The verdict in three sentences
A credible store is built either with custom WooCommerce (3 500 000 to 8 000 000 FCFA) or a SaaS subscribed at 20 000-90 000 FCFA/month. The real local differentiator is not the platform but the integration of card and mobile money payment, with PSP fees of 2.5 to 3.5%. A SaaS launches fast with no capital; custom pays off once order volume justifies independence and the removal of a subscription.
SaaS or custom build
| Criterion | SaaS (subscription) | Custom WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Launch cost | 0 to 500 000 FCFA | 3 500 000 to 8 000 000 FCFA |
| Monthly subscription | 20 000 to 90 000 FCFA | Hosting 30 000-70 000 FCFA |
| Mobile/card PSP fees | 2.5 to 3.5% | 2.5 to 3.5% |
| Time to launch | 2 to 4 weeks | 5 to 8 weeks |
| Annual maintenance | Included | 10% of build |
| Customization | Limited | Full |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Detailed budget in FCFA and EUR
| Item | FCFA | EUR |
|---|---|---|
| WooCommerce build (Growth) | 5 000 000 | 7 600 |
| Hosting 12 months | 600 000 | 915 |
| Mobile/card payment integration | 900 000 | 1 370 |
| Catalog + training | 700 000 | 1 070 |
| Year-1 maintenance | 500 000 | 760 |
| Year-1 total | 7 700 000 FCFA | 11 715 EUR |
Fees per transaction
| Item | 2026 cost (order of magnitude) |
|---|---|
| Mobile money fees (MTN, Airtel) | 2.5 to 3.5% |
| International card fees | 3.0 to 3.9% |
| Fixed fee per transaction | 50 to 100 FCFA |
| Payout delay | 1 to 3 days |
| Mobile payment failure rate | 4 to 8% |
| Monthly hosting | 30 000 to 70 000 FCFA |
Mini case study
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Mr Okemba, who runs a cosmetics SMB, targets 18 000 000 FCFA of online revenue/year, average basket 25 000 FCFA. On a SaaS at 60 000 FCFA/month, he pays 720 000 FCFA/year subscription + 3% PSP fees = 540 000 FCFA, i.e. 1 260 000 FCFA/year. On a custom build at 5 000 000 FCFA, with no subscription, his annual fees drop to 540 000 FCFA (PSP) + 500 000 maintenance = 1 040 000 FCFA. The 220 000 FCFA/year gap repays the build premium in just over 4 years: the SaaS stays relevant until he passes ~30 000 000 FCFA of revenue.
FAQ
What budget for a credible store? Plan 3 500 000 to 8 000 000 FCFA (5 300-12 200 EUR) for custom, or a SaaS from 20 000 FCFA/month to start with no capital.
What fees on mobile money payments? Mobile PSP fees (MTN, Airtel) are 2.5 to 3.5% per transaction, with payout within 1 to 3 days.
How much does hosting cost? Hosting suited to the local market costs 30 000 to 70 000 FCFA/month, i.e. 360 000 to 840 000 FCFA/year.
How fast can the store go live? A SaaS takes 2 to 4 weeks; a custom WooCommerce needs 5 to 8 weeks depending on catalog and payment integrations.
When should I switch to custom? As soon as your revenue passes ~30 000 000 FCFA/year or a business integration (stock, accounting) becomes essential.
Let's scope your project. Share your catalog, target revenue and payment methods (mobile money, card): we price SaaS and custom. 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.
