The verdict in three sentences
A custom logistics management app costs between 2,000,000 and 8,000,000 FCFA in 2026 depending on the number of modules and offline mode. The real return comes not from the app itself but from route optimization and reduced losses (lost parcels, unremitted COD cash). Expect 8 to 16 weeks to ship a field-ready V1.
What a logistics app covers and its price
Scope drives everything. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for the Senegal / Côte d'Ivoire market, module by module.
| Module | Description | Indicative price FCFA |
|---|---|---|
| Order management | Creation, import, statuses | 400,000 – 900,000 |
| Driver dispatch | Manual + auto assignment | 500,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Real-time GPS tracking | Position, history, map | 700,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Proof of delivery | Photo, signature, OTP code | 400,000 – 800,000 |
| Mobile money + COD | Wave/OM + cash remittance | 600,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Dashboard & reports | KPIs, exports, alerts | 500,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Offline mode | Deferred field sync | 700,000 – 1,600,000 |
A realistic "last-mile delivery" V1 combines orders + dispatch + proof + mobile money, i.e. 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA. A full platform with live GPS and offline mode climbs toward 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 FCFA.
Timelines, ROI and build vs existing solutions
| Item | Custom app | Foreign logistics SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 2,000,000 – 8,000,000 FCFA | 0 – 500,000 FCFA setup |
| Monthly cost | Hosting 25,000 – 75,000 | 15 – 40 USD / driver / month |
| Local mobile money | Native Wave/OM | Rarely integrated |
| COD remittance | Custom-built | Absent |
| Time to launch | 8 – 16 weeks | 1 – 4 weeks |
| Customization | Total | Limited |
For a fleet of 15 drivers, a SaaS at 25 USD/driver costs ~340,000 FCFA/month, over 4,000,000 FCFA/year — custom becomes profitable in 12 to 18 months while integrating Wave and COD remittance that generic tools lack.
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Mini case study
Modou runs a delivery company in Dakar: 12 drivers, 90 trips/day, average COD basket of 8,000 FCFA. Before the app, 6% of COD cash arrived late or missing, a leak of about 1,296,000 FCFA/month (90 × 8,000 × 30 × 6%). With proof of delivery + traceable Wave remittance, losses drop to 1% and he recovers ~1,080,000 FCFA/month. The 3,200,000 FCFA app pays for itself in under 3 months.
FAQ
How much does a basic logistics app cost? A workable V1 (orders, dispatch, proof of delivery, mobile money) starts around 2,000,000 FCFA and ships in 8 to 10 weeks.
Is GPS tracking expensive? The real-time geolocation module adds 700,000 to 1,800,000 FCFA depending on refinement (refresh rate, history, maps). Driver data cost stays marginal, roughly 1,000 FCFA/month each.
Can it handle cash on delivery (COD)? Yes: the app tracks every cash collection and reconciles it with Wave/Orange Money remittance, cutting shortfalls from 5-6% down to about 1%.
Does the app work without a network? Offline mode syncs deliveries as soon as the network returns. It adds 700,000 to 1,600,000 FCFA but is essential outside major cities.
Is buying an existing SaaS better? For fewer than 8-10 vehicles and standard needs, a SaaS may be enough. Beyond that, or as soon as Wave/OM and COD are required, custom becomes more profitable over 12-18 months.
Let's talk about your project. We scope your logistics app within 48 hours with a prioritized plan for a profitable V1. 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.
