The verdict in three sentences
Joining Yango or Heetch brings volume but takes 15 to 25 % of every ride and deprives you of your client base. An in-house booking and dispatch app costs 3 to 6 M FCFA but removes that commission and capitalizes on your clients. The tipping point sits around 8 to 10 vehicles with regular clients (companies, hotels, subscribers).
Own app or platform membership?
The question is not "free vs paid" but "renting an audience vs owning your clients". Let's compare on a typical ride.
| Criterion | Platform (Yango/Heetch) | Custom in-house app |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 | 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 FCFA |
| Commission per ride | 15 – 25 % | 0 |
| Client ownership | No (platform) | Yes (you) |
| Automatic dispatch | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile money payment | Yes | Yes (Wave / Orange Money) |
| Driver/client rating | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate / subscriber accounts | Limited | Yes (B2B billing) |
| Data & marketing | Platform | You |
From how many rides does the in-house app pay off?
The 2026 order of magnitude below assumes an average ride of 2,500 FCFA and an avoided platform commission of 20 %, i.e. 500 FCFA recovered per ride.
| Rides/day (fleet) | Commission saved/month (26 d) | Months to repay 4.5 M FCFA |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 520,000 FCFA | ~9 months |
| 60 | 780,000 FCFA | ~6 months |
| 80 | 1,040,000 FCFA | ~4.5 months |
| 120 | 1,560,000 FCFA | ~3 months |
| 160 | 2,080,000 FCFA | ~2 months |
Mini case study
Ibrahima runs 10 VTCs in Dakar with hotel and corporate contracts. His fleet does 80 rides/day at 2,500 FCFA. On a platform he lost 20 %, i.e. 1,040,000 FCFA/month. With an in-house app at 4,500,000 FCFA, he recovers that margin and amortizes the project in under 5 months, while keeping the client base for his subscription offers.
FAQ
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How much does a taxi/VTC app cost in Senegal in 2026?
Between 3,000,000 and 6,000,000 FCFA depending on automatic dispatch, mobile money payment, ratings and B2B billing.
What commission do you avoid by leaving the platforms?
Between 15 and 25 % per ride. On 80 rides/day at 2,500 FCFA, that's about 1,000,000 FCFA/month recovered.
From how many vehicles is it justified?
From 8 to 10 vehicles with your own client base (B2B, hotels, subscribers). Below that, or without captive clients, platforms remain useful for volume.
Can I combine an in-house app and platforms?
Yes, many fleets keep a foot on Yango/Heetch for volume and move loyal clients to their commission-free app.
Is mobile money payment integrated?
Yes: Wave and Orange Money plug in directly, with automatic confirmation and receipt, no cash handling.
Let's talk about your project. We assess whether an in-house app pays off for your fleet. 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.
