The verdict in three sentences
An online course platform (LMS) turns expertise into a digital product with near-total margin: once the course is recorded, each extra sale costs almost nothing. Mobile money payment (Wave, Orange Money) removes the credit-card barrier, while certificates and progress tracking justify a higher price. Budget 1 500 000 to 5 000 000 FCFA (about 2,285 to 7,620 EUR) for the platform, recouped through courses at 5 000 - 50 000 FCFA or a subscription of 5 000 - 20 000 FCFA/month.
Sell per course or by subscription
The business model determines recurring revenue. Selling each course individually creates cash-flow spikes; a subscription smooths revenue and raises customer lifetime value.
| Model | Indicative price | Advantage | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single course | 5 000 - 50 000 FCFA | Easy impulse buy | Non-recurring revenue |
| Themed bundle | 25 000 - 120 000 FCFA | Higher basket | Production effort |
| Monthly subscription | 5 000 - 20 000 FCFA/month | Predictable revenue | Must publish regularly |
| Paid certification | 10 000 - 40 000 FCFA | High perceived value | Requires a real exam |
The margin on a digital product is very high: excluding mobile money fees (often 1 to 2 %) and hosting, most of the sale price is profit.
The real challenge: completion rate
The weak spot of online courses is the completion rate, often 10 to 30 %. Yet a learner who finishes buys again, refers others and leaves a review. Gamification (badges, visible progress, reminders) noticeably improves this rate.
| Lever | Indicative effect on completion | Effect on revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic reminders | +5 to 10 points | Reduces refunds |
| Badges and progress | +8 to 15 points | Improves word of mouth |
| Final certificate | +10 to 20 points | Justifies a higher price |
| Community/support | +5 to 12 points | Increases subscriber retention |
Mini case study
Koffi, an accounting trainer in Nairobi, launches a course at 20 000 FCFA on a platform priced at 2 400 000 FCFA. In the first year he sells 220 seats, or 4 400 000 FCFA in revenue; after mobile money fees and hosting (about 150 000 FCFA), he clears more than 4 200 000 FCFA of margin and pays off the platform within the first six months. By adding an 8 000 FCFA/month subscription for access to his updates, he stabilizes recurring revenue of 880 000 FCFA/year with just 110 subscribers.
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FAQ
Do I need a large catalog to start?
No. A single well-built course is enough to validate the market. Many trainers start with 1 to 3 courses and expand using the revenue generated.
How does mobile money payment work?
The platform integrates Wave and Orange Money: the learner pays in a few taps and access unlocks automatically. Fees are typically 1 to 2 % per transaction.
Can I sell to the diaspora in euros?
Yes, by adding Stripe for card payments you can sell to the diaspora in EUR or USD while keeping mobile money for the local market.
How do I protect my videos from piracy?
Videos are delivered via protected streaming, not directly downloadable, with access tied to the learner's account. No protection is absolute, but this discourages mass sharing.
Let's talk about your project. We design your course platform with mobile money payment and progress tracking. 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.
