The verdict in three sentences
A referral partner introduces a client and earns a commission when payment lands, without ever signing the service contract in the client's place. In Lagos in 2026, the agreement must define the referral, the rate, the recurring duration, non-circumvention and the payment schedule in unambiguous terms. With Kolonell, a template locks these five points before the first lead, avoiding 90 % of commission disputes.
The five clauses that protect both parties
A referral is not a sales mandate: the partner makes the introduction, they neither negotiate nor sign. The agreement must therefore define precisely what triggers the commission. Here are the key clauses and their standard wording.
| Clause | What it defines | Standard 2026 wording |
|---|---|---|
| Referral definition | What counts as a valid lead | Qualified contact not already on file, introduced in writing |
| Trigger event | When commission is due | On the client's actual payment, not at signature |
| Rate | Percentage per division | Website 15 %, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 % |
| Recurring | Duration of the recurring share | 5 % on maintenance/SEO for 12 months |
| Non-circumvention | Ban on going direct | Lead exclusivity for 24 months |
The non-circumvention clause is the most sensitive: it stops the introduced client from bypassing the partner to deal directly. A 24-month duration is a reasonable order of magnitude in Lagos in 2026.
The Kolonell commission scale
The Kolonell referral program is open to anyone with a network: freelancers, consultants, agency owners. The rate depends on the division of the project sold.
| Division | Sale commission | Recurring | Example on a project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | 15 % | 5 % / 12 months | 500,000 FCFA sold, 75,000 FCFA commission |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % / 12 months | 2,000,000 FCFA sold, 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10 % | 5 % / 12 months | 5,000,000 FCFA sold, 500,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8 % | 5 % / 12 months | 10,000,000 FCFA sold, 800,000 FCFA |
The 5 % recurring applies to maintenance and SEO contracts signed alongside, a monthly stream that adds up over the year.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Blessing, a communications consultant in Lagos, introduces a fashion boutique to Kolonell. The e-commerce project closes at 2,000,000 FCFA. Her sale commission is 12 %, or 240,000 FCFA. The client then takes a maintenance plan at 100,000 FCFA/month: Blessing earns 5 %, or 5,000 FCFA/month for 12 months, or 60,000 FCFA recurring. Total over the year: 300,000 FCFA for a single contract-backed introduction.
FAQ
When exactly is the commission due? On the client's actual payment, not at quote signature. With Kolonell, payout triggers on collection, with a settlement delay of 7 to 30 days depending on the method.
Must the agreement be registered? A document signed by both parties is legally sufficient. For high or institutional amounts, notarial registration strengthens proof, at a cost of roughly 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA in 2026.
What does non-circumvention cover? It bars the introduced client and the agency from dealing directly while excluding the partner for the agreed period, often 24 months. Without this clause, the partner has no protection.
Can I refer without being a registered salesperson? Yes, a one-off referral needs no formal sales status, but beyond regular activity, registering becomes advisable so you can invoice your commissions properly.
Is the rate negotiable? The Kolonell scale (15/12/10/8 %) is standard, but a steady volume of referrals can open a discussion on a higher tier.
Let's talk about your project. Become a Kolonell referral partner with a clear agreement and commissions up to 15 %. 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.
