The verdict in three sentences
A referral agent who spreads a portfolio across the 4 poles earns more than a single-pole specialist, because each pole offsets the others' weaknesses: showcase brings fast volume, institutional brings large rare checks. Our 2026 simulation: 2 showcase/month, 1 e-commerce/quarter, 1 marketplace/half-year, 1 institutional/year produces around 2,400,000 FCFA in sale commissions. On top of that, a 5 % recurring on maintenance stacks up and exceeds 400,000 FCFA/year at cruising speed.
The simulation assumptions
We start from a regular but realistic agent, using official Kolonell program rates: showcase 15 %, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 %.
| Pole | Cadence | Per-deal commission | Deals/year | Yearly total (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase Growth (15 %) | 2 / month | 75,000 | 24 | 1,800,000 |
| E-commerce Growth (12 %) | 1 / quarter | 240,000 | 4 | 960,000 |
| Marketplace Growth (10 %) | 1 / half-year | 500,000 | 2 | 1,000,000 |
| Institutional Standard (8 %) | 1 / year | 640,000 | 1 | 640,000 |
| Sales total | — | — | 31 | 4,400,000 |
This ambitious version exceeds 4M FCFA. A cautious version (1 showcase/month, 1 e-commerce/half-year, no marketplace, no institutional) targets closer to ~1,400,000 FCFA/year on sales.
The recurring income that changes everything
Beyond sale commissions, the 5 % recurring on maintenance turns one-off income into an annuity. Assume a third of clients take average maintenance.
| Month | Cumulative maintenance clients | Avg recurring/month (FCFA) | Recurring cumulative (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 3 | 3 | 15,000 | 30,000 |
| Month 6 | 6 | 32,000 | 120,000 |
| Month 9 | 9 | 48,000 | 250,000 |
| Month 12 | 12 | 65,000 | 430,000 |
At cruising speed, recurring alone exceeds 430,000 FCFA/year and keeps growing each month with no new sale.
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Mini case study
Moussa, a full-time referral agent in Dakar (picture his equivalent in Kampala), follows the ambitious version. Over 12 months he signs 24 showcase sites, 4 e-commerce, 2 marketplaces and 1 institutional: 4,400,000 FCFA on sales. He places about 12 clients under maintenance, giving him 430,000 FCFA of recurring in year one. Year-1 total: ~4,830,000 FCFA. In year 2, even without raising his cadence, the recurring accumulated from prior years starts his counter far higher: the balanced portfolio becomes an income machine that grows on its own.
FAQ
Does a balanced portfolio really beat specialization? Yes: showcase secures monthly cash flow (2 x 75,000 FCFA steady), while rare big deals (marketplace, institutional) create the peaks. The mix smooths income and maximizes the total.
What should a realistic beginner target? A cautious version (1 showcase/month + 1 e-commerce/half-year) targets ~1,400,000 FCFA/year on sales, before recurring.
Is the recurring income guaranteed? It runs as long as the client keeps maintenance: 5 % on 50,000-200,000 FCFA/month. At cruising speed it exceeds 430,000 FCFA/year in our simulation.
Which pole pays best per hour invested? E-commerce offers the best commission/cycle ratio: 240,000 FCFA in 3-6 weeks, versus 75,000 FCFA on showcase or long institutional cycles.
How are commissions paid? On client payment, in FCFA, via Wave, Orange Money or transfer. The 5 % recurring lands at the pace of maintenance payments.
Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral program — 15 % showcase, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace, 8 % institutional, plus 5 % recurring — and build your portfolio across the 4 poles. 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.
