The verdict in three sentences
A bespoke secure client portal for a consulting firm costs between 4,000,000 and 12,000,000 FCFA in 2026, delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. The value lies in security (2FA, document encryption, traceability) and control over hosting, often required within the EU. It is the best way to professionalise the sharing of sensitive deliverables without depending on a generic SaaS tool.
Features and security levels
A consulting firm exchanges confidential documents: reports, financial data, contracts. Security is not optional, it is the core of the product.
| Feature | Core included | Indicative cost (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| 2FA authentication | Yes | 800,000 - 1,500,000 |
| Versioned deliverable sharing | Yes | 1,200,000 - 2,500,000 |
| Online booking | Yes | 900,000 - 1,800,000 |
| Encrypted messaging | Option | 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 |
| Audit log / traceability | Yes | 800,000 - 1,600,000 |
| Electronic signature | Option | 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 |
The secure core (2FA + deliverables + booking + audit) sits between 3,700,000 and 7,400,000 FCFA, with encrypted messaging and e-signature pushing the total toward the upper end.
Custom vs generic SaaS
Many firms use a shared Drive or a SaaS tool. The table below compares over three years for a 15-user firm.
| Criterion | Bespoke portal | Generic SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | 4,000,000 - 12,000,000 FCFA | 0 |
| Recurring cost | Hosting 90,000 - 250,000 FCFA/mo | 8,000 - 25,000 FCFA/user/mo |
| 3-year cost (15 users) | ~ 10,000,000 - 18,000,000 FCFA | ~ 4,300,000 - 13,500,000 FCFA |
| Confidentiality / hosting | Controlled, EU possible | Depends on vendor |
| Brand customisation | Total | Limited |
| Data ownership | Firm | Vendor |
Custom is justified as soon as confidentiality and brand image outweigh raw cost, which is the norm in consulting.
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Mini case study
Me Fotso, partner in a 12-consultant strategy firm in Yaoundé, wastes considerable time sending deliverables by email, with the risk of leaks and outdated versions. He invests 6,500,000 FCFA in a secure client portal with 2FA and EU hosting. By eliminating email back-and-forth and making sharing reliable, each consultant saves nearly 3 hours/week, roughly 1,700 hours/year across the team. At an internal cost of 6,000 FCFA/hour, that is over 10,000,000 FCFA/year of time reallocated to billable consulting.
FAQ
Why not use a simple shared Drive? A Drive offers neither fine traceability, nor a professional image, nor a guarantee on data location. For sensitive deliverables, a dedicated portal with an audit log protects the firm.
Is 2FA really necessary? Yes for a firm handling confidential data. It drastically reduces account-compromise risk for a cost of 800,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA.
Can data be hosted in the EU? Yes, a common choice to reassure international clients. Managed EU hosting costs between 90,000 and 250,000 FCFA/month depending on load.
How long to go live? Expect 8 to 12 weeks for a full secure portal, as the security work and penetration testing require particular care.
Can e-signature be added later? Yes. It represents 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA and integrates in V2 once clients have adopted the core.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your security needs (2FA, EU hosting, e-signature) and a budget between 4,000,000 and 12,000,000 FCFA. Detailed quote within 48 h. 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.
