The verdict in three sentences
Formalizing is no longer an obstacle course: in Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire a company can be set up in one to two days through an online one-stop shop. This lets a referral partner or freelancer legally invoice agencies, obtain a tax ID and reassure larger clients. Budget NGN 10,000 to 25,000 in Nigeria (CAC), 25,000 to 100,000 FCFA in Senegal (APIX), and a 24-to-48h turnaround in most cases.
2026 one-stop shop comparison
Each country has an investment promotion agency that centralizes registration. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude to create a company.
| Country | Agency | Entity | Cost | Delay | Tax ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | CAC | Business Name / LLC | 10,000–25,000 NGN | 1–3 days | TIN + RC |
| Senegal | APIX | SARL / SUARL | 25,000–100,000 FCFA | ~48h | NINEA + RCCM |
| Côte d'Ivoire | CEPICI | SARL / Sole prop. | 15,000–50,000 FCFA | 24–48h | DFE + RCCM |
In Nigeria, a Business Name is ideal to start invoicing solo, while an LLC costs more but unlocks larger contracts. In Senegal, the SUARL (single shareholder) suits a solo referrer: free capital, no mandatory notary for small amounts.
Documents and obligations by status
The status you pick determines your documents and tax burden. Here are the 2026 essentials.
| Status | Documents required | Minimum capital | Starting tax | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name (Nigeria) | ID, address, 2 names | None | Presumptive tax | Nigeria freelancer |
| LLC (Nigeria) | ID, address, directors | NGN 100,000 | CIT | Growing firm |
| SUARL (Senegal) | ID, articles, address | Free (often 100,000 FCFA) | Corporate tax | Solo referrer |
| Sole prop. (CI) | ID, proof of address | None | Synthetic tax | Beginner freelancer |
Once registered, you receive a commercial registry number (RC or RCCM) and a tax ID (TIN in Nigeria, NINEA in Senegal, DFE in Côte d'Ivoire). These numbers are required to issue a compliant invoice to an agency or a large account.
Becoming a formalized referrer with Kolonell
Once your company is set up, you can sign a referral agreement with Kolonell and invoice your commissions cleanly. The grid is the same whether you are formalized or not, but a structure opens up the big deals.
| Pole referred | Rate | Recurring | Sample invoiced commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% maintenance | 75,000 FCFA on 500,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% maintenance | 240,000 FCFA on 2,000,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10% | — | 500,000 FCFA on 5,000,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8% | — | 2,000,000 FCFA on 25,000,000 FCFA |
A referrer with a registered company can invoice commissions with VAT, deduct expenses and present a credible status to C-suites — a real edge on long-cycle institutional deals.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Chidi, in Lagos, wants to live off web referrals. He registers a Business Name with the CAC: online form, document upload, registration in 2 days for NGN 18,000 all-in.
- Registration cost: NGN 18,000 (one time)
- First quarter: 4 showcase sites referred to Kolonell = 4 × 75,000 FCFA = 300,000 FCFA
- His entity pays for itself with the very first invoiced commission.
With a TIN and an RC number, he now invoices firms and SMEs that required a formal structure.
FAQ
Do I need a company to be a referrer?
No, but it's strongly recommended beyond a few deals. Formalizing lets you invoice with VAT, deduct expenses and reach institutional clients who require a registered supplier.
How much does a Business Name really cost in Nigeria in 2026?
The order of magnitude runs from NGN 10,000 to 25,000 depending on support. The CAC online portal cuts intermediary fees.
How fast is registration in Senegal?
APIX advertises around 48h for a full incorporation with documents in order. Côte d'Ivoire's CEPICI is similar at 24 to 48h.
Is a registry number required to invoice?
Yes, for a compliant invoice to an agency or large account, the RC/RCCM and tax ID are required. Without them you cannot issue an enforceable invoice.
Can I start without a company then formalize?
Yes. Many referrers first test the program, collect early commissions via Wave/OM, then set up their structure once the flow is confirmed.
Let's talk about your project. Get formalized, join the Kolonell referral program and invoice your commissions properly. 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.
