The verdict in three sentences
To collect and legally invoice your referral commissions, you need a legal status. In Nigeria, the CAC registers a business online in about 48 h for ~20,000 NGN; in Senegal, the APIX does it in ~48 h for ~30,000 FCFA. The choice between sole trader and company depends on your commission volume and growth goals.
CAC Nigeria vs APIX Senegal
Both agencies have greatly simplified business registration. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for a referral partner starting out.
| Criterion | CAC (Nigeria) | APIX (Senegal) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration time | ~48 h | ~48 h |
| Indicative cost | ~20,000 NGN | ~30,000 FCFA |
| Process | 100 % online | Online / one-stop shop |
| Starting status | Business Name | Sole proprietorship |
| Business account needed | Recommended | Recommended |
In both countries, registration provides a number (RC in Nigeria, NINEA in Senegal) that lets you issue invoices accepted by an agency like Kolonell. Without a status, it is hard to invoice recurring commissions properly.
Sole trader or company: which to choose?
The right status depends mainly on annual commission volume and the level of protection you want.
| Criterion | Sole trader | Company (Ltd/SARL) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | Low (~20,000 NGN) | Higher |
| Accounting | Simplified | Formal |
| Taxation | Simplified regime below turnover threshold | Corporate tax + obligations |
| Liability | Unlimited | Limited to contributions |
| Best for | Starting, side income | High volume, several poles |
Rule of thumb: start as a sole trader on the simplified regime while your turnover stays below the threshold. If you cross the VAT threshold or regularly target large institutional tickets, a company becomes worthwhile.
Mini case study
Sophie, a referral partner in Lagos, plans to bring mostly showcase sites and a few e-commerce projects. Estimated year 1: ~3,000,000 FCFA in commissions.
- She registers with the CAC as a Business Name: 48 h, ~20,000 NGN.
- She opens a merchant mobile money business account to collect her commissions and separate personal from professional.
- Below the VAT threshold, she stays on the simplified regime and invoices each commission with her RC number. The compliance cost is negligible against the ~3M FCFA expected.
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FAQ
Do I really need a status to be a referral partner?
For an occasional payout, some tolerance may apply, but to invoice properly and collect recurring commissions, a registered status (CAC or APIX) is strongly recommended.
How much does registration cost in Nigeria?
2026 order of magnitude: about 20,000 NGN via the CAC, with roughly 48 h turnaround for a Business Name.
When do I charge VAT?
Only above the turnover threshold set by the tax authority. Below it, the simplified regime applies and you do not charge VAT.
Can I collect my commissions via mobile money?
Yes. Opening a merchant business account (Wave or Orange Money) lets you receive commissions and clearly separate personal and professional flows.
Sole trader or company to start?
A sole trader is enough to start as a side income. Move to a company when volume climbs or you regularly target institutional tickets at 8 % commission.
Let's talk about your project. We guide you to the right status to invoice your Kolonell commissions. 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.
