The verdict in three sentences
Ghana's Registrar-General's Department (RGD) offers two clear routes: a sole proprietorship (business name), cheap and fast, or a limited company, more credible for larger clients. For a web referral partner starting out, the sole proprietorship is enough to sign clean contracts and invoice commissions. Once formal, you invoice your Kolonell commissions properly, including 12% on e-commerce (120,000 to 720,000 FCFA equivalent per deal) and 10% on marketplaces.
The steps to register with the RGD
The RGD (and the online portal) centralizes name search, registration, and tax registration. Here is the 2026 flow with indicative timings.
| Step | Action | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name search | Check availability on portal | 1 hour |
| 2. Choose the form | Sole proprietor or limited | Same day |
| 3. File the application | Complete dossier + fee | 1 day |
| 4. Tax ID (TIN) | Registered with tax office | 1 to 2 days |
| 5. Certificate | Issued by RGD | 1 to 5 days |
| 6. Open account | Bank or mobile business wallet | 1 to 3 days |
In practice, a partner can file on Monday and be formal by mid-week, ready to sign mandates.
Cost and legal form by your commission volume
The right form depends on the commission volume you target. Here is a 2026 guide to the decision.
| Legal form | Capital | Registration cost | Recommended if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | Low fee | Starting, 1 to 3 deals/month |
| Private limited (LTD) | Declared, modest | Moderate | Steady showcase/e-commerce volume |
| LTD with lawyer | Declared | Higher | Large institutional deals |
| Company + TIN | Declared | Moderate + TIN | Regular invoicing to big clients |
For most partners, a sole proprietorship is enough to start, upgrading to a limited company as e-commerce and institutional deals grow.
The Kolonell referral partner program
After formalizing, become a Kolonell partner: you bring a client, we deliver the project, you earn the commission. Here are the 2026 rates and typical earnings.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Segment | Commission | Recurring | Example commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% | 37,500 to 180,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% | 120,000 to 720,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10% | — | 250,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8% | — | 400,000 FCFA and up |
A single e-commerce deal covers your registration cost many times over, making formalization a near risk-free investment.
Mini case study
Kouassi, a salesperson, registers a limited company with the RGD for a moderate fee. In his first month he brings a fashion boutique that signs a Growth e-commerce site at 2,000,000 FCFA. His 12% commission reaches 240,000 FCFA, many times his registration cost. He reinvests part of it in a sales deck and closes a second deal the next month.
FAQ
How much does RGD registration cost in 2026? A sole proprietorship costs a low portal fee, while a limited company costs moderately more, all recovered by your first commission of 120,000 to 720,000 FCFA equivalent on e-commerce.
Is minimum capital required? A sole proprietorship needs none; a limited company declares a modest share capital that you keep for early costs.
How fast is registration? A sole proprietorship can be issued in 1 to 5 days, and a limited company within roughly the same window with a complete dossier.
Which form should a web partner choose? Start with a sole proprietorship for speed and low cost, then upgrade to a limited company as institutional deals grow.
Does one e-commerce deal repay the setup? Easily: a commission of 120,000 to 720,000 FCFA equivalent covers registration many times over on the first signed client.
Let's talk about your project. Register with the RGD, join the Kolonell partner program, and invoice your 12% e-commerce commissions cleanly. 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.
