Ever wondered which accounting software truly delivers for African businesses?
As the co-founder of ProfitBooks, I’ve spent the past decade interacting with thousands of African business owners, understanding their unique financial management challenges, and helping them streamline their operations.
While I don’t personally run a business in Africa, these conversations have given me valuable insights into what works (and what doesn’t) in this diverse market.
According to recent market studies, the accounting software sector in Africa is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing digitalization and the rising need for efficient financial management tools.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) dominate the African business landscape, creating high demand for cost-effective solutions with feature sets tailored to local needs.
The South African market shows the most maturity, with established solutions like Sage (formerly Pastel) reportedly used by approximately 90% of South African businesses. Although cloud-based alternatives are rapidly gaining market share as internet infrastructure improves across the continent.
Accounting software isn’t just a luxury for African businesses; it’s becoming essential.
It simplifies financial management, minimizes errors, ensures tax compliance, and provides the insights needed to make informed business decisions. After examining market trends and listening to feedback from our African users, I’ve compiled this updated analysis of the top accounting solutions.
Key Features African Businesses Need in Accounting Software
Through my conversations with African entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that certain features consistently matter more than others:
- Local tax compliance: Software that handles country-specific regulations automatically
- Multi-currency support: Essential for cross-border trade within Africa and internationally
- Cloud accessibility: The ability to access financial data from anywhere
- Mobile compatibility: Given Africa’s high mobile penetration rates
- Bank feed integration: For automatic reconciliation and time savings
- Offline functionality: For areas with connectivity challenges
- Affordability: Cost-effective solutions that deliver good ROI
- Scalability: Solutions that can grow with businesses from startup to maturity
Top Accounting Software Solutions in Africa
Based on market research, customer feedback, and personal experience helping African businesses, here are the top accounting software solutions currently making an impact:
1. ProfitBooks
I launched ProfitBooks in 2012 with a mission to make accounting accessible to non-accountants, and I’ve seen firsthand how our platform has transformed financial management for businesses across Africa.
ProfitBooks has gained significant traction in the African market due to its user-friendly interface and features designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses.
Our software was developed with emerging markets in mind, focusing on ease of use while maintaining powerful functionality.
ProfitBooks consistently receives satisfaction ratings of 4.7 out of 5 across major review platforms like Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice, making it one of the highest-rated accounting solutions available to African businesses.
Many African clients tell me they switched to ProfitBooks after struggling with more complex, expensive systems that required accounting expertise they didn’t have in-house.
Features:
- Create customizable sales orders and invoices with branded templates that give your business a professional image
- Accept online payments through integrated gateways that work with popular African payment processors
- Handle multiple currencies with real-time exchange rate updates, crucial for businesses operating across African borders
- Comprehensive inventory management system with alerts for low stock and detailed movement reports
- Expense tracking with receipt uploads and categorization for better financial oversight
- Streamlined tax management that adapts to different African tax jurisdictions
- 40+ financial reports for business intelligence and strategic decision-making
- A mobile application that allows business owners to manage finances on the go
What’s Good:
- Designed specifically for non-accountants—no financial expertise required to use effectively
- Exceptional inventory management features for product-based businesses with multiple locations.
- Multi-currency support that simplifies international transactions without complex setups
- Affordable pricing with a free startup plan that works well for new entrepreneurs
- Mobile app for accounting on the go, perfect for the mobile-first African market
- Responsive customer support team with knowledge of African business environments
What’s Not So Good:
- Newer entrant compared to legacy solutions like Sage, with a smaller local support network
- Still building local support networks in some African regions and languages
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some more established platforms
- Some advanced manufacturing features are still in development
Pricing:
ProfitBooks has simple yet effective pricing plans:
- Startup Plan: Free (limited to 1 user, 25 invoices/month, 50 customers)
- Premium Plan: $20/month (unlimited users, invoices, customers, and products)
ProfitBooks Pricing Plans
I remember speaking with a South African retailer who switched to ProfitBooks after struggling with complex, expensive software.
