The verdict in three sentences
In Dakar, a freelancer in development, design or social media quickly hits a revenue ceiling of around 800,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA a month, because they do everything themselves. Moving to a small agency takes three things: standardised offers, written procedures and subcontracting paid on a margin calculated in advance. Without these foundations, hiring increases the workload instead of reducing it.
The real maths of a subcontracted project in 2026
Take a showcase website sold for 1,200,000 FCFA (about EUR 1,829) to a Dakar SME. Here are three ways to produce it, a 2026 order of magnitude.
| Item | You do everything | Poorly framed subcontracting | Framed subcontracting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selling price | 1,200,000 FCFA | 1,200,000 FCFA | 1,200,000 FCFA |
| Subcontractor cost | 0 | 720,000 FCFA (60%) | 540,000 FCFA (45%) |
| Your time (management, review) | 60 h | 25 h (rework and chasing) | 10 h |
| Client feedback rounds | 2 | 5 | 2, with an acceptance checklist |
| Tools and sundry costs | 40,000 FCFA | 60,000 FCFA | 40,000 FCFA |
| Agency margin | Not measured | 420,000 FCFA (35%) but 25 h lost | 620,000 FCFA (52%) before salaries |
The difference does not come from the subcontractor's rate alone, but from the written brief, the schedule and the acceptance criteria that prevent endless rework. After fixed costs and salaries, a well-run agency targets a 25 to 35% net margin.
Hire, subcontract or stay solo: options compared
| Option | 2026 monthly cost in Dakar | Advantage | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay a solo freelancer | 0 FCFA overhead | Simplicity | Capped revenue, projects turned down |
| Per-project subcontractor | 40 to 60% of selling price | Variable cost | Uneven quality without processes |
| Intern | 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA (EUR 76 to 152) | Low cost | Heavy supervision, leaves at the end |
| Salaried junior | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA (EUR 229 to 457) + social charges | Availability, skills growth | Fixed cost even in slow months |
| Experienced profile | 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA (EUR 610 to 1,067) | Autonomy | Needs a stable order book |
The Growing your agency: processes, subcontracting and hiring course, taught in French, is level 4 of the track, at intermediate level, for 100,000 FCFA (EUR 152) and 28 hours. You build your standardised offers, production procedures, subcontracting rate grid, job descriptions and per-project margin dashboard.
It is part of the Freelance and entrepreneurship track, whose five levels cost 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 (EUR 534 instead of 686) as a full track.
Mini case study
Fatou, 32, a freelance graphic designer and community manager in Dakar, bills about 1,200,000 FCFA a month and turns down two to three projects a month, roughly 600,000 FCFA of lost revenue. After the course, she standardises three offers, hands visual production to a subcontractor paid 45% and hires a junior at 200,000 FCFA for publishing and reporting.
Within six months, she bills 2,000,000 FCFA a month. After about 500,000 FCFA of subcontracting, a 200,000 FCFA salary and 150,000 FCFA of costs, she keeps about 1,150,000 FCFA, against 1,050,000 FCFA before, while working 15 fewer hours a week. As a 2026 order of magnitude, the 100,000 FCFA course fee is covered by a single extra project accepted.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
At what revenue level should I structure my business?
As soon as you turn down projects or work more than 50 hours a week, usually around 800,000 FCFA of monthly revenue. Structuring before hiring avoids paying a salary without a clear workflow.
How much should I pay a subcontractor in Dakar?
In 2026, 40 to 60% of the selling price is common. The course shows how to stay around 45% with a precise brief and a contractually limited number of revisions.
Do I need a company to hire?
To employ someone legally in Senegal, yes, you need a registered entity and social security affiliation. The hiring module covers the steps and the full cost of an employee, charges included.
How do I stop a subcontractor from taking my clients?
A non-solicitation clause, a written contract and remaining the client's sole contact limit this risk. Contract templates are provided in the course.
Is this level suitable for a beginner freelancer?
No, it is aimed at freelancers who already have regular clients. If you are still looking for your first clients, start with the early levels of the Freelance and entrepreneurship track.
Take the next step. Enroll in Growing your agency: processes, subcontracting and hiring: 28 hours, 100,000 FCFA (EUR 152), Kolonell Academy certificate included, taught in French. Pay with Wave or Orange Money. Questions? 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.
