FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What software actually costs in Ethiopia, how long it takes, and how working with us works — answered plainly.
About Ampol Technologies
What does Ampol Technologies do?
Ampol Technologies is a software development company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We build custom websites and web apps, Android and iOS mobile apps, and custom software and ERP systems — including inventory, POS, logistics, HR, CRM and school management systems. We also provide branding and UI/UX design, and social media marketing.
Where is Ampol Technologies located?
We are based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and work with clients across Ethiopia and East Africa. Projects are run remotely by default, with meetings in person in Addis Ababa or online, whichever suits you.
Do you work with clients outside Addis Ababa?
Yes. We work with businesses anywhere in Ethiopia and with clients abroad. Everything we do — planning, design, development, review and handover — works over calls, email and shared links, so distance is not a limitation.
How much does a project cost?
It depends on scope, but as a guide: websites typically run from 40,000 to 300,000 ETB, mobile apps from 60,000 to 500,000 ETB, custom software and ERP systems from 100,000 ETB for a single system up to 900,000 ETB and beyond for a multi-module ERP, branding from 20,000 to 250,000 ETB, and social media management from 5,000 to 80,000 ETB per month. The pricing page has a calculator that gives you a range for your specific requirements in a few clicks.
How long does a project take?
A brochure website takes 2 to 4 weeks, a business website 3 to 6 weeks, and an online store 5 to 10 weeks. Mobile apps take 6 to 20 weeks depending on complexity. A single custom system takes 6 to 12 weeks, while a multi-module ERP typically takes 3 to 6 months. We agree a timeline before work starts and deliver in stages so you can see progress throughout.
How do I start a project with Ampol Technologies?
Send us a message through the contact page, email ampoltechethiopia@gmail.com, or call +251 953 427725. Tell us what you are trying to build and roughly what you want to spend. We reply within a day, and the first conversation is free — we use it to understand the problem and tell you honestly what it will take.
What technologies do you build with?
We choose the stack per project rather than forcing every client into the same tools. In practice that means modern web frameworks for websites and web apps, native or cross-platform frameworks for mobile, and proven relational databases for systems that hold business data. We build from scratch rather than assembling templates, so the result fits your requirements exactly.
Do you work in Amharic as well as English?
Yes. We work with clients in both Amharic and English, and we build bilingual products — websites, apps and systems with Amharic interfaces and content, using correct Amharic fonts and rendering.
Do you support the product after launch?
Yes. We offer care and support plans covering hosting, updates, monitoring, backups and priority fixes after launch, so your product keeps running rather than slowly degrading. Support terms are agreed per project.
Web Development
See the serviceHow much does a website cost in Ethiopia?
At Ampol Technologies a portfolio or small business website typically runs from 40,000 to 80,000 ETB, a full corporate site from 40,000 to 200,000 ETB, and an e-commerce store from 60,000 to 300,000 ETB. Larger web portals with accounts and dashboards start around 100,000 ETB. The final figure depends on how many pages you need, whether you need online payments, and how much content we write for you. You can get an instant estimate using the calculator on our pricing page.
How long does it take to build a website?
A simple portfolio or brochure site takes about 2 to 4 weeks. A multi-page business website takes 3 to 6 weeks, an online store 5 to 10 weeks, and a full web portal 8 to 16 weeks. The biggest factor is usually how quickly we receive your content — text, photos and logo — so we start collecting those in week one.
Do you build websites in Amharic?
Yes. We build bilingual English and Amharic websites with a language switcher, correct Amharic fonts and rendering, and content structured so search engines index both versions. We can also build Amharic-only sites where that suits the audience better.
Will my website appear on Google?
Every site we build ships with the technical foundations search engines need: fast loading, clean page structure, unique titles and descriptions, an XML sitemap, and schema.org structured data that also helps AI tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews understand and cite your business. Ranking then depends on your market and competition, and we can take on ongoing SEO work if you want to push specific keywords.
Do you provide hosting and maintenance after launch?
Yes. We can set up hosting and your domain, and we offer care plans covering updates, backups, monitoring and fixes after launch. If you prefer to host it yourself, we hand over everything and document how it works — you own the code and the accounts.
App Development
See the serviceHow much does it cost to build a mobile app in Ethiopia?
At Ampol Technologies a cross-platform app typically costs between 60,000 and 250,000 ETB, and a fully native app between 100,000 and 500,000 ETB. Features such as accounts and login, in-app payments, live map tracking and an admin dashboard are priced on top. Our pricing page has a calculator that gives you a range in a few clicks.
