The verdict in three sentences
A referral partner's income has two building blocks: the immediate commission on each sale (15 % on websites) and the 5 % recurring share on monthly maintenance. In Nairobi, 2 website sales per month generate 75,000 to 360,000 FCFA in immediate commission depending on the tier sold. Over 12 months the recurring share compounds and creates a snowball effect that becomes the most stable part of income.
Commission by pole and tier
Income depends on the pole and tier sold. Here is the Kolonell commission grid applied to 2026 prices.
| Pole / tier | Sale price | Immediate rate | Immediate commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Starter | 250,000 FCFA | 15 % | 37,500 FCFA |
| Website Premium | 1,200,000 FCFA | 15 % | 180,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce Starter | 1,000,000 FCFA | 12 % | 120,000 FCFA |
| E-commerce Growth | 2,000,000 FCFA | 12 % | 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace Starter | 2,500,000 FCFA | 10 % | 250,000 FCFA |
| Institutional Standard | 5,000,000 FCFA | 8 % | 400,000 FCFA |
Selling two Starter websites earns 75,000 FCFA; two Premium, 360,000 FCFA. The pole and tier make all the difference.
12-month simulation: the recurring effect
Assumption: 2 Growth website sales per month (500,000 FCFA, immediate commission 75,000 FCFA), maintenance 50,000 FCFA/month per client, 5 % recurring = 2,500 FCFA/month per client. Recurring stacks as each new client adds to the previous ones.
| Month | Cumulative clients | Immediate commission | Cumulative recurring/mo | Month income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 150,000 FCFA | 5,000 FCFA | 155,000 FCFA |
| 3 | 6 | 150,000 FCFA | 15,000 FCFA | 165,000 FCFA |
| 6 | 12 | 150,000 FCFA | 30,000 FCFA | 180,000 FCFA |
| 9 | 18 | 150,000 FCFA | 45,000 FCFA | 195,000 FCFA |
| 12 | 24 | 150,000 FCFA | 60,000 FCFA | 210,000 FCFA |
By month 12, recurring (60,000 FCFA) is nearly 30 % of monthly income, and it continues even in months with no sale. Over the year the referrer accumulates about 1,800,000 FCFA immediate + 390,000 FCFA recurring.
Mini case study
Joseph, a referrer in Nairobi, targets 250,000 FCFA/month. At the start he makes 2 Growth website sales/month (150,000 FCFA immediate). He is 100,000 FCFA short: recurring fills the gap gradually (30,000 FCFA by month 6), and an occasional Growth e-commerce sale (240,000 FCFA) tops up the good months. From month 8, with 16 maintenance clients and a quarterly e-commerce sale, he durably beats his target.
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FAQ
How much does a beginner referrer earn the first months?
With 2 website sales per month, expect 75,000 to 300,000 FCFA immediate commission depending on tier, plus a small recurring share that grows every month.
Why is recurring so important?
Because it does not depend on new sales. At 24 maintenance clients you earn 60,000 FCFA/month even without signing, which secures your base income.
Should you favour volume or high tiers?
Both. Two Premium (360,000 FCFA) are worth nearly five Starter. But Starter are easier to sell in volume on the ground.
Is recurring paid indefinitely?
As long as the client stays in active maintenance. That is why delivery quality and client satisfaction directly protect your recurring income.
Joining the Kolonell referral program
These figures come from the Kolonell referral program: 15 % + 5 % recurring on websites, 12 % on e-commerce, 10 % on marketplace, 8 % on institutional. You sell and flag, we deliver and pay your commissions. Recurring turns sales work into semi-passive income.
Let's talk about your project. Let's simulate your referral income over 12 months in Nairobi. 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.
