The verdict in three sentences
For a 20-page B2B website, a nearshore agency in Dakar costs 45 to 60% less than a London agency for comparable scope and quality. The gap comes from the day rate: 600 to 900 GBP in London versus 190 to 300 GBP in Dakar, with zero to one hour of time difference (Dakar stays on GMT, London is GMT or BST). The decision hinges on three contract clauses: code ownership, reversibility and delay penalties.
Cost comparison for the same scope
A 20-page B2B website with a CMS, qualified forms, a French version and CRM integration represents 30 to 40 working days depending on the team. A nearshore agency often adds 2 to 4 days for remote coordination.
| Item | London agency | Nearshore agency in Dakar |
|---|---|---|
| Average day rate, PM and developers | 600 to 900 GBP | 190 to 300 GBP |
| Estimated days (20-page B2B site) | 32 to 36 days | 34 to 40 days |
| Production cost | 19,200 to 32,400 GBP | 6,500 to 12,000 GBP |
| On-site workshops | Included | One trip or video calls, 0 to 1,500 GBP |
| Monthly maintenance | 250 to 700 GBP | 80 to 260 GBP |
| Time zone | GMT or BST | GMT, 0 to 1 h gap |
| Working languages | English | English, French |
What you really save, and what you must not sacrifice
The day rate gap is not the whole story. Add your own team's time: with a remote agency, plan a 45-minute weekly call and stricter written sign-offs. A serious nearshore agency compensates with clear documentation, a Figma prototype approved before development and a staging environment that is always accessible.
| Watch point | Risk | Recommended clause or practice |
|---|---|---|
| Code ownership | Code locked with the supplier | IP assignment on delivery and final payment |
| Access and credentials | Full dependency | Domain, hosting and Git repository in the client's name |
| Reversibility | Costly agency switch | Technical documentation delivered, standard stack |
| Deadlines | Schedule slippage | Milestones paid on delivery, 1% penalty per week |
| Personal data | UK GDPR non-compliance | UK or EU hosting, international data transfer agreement |
| Invoicing and VAT | Accounting surprise | Non-UK invoice, reverse charge to confirm with your accountant |
How to compare two quotes fairly
Give both agencies the same detailed brief and ask for days per role and a list of deliverables. Compare recently shipped sites, checking their mobile PageSpeed score and second-language version. Insist on a single point of contact who speaks your business language, whether the team sits in London or Dakar.
Mini case study
James, managing director of an industrial distribution SME in London, receives two quotes for a 20-page B2B website. The London agency quotes 34 days at 750 GBP, so 25,500 GBP. The Dakar nearshore agency quotes 37 days at 260 GBP, so 9,620 GBP, plus one workshop trip at 1,400 GBP, total 11,020 GBP. Savings: 14,480 GBP, or 57%. Over three years of maintenance (500 GBP versus 180 GBP a month), the gap grows to 26,000 GBP.
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FAQ
What is the price difference between a London agency and a Dakar agency?
On a 20-page B2B website, the total gap is 45 to 60%. It comes from a day rate of 190 to 300 GBP in Dakar versus 600 to 900 GBP in London.
Is the time difference an issue?
No: Dakar is on GMT, the same as London in winter and one hour behind in summer. Teams work the same office hours.
Who owns the code?
Whatever the contract says. Require IP assignment on final payment and a Git repository in your name from day one.
Is the quality comparable?
It depends on the agency, not the country. Check three delivered sites, a mobile PageSpeed score above 85 and B2B references.
How long does such a project take?
Plan 8 to 10 weeks for a 20-page site, plus one to two weeks if the second language is written in parallel.
Let's scope your project. Send us your London agency quote or your brief, and we will price the same 20-page B2B website with days per role and a target saving of 45 to 60%. 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.
