The verdict in three sentences
A well-drafted partner agreement protects your signing commission and your recurring revenue in any attribution dispute. The vital clauses: attribution window, recurring duration, payout timing, exclusivity and dispute resolution. In Kampala in 2026, a healthy standard is a 12-month recurring term and a payout 30 days after the client pays — refuse to sign without these guarantees.
The must-have clauses
A verbal referral is worthless the day a disagreement arises. Writing fixes who brought which client, how long the commission runs, and when it is paid. Here are the clauses to demand.
| Clause | What it guarantees | Healthy standard 2026 | To avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attribution window | The client is "yours" for X months | 6-12 months | "at the agency's discretion" |
| Recurring duration | How long recurring is paid | 12 months renewable | "one-off" recurring |
| Payout timing | When you get paid | 30 days after client pays | "when possible" |
| Attribution proof | What proves the referral | dated email/form | verbal deal only |
| Exclusivity | Competition on the client | clear non-solicitation | full exclusivity imposed |
| Disputes | How it is settled | mediation + jurisdiction | clause absent |
The attribution window is the most important clause: without it, a client you bring but who signs two months later can slip away.
Attribution proof and payment schedule
Attribution proof decides who gets the commission. A simple timestamped email or a dated lead-registration form is enough to establish precedence. The payment schedule must be explicit.
| Step | Event | Typical delay 2026 | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead registration | You declare the prospect | Day 0 | Dated email/form |
| Client signs | Client signs the agency | Day 15-90 | Client contract |
| Client pays | Client pays the agency | Per schedule | Paid invoice |
| Partner payout | You are commissioned | +30 days after payment | Commission statement |
| Monthly recurring | 5 % on maintenance | Each month, 12 months | Recurring ledger |
The Kolonell referral program: written, clear rules
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Kolonell formalizes its partner relationships with written rates — showcase 15 % + 5 % recurring, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 % — a defined attribution window and a payout after the client pays. You know in advance how much, when and for how long you will be paid. This contractual clarity is exactly what verbal deals lack when they end in dispute. A protected partner is a partner who refers again.
Mini case study
Kofi, a partner in Kampala, had brought an e-commerce client on a mere verbal deal. The client signed 10 weeks after his introduction; with no written attribution window, a competing agency contested the referral. Kofi nearly lost 240,000 FCFA in commission. He now demands a 12-month attribution window and logs every lead by dated email: on his next deal (Institutional Standard, 640,000 FCFA commission), attribution was beyond dispute.
FAQ
What is the most important clause in a partner agreement? The attribution window: it guarantees the client stays "yours" for 6 to 12 months, even if they sign weeks after your introduction.
How do I prove I brought a client? With a timestamped email or a dated lead-registration form. Written precedence prevails; a verbal deal alone offers no protection.
When should I be paid? A healthy 2026 standard is 30 days after the client pays the agency. Avoid vague wording like "when possible".
How long does recurring last? A good contract sets 12 months renewable on maintenance. Check the recurring is not reclassified as "one-off".
What should I refuse to sign? Full imposed exclusivity, attribution "at the agency's discretion", or a missing dispute clause. These expose you to losing your commissions.
Let's talk about your project. Become a Kolonell partner with written rules and a clear payout. 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.