Within two weeks, he was creating professional invoices, tracking inventory across two locations, and generating insightful sales reports.
That’s exactly why I built ProfitBooks: to empower business owners to take control of their finances without the steep learning curve.
2. Sage/Pastel Accounting
Sage PC & Mobile UI
Sage (known as Pastel in many African markets) dominates the South African accounting software landscape and has a significant presence across other African countries.
This legacy software provider has established a strong reputation for reliability and comprehensive functionality over decades of operation in African markets. Sage’s deep understanding of African tax regulations makes it particularly valuable for companies that need to ensure strict compliance with local financial reporting requirements.
The company has invested heavily in building an extensive network of certified consultants and support professionals across Africa, ensuring that businesses can find local assistance when needed.
Its enterprise-level solutions are capable of handling manufacturing and complex business operations, making it suitable for larger organizations with specialized accounting needs.
Features:
- Available in both desktop and cloud versions, providing flexibility for different infrastructure scenarios
- Comprehensive inventory management with a bill of materials module for manufacturing businesses
- Strong tax compliance features for African markets, including VAT, withholding tax, and payroll taxes
- Payroll management capabilities with local regulatory compliance built in
- Robust reporting features with customizable templates and export options
- Extensive local support network across major African markets
- Multi-user access with role-based permissions for larger organizations
- Integration with other Sage business management products for end-to-end solutions
What’s Good:
- Specifically designed with African tax regulations in mind, reducing compliance risks.
- Widely used, making it easy to find accountants and bookkeepers familiar with the system
- Strong legacy presence and reputation for reliability in mission-critical financial operations
- Comprehensive features for manufacturing businesses, including production planning
- Scalable from small businesses to large enterprises with a consistent user experience
- Well-established training resources and certification programs for staff development
What’s Not So Good:
- Desktop version requires substantial network infrastructure and IT management
- Resource-intensive, requiring a dedicated server with a minimum I5 processor and 16GB of memory
- It may be less intuitive for new users compared to newer cloud-based solutions
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported with the desktop version in areas with unstable connections
- Higher total cost of ownership when considering implementation and training
- Some users report complex navigation requiring accounting knowledge
Pricing:
Here are Sage 50 pricing plans:
- Cloud version starts from R220 per month (including VAT) in South Africa
- Various tiers are available depending on business needs and size
- Enterprise solutions require custom quotes based on user numbers and modules
I‘ve noticed Sage dominates in South Africa, where approximately 90% of businesses use it.
However, when consulting with clients transitioning to ProfitBooks, they often mention Sage’s complexity as their primary reason for switching.
While powerful, it can be overwhelming for businesses without dedicated accounting staff or IT resources to manage the more complex deployment option.s
3. Zoho Books
ZohoBooks is gaining popularity across Africa as a comprehensive yet affordable accounting solution that forms part of the larger Zoho ecosystem of business applications.
This cloud-based platform offers a balance of user-friendly design and powerful functionality that appeals to growing businesses looking for scalability.
Zoho Books has made significant efforts to accommodate African businesses with features like multi-currency support, tax configurations for various African countries, and integration with local payment gateways.
The software’s client portal functionality enhances customer relationships by providing a professional interface for clients to view their invoices and make payments online.
Zoho’s commitment to mobile functionality is evident in their full-featured mobile app that allows business owners to manage their finances from anywhere, a critical feature in the mobile-first African market.
Features:
- Cloud-based accounting system with comprehensive financial management tools
- Invoicing and expense tracking with customizable templates and recurring options
- Project accounting capabilities for service-based businesses with time tracking
- Multi-currency support with automated exchange rate updates for international trade
- Tax management features are adaptable to various African tax systems
- Mobile application with significant functionality, including invoice creation
- Client portal capabilities allow customers to view and pay invoices online
- Inventory management with stock tracking and purchase order management
- Integration with other Zoho products for end-to-end business management
What’s Good:
- Competitive pricing compared to market leaders, with a transparent tiered structure.e
- Part of the larger Zoho ecosystem of business applications for integrated workflows
- Strong automation capabilities reduce manual data entry and potential errors.
