The verdict in three sentences
A referral partner contract exists to protect both parties: it sets down in black and white who brought the lead, how much they earn and when. The critical clauses are lead attribution, the recurring term (12 to 24 months), the payment trigger (the client's payment, not the signature) and the 30-day deadline via Wave. At Kolonell, everything is signed online: electronic contract, CRM traceability, zero paper.
Verbal agreement vs signed contract
Many partners start on a handshake. That is the surest way to end up in dispute the day the commission is due. Here is what a real contract changes.
| Point | Verbal agreement | Signed contract |
|---|---|---|
| Lead attribution | Contestable | Timestamped in the CRM |
| Commission amount | "We'll see" | Grid attached |
| Recurring term | Vague | 12 to 24 months written |
| Payment trigger | Ambiguous | Client payment |
| Payout deadline | Undefined | 30 days via Wave |
| Proof in a dispute | None | Electronic signature |
The contract protects not only the partner: it also protects the agency against double claims on the same lead. Both sides gain clarity.
The essential clauses and their 2026 values
A good partner contract fits on one page, but every clause counts. Here are the standard parameters Kolonell applies in 2026.
| Clause | 2026 value / rule |
|---|---|
| Lead attribution | First partner timestamped in the CRM |
| Commission rate | 15/12/10/8% grid by pole |
| Maintenance recurring | 5%, 12 to 24 month term |
| Payment trigger | Actual collection from the client |
| Payout deadline | 30 days max, via Wave |
| Territorial exclusivity | Optional, on written agreement |
| Termination | Notice, deals in progress honored |
| Signature | Electronic, legally valid |
The attribution clause is the most important: it settles 90% of disputes. At Kolonell, the first partner who introduces an identifiable contact is timestamped in the CRM — they are the one who gets paid, period.
Why electronic signature changes everything
A contract signed online closes in minutes, with no travel and full evidentiary value. The partner gets the link, signs from their phone, and the record is archived. For a partner network scattered across Dakar, Abidjan and the diaspora, it is the only method that scales. No more lost or never-returned paper contracts.
Mini case study
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Bineta refers an e-commerce project at 2,000,000 FCFA. The client signs on the 5th of the month but only pays the deposit on the 20th. The contract is clear: the trigger is collection. Her 240,000 FCFA commission therefore goes out via Wave within 30 days of the 20th, not the 5th. Thanks to timestamped attribution in the CRM, no other partner can claim this lead: the written clause settles it in advance.
FAQ
What is the most important clause in a partner contract?
Lead attribution. It defines who gets the commission by timestamping the first partner in the CRM, and on its own settles the majority of disputes.
When is the commission triggered: at signature or at payment?
At the client's actual payment, never at the mere signature. It is fairer: the agency only pays out what it actually collected, and the partner is protected by the written date.
How long does the recurring last?
Between 12 and 24 months depending on the contract, at 5% of monthly maintenance. The term is written in black and white to avoid any ambiguity.
Is territorial exclusivity mandatory?
No, it is optional and only applies on written agreement. Without it, several partners can operate in the same city without clashing, attribution settling any overlaps.
Does the electronic signature have legal value?
Yes. It is archived with a timestamp and serves as proof in a dispute, while allowing remote closing in minutes.
Join the Kolonell partner program. Clear contract signed online, tracked attribution, commission via Wave within 30 days — secured on both sides. 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.