The verdict in three sentences
An SME invoicing in Word risks a tax reassessment, forgets unpaid bills and looks amateur. Compliant software applies 7.5 % VAT, mandatory legal fields, sequential numbering and automatic reminders, with Paystack payment built in. For the equivalent of 500,000-1,500,000 FCFA to build or 9,900-24,900 FCFA per month as SaaS, compliance becomes automatic and collection speeds up.
What the law requires on a Nigerian invoice
A compliant invoice isn't cosmetic: every missing field can be held against you in an audit. The software guarantees nothing is missing.
| Legal obligation | Required field | Automation |
|---|---|---|
| Seller identification | TIN, RC number, address | Pre-filled |
| Sequential numbering | Continuous number, no gaps | Automatic |
| VAT 7.5 % | Net base, rate, VAT amount | Calculated |
| Customer details | Name, address, TIN if business | Client record |
| Date and due date | Invoice date + payment terms | Automatic |
| Gross total | Net + VAT | Calculated |
Continuous, gap-free numbering is the field most often neglected by SMEs, and one of the first checked in a FIRS audit.
Custom build or monthly SaaS?
Two models exist: installed software adapted to your process, or a ready-to-use SaaS subscription. Here are 2026 benchmarks.
| Model | For whom | 2026 cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS Starter | Freelancer, micro-business | 9,900 FCFA / month | Instant start |
| SaaS Pro | SME, medium volume | 24,900 FCFA / month | Multi-user, dunning |
| Custom build | SME with specific process | 500,000 - 1,000,000 FCFA | Tailored, integrable |
| Advanced build | SME + accounting/ERP integration | 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 FCFA | Accounting export, API |
SaaS suits most SMEs; a custom build is justified once you must integrate with existing accounting.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Do you know traders, restaurateurs or directors still invoicing by hand? By referring them, you earn a commission on every signed project. The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) programme rewards each successful introduction.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Referred pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | + 5 % recurring |
| E-commerce | 12 % | — |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
On a 500,000 FCFA showcase site, that's 75,000 FCFA upfront, plus 5 % on recurring services. Just one referral a month builds a real side income.
Mini case study
Blessing, a freelance accountant in Lagos, manages 15 SME clients. She refers 3 of them to Kolonell for invoicing software at 800,000 FCFA equivalent each. Her 15 % referral commission earns her 360,000 FCFA on those three signings, with no extra sales effort. Meanwhile her own clients move from Word invoices to a compliant system, cutting their audit risk.
FAQ
Does the software calculate 7.5 % VAT automatically? Yes, it applies the Nigerian 7.5 % rate, separates net base and VAT amount, and produces a compliant gross total. No more manual maths.
Is numbering truly gap-free? Yes, every invoice gets an automatic, tamper-proof sequential number, directly meeting the continuity requirement in an audit.
Can I collect via Paystack? Yes, each invoice can carry a payment link; the client pays in one click and the invoice flips to "paid" automatically.
How does dunning work? The software sends automatic reminders past the due date via SMS, email or WhatsApp, sharply shortening payment delays.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner? Just introduce us to a qualified prospect; on signing you earn 8-15 % depending on the pole, plus 5 % recurring on showcase sites. We give you a tracking link.
Let's talk about your project. We make your invoicing VAT-compliant, or sign you up as a referral partner. 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.