- Customizable workflows and approval processes for better financial controls
- Regular updates and improvements reflecting customer feedback
- Well-designed interface balancing functionality with ease of use
- Comprehensive API for custom integrations with other business systems
What’s Not So Good:
- Less established presence in Africa compared to the top competitors
- Smaller network of accountants specializing in the platform for professional support
- Some features are only available in higher-priced tiers, requiring upgrades as the business grows
- Learning curve can be steeper than some alternatives due to feature depth
- Limited offline capabilities in areas with poor connectivity
- Customer support is sometimes delayed during non-standard business hours
- Documentation could be more comprehensive for Africa-specific tax configurations
Pricing:
- Standard plan starts at approximately $15 per month for small businesses
- Professional and Premium plans range from $40-$60 per month with advanced features
- Volume discounts are available for annual payment commitments
During a recent consulting project with a mid-sized retail business in Ghana, I compared Zoho Books with several alternatives, including ProfitBooks.
While Zoho offered solid features, the client ultimately chose ProfitBooks for its superior inventory management and more intuitive interface for their non-accounting staff.
Nevertheless, Zoho Books remains a strong contender, particularly for businesses already using other Zoho applications.
4. TymsBook
TymsBook is positioning itself as an Africa-focused alternative to international accounting software, with particular emphasis on affordability and features designed specifically for African businesses.
This emerging solution addresses the unique challenges faced by African SMEs, including specific tax regulations, payment methods, and business practices common across the continent.
TymsBook claims to offer comparable functionality to QuickBooks at a fraction of the cost ($3 compared to QuickBooks’ $27 according to their marketing), making it accessible to even the smallest businesses.
The platform includes features tailored to African business environments, such as support for popular mobile money platforms and compliance with local tax requirements. TymsBook’s development team continuously enhances the software based on feedback from African entrepreneurs, ensuring it evolves to meet the specific needs of the market it serves.
Features:
- Africa-focused accounting solution with localized features for the continent
- Basic accounting functionality, including income and expense tracking
- Invoicing with templates designed for African business contexts
- Tax compliance tools for various African countries’ regulations
- Mobile money integration for popular African payment platforms
- Financial reporting adapted to local business requirements
- Cloud-based access with mobile-responsive design
- Multi-user access with permission controls for team collaboration
What’s Good:
- Significantly lower price point than international competitors ($3 vs. $27)
- Designed specifically for the African market needs and business practices
- Simplified interface appropriate for users with limited accounting knowledge
- Local support with understanding of African business challenges
- Focused development addressing specific African business requirements
- Compatibility with mobile money systems is widely used across Africa. AA growing user community providing peer support and knowledge sharing.
What’s Not So Good:
- Newer platform with a less established track record than international competitors
- More limited feature set compared to premium international solutions
- A smaller development team may result in slower feature releases
- Less extensive documentation and training resources are available
- Limited third-party integrations restrict automation possibilities
- Customer support is still developing compared to established players
- Some advanced reporting features are still in development phases
Pricing:
- Basic plan at approximately $3 per month for core features
- Premium features are available at competitive rates compared to international alternatives
- Free trial available to test functionality before committing
While TymsBook shows promise as a locally developed solution, my experience with clients who’ve tried both indicates that ProfitBooks offers a more mature platform with better inventory management and reporting capabilities at a still-affordable price point. However, I respect TymsBook’s mission to create truly African-focused accounting software and believe competition will ultimately benefit all African businesses through continued innovation.
5. Built Accounting
Built Accounting is a newer entrant focused specifically on SMEs in Africa, developed with an understanding of the unique challenges facing African entrepreneurs.
This Ghana-based accounting solution emphasizes simplicity while providing essential features needed by small businesses across the continent. Built Accounting has reportedly impacted over 5,000 African businesses according to the Tony Elumelu Foundation, demonstrating its growing influence in the market.
The platform offers unlimited invoicing, payment processing, and payroll features designed to address the specific needs of African businesses operating in various sectors.