How long does app development take?
Expect 6 to 12 weeks for a straightforward app, 8 to 16 weeks for a cross-platform app with accounts and payments, and 10 to 20 weeks for a fully native app. We work in stages and show you a running build early, so you are never waiting months to see progress.
Do you build for both Android and iOS?
Yes. Most Ethiopian audiences are heavily Android, so we usually recommend launching Android first or building cross-platform so both stores are covered from one codebase. Where an app needs heavy performance or deep device features, we build native for each platform.
Can the app take payments?
Yes. We integrate the payment options your customers already use, including local mobile money and card gateways, along with secure accounts, order history and receipts. We will advise on which gateway fits your business and volume during the planning stage.
Do you publish the app to Google Play and the App Store?
Yes. We handle store listings, screenshots, descriptions and the submission process for both Google Play and the Apple App Store, and we support the app after launch with updates and fixes.
Custom Software & ERP
See the serviceHow much does an ERP system cost in Ethiopia?
At Ampol Technologies a single custom system — inventory, POS or HR on its own — typically costs between 100,000 and 350,000 ETB. A multi-module ERP runs from 350,000 to 900,000 ETB, and a large enterprise or industry-specific ERP from 900,000 ETB upward. Extra modules, data migration and staff training are quoted separately so you can phase the investment.
How long does it take to build an ERP system?
A single system takes about 6 to 12 weeks. A multi-module ERP typically takes 3 to 6 months, and a large enterprise ERP 6 to 18 months. We deliver module by module rather than in one big launch, so your team starts getting value long before the whole system is finished.
Why build custom software instead of buying an off-the-shelf ERP?
Imported ERP packages are built around business practices that often do not match Ethiopian operations — local tax and VAT handling, branch structures, cash workflows, supplier terms and reporting formats. You end up paying licence fees every year for features you never use, while still doing the real work in Excel. A custom system fits your process exactly, costs nothing in recurring licences, and belongs to you.
Can you move our existing data into the new system?
Yes. We migrate data from spreadsheets, older software or paper records, clean it as part of the move, and run the old and new systems in parallel for a period so nothing is lost during the switch.
Will you train our staff to use it?
Yes. Training and support are part of how we deliver. We train your team on the real system with real data, provide documentation in plain language, and stay available after handover for questions and fixes.
Branding & Design
See the serviceHow much does logo design cost in Ethiopia?
At Ampol Technologies a logo and core visual identity typically costs between 20,000 and 150,000 ETB depending on depth. Brand strategy work runs from 30,000 to 200,000 ETB, and a full brand identity from 50,000 to 250,000 ETB. A rebrand of an existing identity usually falls between 30,000 and 100,000 ETB.
How long does branding take?
A logo and core identity takes about 1 to 3 weeks. Brand strategy work takes 2 to 5 weeks, and a full brand identity 3 to 6 weeks. Rebranding an existing company typically takes 2 to 5 weeks.
Do I own the logo and design files?
Yes. On final payment you receive full ownership along with the editable source files and every export format you need for web, print and social — not just a flat image.
Can you design without building the website?
Yes. Branding and UI/UX design are offered on their own, and we hand over files any developer can build from. That said, most clients find it faster and cheaper when the same team designs and builds, because nothing gets lost in translation.
Social Media Marketing
See the serviceHow much does social media management cost in Ethiopia?
At Ampol Technologies content-only packages start between 5,000 and 15,000 ETB per month. Full management, including posting and community replies, runs from 15,000 to 40,000 ETB per month, and premium packages with paid advertising from 40,000 to 80,000 ETB per month. Ad spend itself is separate and stays under your control.
Which platforms should my business be on?
For most Ethiopian businesses, Telegram and TikTok drive the most direct reach, with Instagram and Facebook supporting brand credibility and paid targeting. LinkedIn matters if you sell to other businesses. Rather than spreading you across all of them, we pick the two or three where your customers actually are and do those properly.
Do you handle the advertising budget too?
We plan, set up and manage the campaigns, and we report on what each campaign returned. The ad spend stays in your own account and under your control, so you always see exactly where the money went.
Is there a minimum commitment?
Social media works on momentum, so we recommend at least three months to build and measure something real. We will tell you honestly if a shorter campaign makes more sense for a specific launch or event.
Still deciding?
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