,000 to 625,000 FCFA |
| Premium | 0 | 12 to 25% |
| Maintenance | Your cost | Often included |
| Renewal | Do it again | Upgrade at contract end |
The 60,000 to 125,000 FCFA premium is the price of preserved cash and maintenance.
Accounting and tax treatment
Leasing and buying are not handled the same way in the accounts.
| Aspect | Buy (depreciation) | Lease (rent) |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible expense | Depreciation over 3 years | Rent deductible monthly |
| Ownership | Immediate | At contract end (option) |
| Balance-sheet impact | Fixed asset | Off balance (commitment) |
| Cash-flow effect | Heavy upfront | Smoothed over term |
| Upgrade flexibility | Low | High |
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Mini case study
Samuel, who runs a services agency in Accra, must equip 3 workstations and a till for 500,000 FCFA. Buying outright would drain half his cash. He picks a 24-month lease at 25,000 FCFA/month: total cost 600,000 FCFA, a 100,000 FCFA premium, but he keeps 475,000 FCFA of working capital to fund stock and marketing. Over 24 months that working capital earns him far more than the premium: the lease pays off and maintenance prevents two costly breakdowns.
FAQ
Is leasing more expensive than buying? Yes in absolute terms: a 10 to 25% premium over the term. But it preserves cash and often includes maintenance, which compensates for a small business.
Do you end up owning the equipment? Usually yes, via a purchase option at contract end for a low residual amount. Some contracts instead provide a fleet renewal.
Is leasing tax-deductible? Yes, rents are deductible expenses each month, whereas a purchase goes through depreciation spread over several years.
Do you need a deposit for a lease? Often none or a small first rent. That is precisely the appeal: starting without tying up 500,000 FCFA at once.
For which equipment does leasing make sense? Fast-aging gear: laptops, POS terminals, printers. For durable equipment, buying outright may still be better.
Let's talk about your project. We price the equipment and the site that go with it, while preserving your cash. 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.