Built Accounting’s development team works closely with African entrepreneurs to ensure the platform evolves in alignment with local business requirements and regulatory changes.
The software’s focus on accessibility makes it particularly valuable for businesses transitioning from manual accounting methods to digital solutions.
Features:
- Purpose-built for African SMEs with appropriate feature complexity
- Unlimited invoicing with customizable templates for professional presentation
- Payment processing integration with African financial systems
- Payroll management with local tax compliance for employee management
- Expense tracking for business expenditure management
- Basic inventory tracking for product-based businesses
- Financial reporting for business performance analysis
- Cloud-based platform accessible from multiple devices
- Multi-user functionality for team collaboration
What’s Good:
- Developed by Africans for Africans with a deep understanding of local needs
- Affordable pricing structure accessible to small businesses
- Simplified user interface requiring minimal training to implement
- Local support team familiar with African business environments
- Community focus with user groups and knowledge sharing
- Regular updates addressing African regulatory changes
- Mobile-friendly design suited to Africa’s mobile-first technology approach
What’s Not So Good:
- Limited market presence compared to established international solutions. The newer platform is still building a comprehensive feature set
- More basic reporting capabilities than some competitors
- Limited third-party integrations restrict workflow automation
- Documentation and learning resources are still developing
- Smaller user base resulting in fewer community resources
- Advanced features for larger businesses are still in development
Pricing:
- Competitive pricing with plans starting from approximately $10 per month
- Tiered structure based on business size and feature requirements
- Free trial period to evaluate suitability before purchase
Built Accounting represents a positive development in African-focused financial technology, though in my experience consulting with businesses across the continent, many still find that ProfitBooks offers a more comprehensive solution with better scalability for growing businesses. I appreciate Built’s commitment to local development and believe they’ll continue to enhance their offering to meet the evolving needs of African businesses.
Comprehensive Comparison: Top Accounting Software in Africa
Many accounting giants in Africa are worth mentioning. Although I have detailed the top five accounting software in the African region, many international solutions are making space for themselves.
Below, I have created a comparison table so you can get the full idea of the accounting software landscape in Africa.
This includes the top ten solutions based on their popularity, usage, and features as per the specific business requirements in the region.
| Feature | ProfitBooks | Sage | Xero | QuickBooks | Wave | Zoho Books | TymsBook | Built | Banana | Alhisab |
| Starting Price | Free (Premium: $20/mo) | R220/mo | $12/mo | $25/mo | Free (basic) | $15/mo | $3/mo | $10/mo | One-time license | Free |
| Suitable For | SMEs, growing businesses | Established SMEs | SMEs | SMEs with accountants | Freelancers, startups | SMEs | Small businesses | African SMEs | Educational, offline use | Micro-businesses |
| User Friendliness | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Offline Access | Limited | Yes (desktop) | No | No | No | Limited | No | No | Yes | No |
| Multi-Currency | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (higher tiers) | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Basic |
| Inventory | Comprehensive | Advanced | Good | Advanced | None | Good | Basic | Basic | Limited | Very basic |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Mobile responsive | Yes | Limited | Mobile responsive |
| Tax Compliance | Yes | Excellent | Good | Limited | Basic | Good | Yes | Yes | Yes | Basic |
| API & Integrations | Growing | Extensive | Extensive (800+) | Extensive | Limited | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Very limited | Minimal |
| Local Support | Online | Extensive network | Limited | Limited | Very limited | Growing | Yes | Yes | Educational partners | Community |
| African Focus | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Very high | Very high | Medium | Medium |
Why ProfitBooks Stands Out for African Businesses
Having worked with African businesses for many years, I’ve seen the unique challenges they face. Here’s why ProfitBooks has become the preferred solution for many:
- Designed for non-accountants: I built ProfitBooks specifically for business owners without accounting knowledge. This makes it perfect for the entrepreneurial African market.
- Affordability without compromise: Our pricing structure was developed with emerging markets in mind—free for startups, affordable for growing businesses.
