Will hiring an app developer in Africa maximise quality and savings? Here are the real costs, advantages, limitations, and how to get the best value

Considering hiring an app developer in Africa?

Great, because Africa has amazing local talent and capability, while a fortuitous exchange rate often gets you higher quality service for a better price. Tech adoption is skyrocketing – the continent boasts 87% mobile penetration – and an astounding level of innovation is taking place in Africa today.

But just how much does an app developer cost in Africa?

‍

Why Consider Hiring an App Developer in Africa?

Africa’s app development industry has matured significantly, with developers gaining deep experience across fields such as fintech, mobile-first solutions, and rapid prototyping. 

With lower labour costs and high-quality output, Africa presents a valuable alternative to traditional tech hubs like the US and Europe, making it an appealing choice for startups and established firms alike. 

For international clients, the exchange rate adds to the affordability of African developers, enabling companies to extend their budgets without compromising on quality. Whereas local companies can benefit from the same high-quality development at a good rate and with no time-zone delays.

See 10 emerging trends in app development in Africa.

‍

Types of Dev Solutions: Cost Breakdown

‍

1. Full-Code Development

For those requiring a fully customised solution, full-code development offers the highest flexibility and scalability. African developers provide robust options for both simple and complex builds, generally at lower prices than in Western markets. 

For example:

• Basic MVPs: Estimated at R1.2 million for a 3-month timeline, suited for simpler products with straightforward functionality.
• Complex Apps: These can run between R1.4 million and R4.3 million, taking up to 12 months based on the app’s specifications.

Compared to the US and Europe, these costs represent savings of up to 60% or more, making full-code development in Africa a valuable option for larger, scalable projects.

See how much a new app costs in South Africa.

‍

2. Low-Code Development

Low-code development offers a flexible, time-efficient alternative to traditional coding, with potential savings of 60–80%. Ideal for MVPs, prototypes, and simpler internal tools, low-code solutions reduce development time and overall cost:

• Low-Code MVP: A 3-month MVP build costs between R649,400 and R734,400, while a 6-month project might reach R1.5 million.
• Ongoing Low-Code Development: For projects requiring continuous updates, a monthly rate of approximately R244,800 can keep the app aligned with market needs.

This approach allows companies to test concepts quickly, iterate based on user feedback, and bring ideas to market at a fraction of the cost of traditional development.

See how to save 60-80% of costs with low-code development.

‍

3. Outsourcing Options

Outsourcing to an app developer in Africa provides access to specialised skills, such as advanced fintech expertise, at lower rates. With flexible models (e.g., nearshore or offshore), outsourcing allows you to select a developer who aligns with your budget, time zone, and communication needs. 

Many international clients find South African developers particularly effective, given their experience with local and international clients.

See four ways to hire app developers, the truth about outsourcing and the guide on how to outsource app development.  

‍

App Design Costs in Africa vs. Global Rates

Design is a critical component in app development, significantly influencing usability and adoption. Africa’s competitive design rates make it cost-effective to invest in professional UI/UX, crucial for engaging users from the start:

• Basic Design: Around R150,000 for simple prototypes, while complex designs range up to R300,000.
• Global Comparison: A complex design project in the US might cost up to R517,000, and as much as R3.2 million in the UK. This means African rates offer a savings of 41–90% for design alone.

Investing in quality UI/UX ensures users have a seamless experience, which is essential regardless of market.

See the complete breakdown of app design costs.

‍

What Affects Development Costs?

Several factors influence the cost of hiring an app developer in Africa:

1. Complexity: Apps requiring advanced security, real-time data exchange, or integration with external APIs naturally demand more time and resources.
2. Development type: Choosing between full-code and low-code development impacts costs. Low-code suits MVPs and simpler products, while full-code is optimal for highly customised applications.
3. Team composition: Larger teams may be necessary for high-demand projects, which can increase costs. However, working with dedicated teams streamlines delivery.
4. App type: Internal tools and process automation apps are typically less complex than consumer-facing apps, affecting costs and timelines.

See the entire app development process explained, start to finish.

‍

Value-Add: The Competitive Edge of App Developer in Africa

African developers bring unique strengths to projects, particularly in areas like mobile-first design, fintech solutions, and low-data optimisation – skills critical in emerging markets. This expertise meets local needs and is highly applicable to international projects requiring resourceful problem-solving.

Cost savings from lower labour rates, combined with technical innovation and cultural adaptability, make African developers well-suited to deliver on both budget and quality.

See the 9 things you should know about building a successful mobile app in Africa.

‍

App Development: Budgeting Tips for Success

To maximise the value of your app development budget, consider the following:

1. Start with a Low-Code MVP

Testing your concept with a low-code MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a cost-effective way to bring your idea to life without committing to a full-scale build. Low-code platforms allow you to create a functional prototype rapidly, capturing user feedback and gauging market interest. 

This initial version helps you validate your concept with less upfront investment, so if your app gains traction, you can then scale up to a full-code build, adding more advanced features and customisations as needed.

2. Outline Clear Requirements

Defining your project requirements from the start is crucial to avoiding unnecessary costs and delays. A well-structured set of requirements includes the app’s core functionalities, user journeys, and technical specifications. By clarifying these early on, you can streamline both design and development processes, reducing the likelihood of costly revisions and misaligned expectations. 

Clear requirements also foster better collaboration with your development team, ensuring they have a strong understanding of your vision and can focus their efforts on delivering precisely what’s needed.

3. Prioritise Key Features

In the early stages, focusing on essential features – the must-haves rather than the nice-to-haves – helps keep costs manageable and timelines on track. By prioritising core functionality, you ensure that the initial build offers value to users without overextending the budget. 

4. Work with an Experienced Development Team

An experienced development team familiar with the African market can offer insights into local preferences, best practices, and cost-saving measures tailored to your project’s goals. Look for a team with a proven track record in both low-code and full-code development to ensure they can adapt to your needs as your app evolves.

See the ultimate guide to assessing and hiring app developers.

‍

Need the best in app development in Africa?

Speak to our experienced technology consultants right now.

‍