The verdict in three sentences
Telehealth is taking off, but 80 % of doctors improvise on WhatsApp, with no patient record, no enforceable prescription and no traceable payment. A structured MVP (video, e-prescription, mobile payment, scheduling) can be built for 7 to 13 million FCFA in 10 to 14 weeks, and a minimum viable scope fits in 4.5 million FCFA. With a consultation priced at 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA and a platform commission of 15 to 20 %, break-even sits around 900 consultations/month.
MVP scope vs version 2
The key to a successful launch is deciding what is essential on day 1 and what waits for v2. Too much ambition kills the budget before the first revenue.
| Feature | MVP (v1) | Version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-on-1 video call | Yes | HD + screen share |
| Booking / scheduling | Yes | Multi-doctor calendar |
| Mobile Money payment | Yes | Insurance reimbursement |
| E-prescription | Yes (signed PDF) | Direct to pharmacy |
| Patient record | Basic | History + lab integration |
| Async messaging | No | Yes |
| Native mobile app | No (PWA) | iOS + Android |
| Indicative budget | 4.5 - 7 M FCFA | +3 - 6 M FCFA |
2026 estimate: start with the PWA (mobile web), which avoids app-store fees and deploys through a single WhatsApp link.
Cost per feature and revenue model
Breaking cost down by building block helps you prioritize. Here are the ranges observed in 2026.
| Building block | Range (FCFA) | Revenue impact |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time video (WebRTC) | 1,800,000 - 3,000,000 | Core of the service |
| Mobile Money payment | 700,000 - 1,300,000 | Collects every act |
| E-prescription | 900,000 - 1,500,000 | Trust + compliance |
| Scheduling + SMS reminders | 800,000 - 1,400,000 | -30 % no-shows |
| Patient record | 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 | Retention |
| Dashboard + commissions | 800,000 - 1,500,000 | Business steering |
Typical revenue model: average consultation 10,000 FCFA, platform commission 17 % = 1,700 FCFA/act. To cover a 6,000,000 FCFA MVP amortized over 12 months (500,000 FCFA/month) plus hosting, you need about 900 consultations/month — reachable with 30 active doctors doing 1 act/day.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Dr. Nga, a GP in Kampala, launches a small platform with 12 colleagues. MVP budget: 5,500,000 FCFA (PWA, video, mobile money, e-prescription, scheduling). By month 4, the 13 doctors run 1,100 consultations/month at an average of 9,000 FCFA. Platform commission 18 % = 1,782,000 FCFA/month in revenue. After hosting and support (~350,000 FCFA/month), the MVP is repaid in about 4 months. Bonus: SMS reminders cut missed appointments by 28 %, mechanically raising billable volume.
Becoming a Kolonell referral partner
Work in the medical or tech scene in Kampala, Nairobi or Lagos? Refer Kolonell and earn a commission on every signed project: 15 % + 5 % recurring for a showcase site, 12 % for e-commerce, 10 % for a marketplace, 8 % for an institutional project. An introduction on a 10,000,000 FCFA telehealth platform can earn you over a million FCFA, without writing a line of code.
FAQ
What's the lowest starting budget? A minimum viable scope (video + scheduling + mobile payment) starts at 4.5 million FCFA. You add the e-prescription and patient record later, once the first revenue arrives.
How long to launch? Plan for 10 to 14 weeks for a solid MVP. A very reduced first version can ship in 6 to 8 weeks to test the market.
Is the e-prescription valid? Yes, as a digitally signed and timestamped PDF carrying the doctor's ID. It's already far more enforceable than a photo sent over WhatsApp.
How many consultations to break even? Around 900 consultations/month with a 10,000 FCFA average and 17 % commission. With 30 active doctors, that's a realistic target by month 3.
Do I need an iOS/Android app from the start? No. A PWA (installable website) is enough for the MVP, avoids the 30 % store commission and shares via a simple link. Native apps come in v2 if volume justifies it.
Let's talk about your project. We'll frame your telehealth MVP and its break-even point in one call. 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.