Getting Started with OHADA Accounting: A Complete Guide for African Businesses

What is OHADA Accounting?

OHADA (Organisation pour l'Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) is a treaty signed by 17 African countries to harmonize business law across the continent. The OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting Law defines the SYSCOHADA Revised accounting system — the mandatory framework for all businesses operating in member states.

Whether you run a pharmacy in Côte d'Ivoire, a retail shop in Cameroon, or a consulting firm in Senegal, OHADA accounting rules apply to you. Understanding them is not optional — it is the foundation of doing business legally and efficiently in the OHADA zone.

The SYSCOHADA Chart of Accounts

The SYSCOHADA chart of accounts organizes all financial transactions into numbered classes:

• Class 1 — Permanent Capital: Long-term equity and debt financing
• Class 2 — Fixed Assets: Property, equipment, and intangibles
• Class 3 — Inventories: Stock, raw materials, and work in progress
• Class 4 — Third-party Accounts: Customers, suppliers, tax accounts
• Class 5 — Cash and Equivalents: Bank, cash, and mobile money accounts
• Class 6 — Expenses: All operating costs
• Class 7 — Revenue: All income and sales
• Class 8 — Special Accounts: Off-balance-sheet items

Key Financial Statements Required Under OHADA

Every OHADA-compliant business must produce three core financial statements at year end:

1. Bilan (Balance Sheet): A snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity
2. Compte de Résultat (Income Statement): Revenue minus expenses = net profit or loss
3. Tableau des Flux de Trésorerie (Cash Flow Statement): Operating, investing, and financing cash flows

How Solafide Makes OHADA Compliance Automatic

Solafide ERP is built from the ground up for SYSCOHADA. When you create an invoice or record a payment, the system automatically posts to the correct OHADA accounts. Your Balance Sheet and Income Statement are always OHADA-formatted and ready for your accountant or tax authority.

No manual configuration. No plugins. No workarounds. Just compliant accounting from your very first transaction.

Getting Started in 4 Steps

1. Create your free Solafide account at app.solafideonline.com
2. Set up your entity with your tax ID and fiscal year
3. Import or build your Chart of Accounts using the OHADA template
4. Create your first invoice — the system handles the rest

OHADA compliance does not have to be complicated. With the right tool, it can be automatic.