- Multi-currency support: Essential for African businesses engaging in cross-border and international trade.
- Works with internet limitations: We’ve optimized ProfitBooks to function efficiently even with inconsistent internet connectivity.
- Customer satisfaction: We’re proud of our 4.7/5 rating from users across review platforms like Capterra and GetApp.
One Tanzanian client told me, “After evaluating almost 10 different software programs, we finally bought ProfitBooks and it turned out to be the best decision for our business.” Stories like this reinforce why we continue focusing on simplicity and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most popular accounting software in South Africa?
Sage/Pastel dominates in South Africa with approximately 90% market penetration according to industry estimates. However, cloud-based solutions like ProfitBooks, Xero, and QuickBooks are rapidly gaining market share, especially among newer businesses.
- Which accounting software is best for small businesses in Africa?
For small businesses with limited accounting knowledge, I recommend ProfitBooks for its ease of use and affordability. Wave is an excellent free option for very small businesses and freelancers, while Xero offers a good balance of features and usability for slightly larger operations.
- What features should I look for in accounting software for an African business?
Key features to consider include: local tax compliance, multi-currency support, bank feed integration, inventory management (if applicable), mobile accessibility, cloud capabilities, scalability, and affordability. The importance of each feature will vary based on your business type and size.
- Is cloud-based or desktop accounting software better for African businesses?
The answer depends on your business environment. Cloud-based solutions offer accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection and automatic updates, but require reliable internet. Desktop solutions provide more control and can function without internet, but require more IT infrastructure and manual updates. The trend is moving toward cloud-based solutions across Africa as internet infrastructure improves.
- How much does accounting software typically cost in Africa?
Pricing varies widely:
- Free options like Wave Accounting offer basic features at no cost
- Entry-level paid solutions start around R220/month (South Africa) or $3-30/month
- Mid-tier solutions range from $30-100/month
- Enterprise-level solutions can cost significantly more
- Which accounting software is best for manufacturing businesses in Africa?
Sage/Pastel is frequently mentioned as ideal for manufacturing businesses due to its robust Bill of Materials module and inventory management capabilities. However, it requires sufficient computing resources and potentially dedicated staff to manage the manufacturing module effectively.
- Can accounting software help with tax compliance in African countries?
Yes, quality accounting software helps with tax compliance by automating tax calculations, generating required reports, and in some cases, facilitating direct submission to tax authorities. At ProfitBooks, we continually update our system to remain compliant with tax regulations across African countries.
- How important is local support for accounting software in Africa?
Local support is crucial for effective implementation and ongoing use of accounting software in Africa. This includes not just technical support but also expertise in local tax regulations and business practices. This is why we’ve focused on building a knowledgeable support team familiar with African business environments.
- Can accounting software integrate with African payment systems and mobile money?
Yes, modern accounting solutions increasingly offer integration with African payment systems. At ProfitBooks, we’ve developed integrations with popular payment gateways across Africa, making it easier for businesses to reconcile payments from multiple sources, including mobile money platforms.
- What offline accounting software options exist for areas with poor connectivity?
Banana Accounting, desktop versions of Sage, and some local solutions offer offline functionality and synchronization when the internet is available. While ProfitBooks is primarily cloud-based, we’ve optimized our platform to function effectively even with intermittent connectivity.
Summing Up: How ProfitBooks Can Help You With Accounting Services
If you have to track multiple employees’ expenses, if you travel often for your business needs, and if you find it hard to manage your business’s cash flow, then you need optimum accounting software.
ProfitBooks is one of the fastest-growing, leading, and reliable online accounting software in the world of accounting. With ProfitBooks, you can’t just track expenses but also manage inventory, create invoices, and do a lot of things online.
And that too for free!
What’s amazing about ProfitBooks is that it is user-friendly, full-featured, and also has a simple and beautiful interface.
Moreover, it has a mobile application too, which makes your accounting on the go!
Ready to Simplify Your Accounting?
Discover how easy managing finances can be with ProfitBooks.
Create your free account and start tracking your expenses, inventory, and invoices in one place.
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