The verdict in three sentences
A custom-built system for a private school group in Yaounde (enrolments, grades, tuition, parent payments) costs between 5,000,000 and 15,000,000 FCFA, over a 10 to 18 week timeline. School SaaS bills 500-1,500 FCFA/pupil/month, which becomes more expensive than amortising the custom build past 1,800 pupils. The real financial stake is reducing unpaid fees: a parent portal with mobile payment cuts tuition arrears by 40%, transforming the school's cash flow.
Custom price per module in 2026
A school group needs more than a digital gradebook. 2026 order of magnitude for Yaounde.
| Module | Timeline | Price FCFA | Price EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolments + pupil files | 3 wks | 2,500,000 | 3,810 |
| Grades, report cards & averages | 3-4 wks | 3,000,000 | 4,570 |
| Tuition + mobile payment | 3 wks | 3,500,000 | 5,335 |
| Parent portal + SMS | 2-3 wks | 2,500,000 | 3,810 |
| Timetable & attendance | 2 wks | 1,800,000 | 2,745 |
| Management dashboard | 2 wks | 1,500,000 | 2,285 |
The enrolments + grades + tuition core starts around 5,000,000-8,000,000 FCFA; the full set with portal and attendance reaches 15,000,000 FCFA.
SaaS per pupil vs custom: the tipping point
School SaaS feels painless at small scale but climbs fast with headcount. 3-year comparison for 1,800 pupils.
| Cost line | SaaS per pupil | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| 1,800 pupils at 800 FCFA/month x 30 months* | 43,200,000 | 0 |
| Initial development | 0 | 12,000,000 |
| Hosting + maintenance/year | included | 2,400,000 |
| Arrears reduction/year | limited | 40% |
| 3-year total (approx.) | 43,200,000 | 19,200,000 |
| Ownership of the tool | no | yes |
*30 months because the school year does not bill 12 full months. At 1,800 pupils, custom more than halves the 3-year bill.
Mini case study
Mrs Nkolo, founder of a 1,800-pupil private school group in Yaounde, faces 22% late tuition payments. Average tuition: 250,000 FCFA/year/pupil, i.e. 450,000,000 FCFA expected. Arrears tie up roughly 99,000,000 FCFA of cash. With a parent portal and mobile payment (SMS reminders + instalment plans), arrears drop from 22% to 13%, freeing about 40,000,000 FCFA of cash. A 12,000,000 FCFA build is therefore covered by the first term, before counting admin time saved on manual chasing.
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FAQ
Can parents pay tuition online?
Yes: the parent portal integrates mobile payment (Orange Money, MTN MoMo) with instalment plans and automatic receipts. It is the main lever to cut arrears, up to 40% fewer late payments.
Does it handle report cards and averages?
Yes, grades, coefficients, averages and report cards are automated to your system (terms or semesters). Teachers enter online and report cards are generated as PDF.
From how many pupils is custom worthwhile?
Around 1,800 pupils, custom becomes cheaper than per-pupil SaaS over 3 years. Below 800 pupils, a SaaS can stay more economical at the start.
How long to go live?
Between 10 and 18 weeks. It is best to aim for go-live before the school year to digitise enrolments from day one.
What annual cost after delivery?
Between 1,500,000 and 2,400,000 FCFA/year for hosting, backups, support and updates. This includes SMS sending depending on volume.
Let's scope your project. Give us your headcount, grading system and payment methods: we frame a scope from 5,000,000 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.
