The verdict in three sentences
A wholesale online platform connecting suppliers and retailers costs between 8 and 25 million FCFA (12,200-38,100 EUR) in 2026. The business model rests on a 3 to 8 % commission per transaction, plus optional supplier subscriptions. The key factor is not the build price but the break-even point: the monthly GMV at which commissions cover operations.
What the budget covers in 2026
A multi-vendor platform is more complex than a store: it manages supplier accounts, catalogue moderation, payment split and often logistics. Here is the 2026 range.
| Tier | Price FCFA | Price EUR | Timeline | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | 8,000,000 | 12,200 | 5 months | Suppliers, catalogue, ordering, mobile money split |
| Growth | 15,000,000 | 22,870 | 7 months | + configurable commissions, auto payouts, KYC |
| Advanced | 25,000,000 | 38,100 | 10 months | + integrated logistics, mobile app, analytics |
| Custom | 32,000,000+ | 48,780+ | 12 months | + AI recommendation, public API, white-label |
Structural recurring costs: hosting and infrastructure from 300,000 to 800,000 FCFA/month depending on traffic, plus provider fees of 1 to 2 % on each collection.
Commission model and break-even
The decisive question: at what volume does the platform self-fund? Here is a 2026 simulation for a 5 % commission.
| Item | 2026 assumption |
|---|---|
| Target monthly GMV | 120,000,000 FCFA |
| Platform commission rate | 5 % |
| Monthly commission revenue | 6,000,000 FCFA |
| Provider cost (1.5 %) | 1,800,000 FCFA |
| Integrated logistics cost | 1,500,000 FCFA |
| Infrastructure + support | 900,000 FCFA |
| Monthly net margin | 1,800,000 FCFA |
| Break-even (GMV) | 84,000,000 FCFA/month |
Below 84 million FCFA of monthly GMV, the platform loses money; above it, each 10-million GMV slice adds roughly 200,000 FCFA of net margin.
Mini case study
Mr. Traore launches a food wholesale platform linking 40 suppliers to 600 retailers. He invests 15,000,000 FCFA in a Growth version with automatic payouts and KYC. By month 6, he reaches 120 million FCFA of monthly GMV at 5 % commission, i.e. 6 million in revenue, for 1.8 million net margin after costs. He repays his 15-million investment in about 9 months of operation, then the platform becomes a profitable asset that scales with volume.
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FAQ
How much does a wholesale platform cost in 2026?
Between 8 and 25 million FCFA. A Growth version with automatic payouts and KYC sits around 15 million, delivered in 7 months.
What commission rate should I apply?
Between 3 and 8 % depending on sector and supplier margins. 5 % is a common balance point that stays acceptable to vendors.
How does payment split work?
On each order the payment is split automatically: the supplier share and the platform commission, with weekly payout via mobile money. The split must be tested on real amounts.
Should I integrate logistics?
Not mandatory at launch, but it improves experience and opens a revenue stream. Expect 1.5 million FCFA/month to operate integrated logistics.
When does the platform become profitable?
Above roughly 84 million FCFA of monthly GMV for a 5 % commission. That is the threshold to target in your 12-month plan.
Let's scope your project. Share your sector, target GMV and commission model for a quote and a profitability plan. 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.
