The verdict in three sentences
A multi-country corporate site rests on a shared multi-site base (6,000,000 to 15,000,000 FCFA) and country sub-sites added on top (1,500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA each). The multi-site architecture with a centralized CMS costs more upfront but halves maintenance costs versus separate sites. For a group present in 5 West African countries, the 2026 ballpark sits between 14,000,000 and 30,000,000 FCFA, delivered in 12 to 18 weeks.
Costing the base and the country sites
The logic is industrial: build the design system, CMS and components once, then roll out each country. Here is the 2026 breakdown for a 5-country group, bilingual FR/EN.
| Line item | 2026 range (FCFA) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-site base (design system + CMS) | 6,000,000 - 15,000,000 | Components, governance, i18n |
| Central corporate site | included in base | Group, governance, press |
| Each country site | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 | Local content, contacts, news |
| 5 country sites | 7,500,000 - 15,000,000 | 5 x country site |
| Bilingual FR/EN | +2,000,000 - 4,000,000 | i18n, hreflang, translation |
| Annual maintenance | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 | Security, updates, hosting |
| Project delivered (excl. recurring) | 14,000,000 - 30,000,000 | Lead time 12-18 weeks |
The centralized (headless-type) CMS lets country teams publish their news while respecting the group's brand and validation workflows. It is the heart of editorial governance.
Multi-site architecture or separate sites
The structuring choice pits a shared base against independent per-country sites. The table compares both approaches over time.
| Criterion | Separate sites | Multi-site architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost, 5 countries | 12,000,000 - 20,000,000 FCFA | 14,000,000 - 30,000,000 FCFA |
| Brand consistency | low | strong (single brand) |
| Annual maintenance | 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 FCFA | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 FCFA |
| Global update | country by country | once, propagated |
| Editorial governance | scattered | centralized with workflows |
| Scalability (add country) | new project | +1,500,000 FCFA |
Over three years, the multi-site architecture, pricier at launch, ends up markedly cheaper thanks to shared maintenance and instant propagation of changes. It is also the only model that guarantees a consistent brand across all markets.
Mini case study
Aminata, communications director of an agri-industrial group present in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin, compares both options. Separate sites: 16,000,000 FCFA at build then 6,000,000 FCFA/year maintenance, i.e. 34,000,000 FCFA over 3 years. Multi-site architecture: 24,000,000 FCFA at build then 3,000,000 FCFA/year, i.e. 33,000,000 FCFA over 3 years — for far superior brand consistency and governance. As soon as a 6th country is added, the gap tips clearly toward multi-site (+1,500,000 FCFA versus a full new project).
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FAQ
Why does the multi-site base cost so much?
Because it includes the design system, the centralized CMS, editorial governance, i18n and reusable components. This upfront investment (6,000,000 to 15,000,000 FCFA) is amortized across all country sites and maintenance.
How much to add another country?
Around 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 FCFA per country site once the base is in place: local content, contacts, news and brand roll-out. No fresh core development is needed.
Is bilingual FR/EN essential?
For a group targeting international partners and investors, yes. Budget 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA for i18n, hreflang and translation. It signals credibility in English-speaking and international markets.
What lead time to deliver the 5 sites?
Between 12 and 18 weeks in 2026: base and CMS design, then country sites rolled out in parallel. Per-country validation workflows can extend QA by a few weeks.
What annual maintenance to plan?
Between 1,500,000 and 4,000,000 FCFA/year for the multi-site architecture, versus 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 FCFA for separate sites. Sharing the base is the main long-term saving.
Let's scope your project. Specify the number of countries, languages and desired editorial governance level: we quote the multi-site base and each country site in FCFA. 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.
