A typical Senegalese pharmacy stocks 4,000 to 9,000 references, with capital tied up between XOF 18M and 45M. A management error costs 3 to 7% in yearly losses — meaning XOF 600,000 to 3M evaporated to expiry and stockouts. Stock software is no longer optional in 2026. Here is the serious comparison of West-African pharmacy stock solutions.
TL;DR
- Average Dakar pharmacy: 6,500 active references, 8 yearly turns
- Expiry losses without software: 3 to 7% of stock capital
- Pharmacy Plus (Senegal-local): XOF 1.2M to 2.8M setup
- Caduceus France: XOF 4.5M setup, remote support
- Sage Pharma: XOF 3.2M, Sage accounting integration
- Stock-software ROI: 4 to 9 months for a neighborhood pharmacy
Why the Excel sheet no longer cuts it
In the 2010s many Dakar pharmacies ran on Excel and carbon paper. The model holds up to 3,000 references. Beyond, batch numbers, expiry dates and multi-item prescriptions turn into a nightmare. A dedicated software solves three issues:
- Automatic expiry alerts D-90, D-60, D-30
- Automatic reorder on minimum threshold
- Per-batch traceability (2025 Order requirement)
The 2025 batch traceability requirement
The 2025 Order regulation requires per-batch traceability across the whole dispensation history for listed drugs. Without software it is technically impossible past 50 dispensations per day.
The three serious 2026 solutions
Pharmacy Plus (Senegal-Ivory Coast vendor)
Local solution developed in Abidjan since 2018, deployed in Dakar since 2021. Over 180 pharmacy clients across West Africa. Setup XOF 1.2M to 2.8M by size, maintenance XOF 45,000 to 90,000 monthly. French support, on-site training in Dakar.
Caduceus (French vendor)
European reference, present in francophone Africa since 2014. Very complete, includes patient record, electronic prescription book, online para-pharmacy sales. Setup XOF 4.5M, maintenance XOF 120,000 monthly. Remote Paris support, 5-day on-site training.
Sage Pharma
Pharmacy module of the Sage suite, popular among pharmacies that already use Sage Accounting. Setup XOF 3.2M, maintenance XOF 80,000 monthly. Native accounting integration — a major edge for groups of 2 to 5 pharmacies.
2026 detailed comparison
| Criterion | Pharmacy Plus | Caduceus | Sage Pharma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup XOF | 1.2M to 2.8M | 4.5M | 3.2M |
| Monthly maintenance | 45-90K | 120K | 80K |
| Batch traceability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Patient record | Basic | Full | Medium |
| Online sales | Optional module | Built-in | No |
| Accounting | API | API | Native Sage |
| Local Dakar support | Yes | No | Partner |
| Training included | 3 days | 5 days | 4 days |
| Cloud / on-premise | Hybrid | Cloud | On-premise |
| Multi-store | Yes from 3M | Yes | Yes |
Choice depends on profile. Solo neighborhood pharmacy: Pharmacy Plus is enough. Premium Almadies pharmacy with teleconsultation and e-commerce: Caduceus. Group of 3 pharmacies with unified accounting: Sage Pharma.
Hidden cost: training
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Whatever the software, plan 5 to 8 cumulated training days over 6 months. An untrained team loses more in mistakes than it gains in productivity.
Excel-to-software migration in 4 steps
- Step 1: complete physical stock audit during a closed weekend (8 to 12 hours).
- Step 2: clean the reference file (deduplication, CIP codes, ATC classes).
- Step 3: import into the chosen software with CIP-EAN-DCI mapping.
- Step 4: 30-day parallel run Excel plus software to verify consistency.
Main risk: switching too fast, with no parallel control. A pharmacy that switches with no safety net loses 2 to 3 weeks of stock visibility while getting bearings.
Real measured ROI
A Sicap-neighborhood pharmacy that moved late 2024 to Pharmacy Plus measured over 12 months: expiry losses divided by 3 (from 4.2% to 1.4%), monthly inventory time divided by 5 (from 20h to 4h), checkout errors divided by 8. Full ROI in 7 months.
FAQ
Q: Does Pharmacy Plus work without internet?
A: Yes in hybrid mode. The base runs locally on the store PC, syncing every 6 hours to the cloud when internet returns. Robust against Senelec outages.
Q: Is Caduceus compliant with Senegalese regulation?
A: Yes since the 2024 update. The batch traceability module meets Senegal Order and ECOWAS requirements.
Q: Can the software be wired to WhatsApp for incoming prescriptions?
A: Yes through API. Kolonell regularly builds middleware that pushes WhatsApp prescriptions into Pharmacy Plus or Caduceus. Count XOF 350,000 setup.
Q: Should a pharmacy with fewer than 2,000 references invest?
A: Not urgent in 2026. Excel plus paper logbook holds up to 2,500 references. Beyond, ROI is immediate.
Conclusion
Stock management software is now the backbone of a modern Senegalese pharmacy. Pharmacy Plus for solo, Caduceus for premium, Sage Pharma for groups. Kolonell helps pharmacies pick, negotiate, integrate and train. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33 or free quote.
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.