The verdict in three sentences
Custom logistics software built for the Central/West African context costs FCFA 12,000,000 to 30,000,000 in 2026, with a driver app that works offline and mobile-money collection on delivery. The return comes from traceability, fewer losses on routes and higher customer satisfaction. Typical timeline is 5 to 9 months depending on scope.
Why the local context changes the spec
In Douala as across West and Central Africa, three constraints shape the project: intermittent mobile connectivity (the app must work offline and sync later), mobile-money collection (Wave, Orange Money) often on delivery, and informal addressing that requires geolocation and landmarks rather than numbered streets.
| Module | Role | 2026 range (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse management (receiving, stock, picking) | Reliable stock | 3,000,000-7,000,000 |
| Offline driver app | Routes without network | 2,500,000-6,000,000 |
| Mobile-money collection on delivery | Wave / Orange Money | 2,000,000-5,000,000 |
| Tracking & proof of delivery | Traceability, disputes | 2,000,000-4,500,000 |
| Client portal & tracking | Transparency | 1,500,000-4,000,000 |
| Dashboard & reporting | Steering | 1,000,000-3,500,000 |
What traceability recovers
In a lightly tooled logistics flow, losses (lost parcels, uncollected payments, stock discrepancies) eat into margin. A custom system traces every movement and every payment.
| Indicator | Before | After (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Losses / route discrepancies | 4% of value | 1.2% |
| Mobile-money collections reported same day | 82% | 99% |
| Cash reconciliation delay | 3-4 days | Real time |
| Delivery disputes | High | -35% |
| Stock accuracy | ~88% | +98% |
Mini case study
Mr. Koné runs a logistics operator in Douala: 6 trucks, 180 deliveries/day, average value FCFA 35,000/parcel with mobile-money collection. Losses and discrepancies reach 4% of transported value, i.e. 180 x 35,000 x 4% x 26 days = FCFA 6,552,000/month of leakage. By cutting that rate to 1.2% through traceability and the offline driver app, he recovers about FCFA 4,590,000/month. Custom software at FCFA 22,000,000 pays back in under 5 months, not counting faster payment reconciliation.
FAQ
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Why must the driver app work offline?
Because network coverage is intermittent on routes. The app stores deliveries, photos and payments locally, then syncs when the connection returns: no data lost.
How does mobile-money collection on delivery work?
The driver triggers a Wave or Orange Money payment from the app, confirmation is attached to the proof of delivery, and the collection reports to the dashboard in real time.
What is the minimum budget to start?
A scope of warehouse + driver app + tracking is around FCFA 12,000,000 to 15,000,000. Advanced mobile-money and client-portal modules are added later.
Does the software handle several warehouses or cities?
Yes, the architecture is multi-site by design: Douala, Yaoundé, or expansion to Abidjan and Dakar without a rebuild.
How long to deliver the project?
Between 5 and 9 months. A first usable batch (warehouse + offline driver app) often ships in 3-4 months.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your delivery volumes, warehouses and mobile-money needs, and we'll price logistics software suited to the local context (indicative budget FCFA 12,000,000-30,000,000). 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.
