The verdict in three sentences
A PWA (progressive web app) costs 30 to 50 % less than a dual iOS/Android native app, i.e. 15M to 40M FCFA (23,000 to 61,000 EUR) in 2026. It works offline (crucial on unstable 3G), installs without app stores, and handles push notifications on most devices. Its limits remain advanced Bluetooth and a few iOS APIs, but for 80 % of business needs, the PWA offers the best cost/reach ratio.
PWA vs native app: the cost
Building a native app requires two codebases (iOS + Android), so almost two projects. A PWA has only one, deployed everywhere. 2026 order-of-magnitude comparison in Toronto.
| Line item | PWA | Native iOS + Android |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | 15M-40M FCFA | 30M-75M FCFA |
| Codebases | 1 | 2 |
| Timeline | 2-4 months | 4-8 months |
| Store fees/yr | 0 | ~65,000 FCFA (Apple) + 15,000 (Google) |
| Maintenance/yr | 3M-6M FCFA | 6M-12M FCFA |
| Updates | Instant | Store review 1-7 days |
The PWA halves build and maintenance costs and removes store review delays. For a fast-evolving product, instant updates are a decisive advantage.
What a PWA can do (and its limits)
| Capability | PWA | Native |
|---|---|---|
| Offline operation | Yes (service worker) | Yes |
| Install without store | Yes (home-screen icon) | No |
| Push notifications | Yes (Android + iOS 16.4+) | Yes |
| Geolocation, camera | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Bluetooth, NFC | Limited | Full |
| Some iOS APIs | Restricted | Full |
| Store presence | Optional (via wrapper) | Native |
Offline mode via service worker is the key asset in Central Africa: the app stays usable in weak or cut 3G zones and syncs once the network returns. This is often the factor that justifies the PWA over native.
The concrete ROI versus native
| Metric | PWA | Native | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build cost (avg) | 25M FCFA | 50M FCFA | -50 % |
| 3-year maintenance | 12M FCFA | 27M FCFA | -56 % |
| Time-to-market | 3 months | 6 months | -3 months |
| 3-year total cost | 37M FCFA | 77M FCFA | -52 % |
| Device reach | Any browser | iOS + Android | Equivalent |
Over three years, the PWA saves about 40M FCFA versus native, for equivalent reach across the vast majority of business use cases. Native is only justified for advanced hardware needs (NFC, intensive Bluetooth, 3D games).
Mini case study
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Grace, director of an agricultural cooperative in Toronto, wants to equip 400 field collectors with a harvest-entry app, often in no-network zones. A dual native iOS/Android build is quoted at 52M FCFA. An offline PWA is quoted at 26M FCFA, delivered in 3 months, installable directly on the collectors' low-end Android smartphones. Immediate saving: 26M FCFA of build, plus 15M FCFA of maintenance over 3 years. Offline mode also avoids data loss in the field, estimated at 8M FCFA/yr of mis-tracked harvests. The PWA is the obvious choice.
FAQ
Does a PWA really work without a connection?
Yes. The service worker caches the app and essential data; the user keeps working offline, and syncing happens automatically when the network returns. It is ideal on unstable 3G.
Can you get push notifications on iPhone with a PWA?
Yes since iOS 16.4, provided the user installed the PWA to their home screen. On Android, push has worked without restriction for a long time.
Can a PWA be published on app stores?
Yes, via a wrapper (Trusted Web Activity for Google Play, a wrapper for the App Store). This combines PWA cost with store presence, for a modest 2M to 5M FCFA add-on.
What are a PWA's real limits?
Advanced Bluetooth, full NFC and a few iOS APIs remain restricted. For 80 % of business apps (data entry, catalog, dashboard), these limits have no impact.
How much does a PWA cost in Toronto in 2026?
As an order of magnitude, between 15M and 40M FCFA (23,000 to 61,000 EUR) depending on complexity, i.e. 30 to 50 % less than an equivalent dual native app.
Let's scope your project. Describe your screens, offline needs and device fleet: we cost the PWA and its ROI versus native. 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.
