SMS Country Information Guide: Africa (A-L)

Algeria

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Algeria Phone Number: Yes

  • Algeria Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Angola

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Angola Phone Number: Yes

  • Angola Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Benin

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Benin Phone Number: Yes

  • Benin Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Botswana

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Botswana Phone Number: Yes

  • Botswana Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Burkina Faso

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Long Code (Phone Number)

  • Promotional SMS: Long Code (Phone Number)

  • Two-Way Conversations: SMS with a two-way long number

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): No

  • Burkina Faso Phone Number: Yes

  • Burkina Faso Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Burundi

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Burundi Phone Number: Yes

  • Burundi Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Cameroon

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Cameroon Phone Number: Yes

  • Cameroon Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Cape Verde

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Cape Verde Phone Number: Yes

  • Cape Verde Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Central African Republic

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Central African Republic Phone Number: Yes

  • Central African Republic Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Chad

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Long Code (Phone Number)

  • Promotional SMS: Long Code (Phone Number)

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Chad Phone Number: Yes

  • Chad Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Sender registration is required and can be either an alpha or long code sender

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Comoros

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Comoros Phone Number: Yes

  • Comoros Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Congo

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Congo Phone Number: Yes

  • Congo Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Congo Democratic Republic

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Congo Democratic Republic Phone Number: Yes

  • Congo Democratic Republic Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation. Local traffic requires sender ID registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Cote D'Ivoire Phone Number: Yes

  • Cote D'Ivoire Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Djibouti

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): No

  • Djibouti Phone Number: No

  • Djibouti Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Egypt

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Egypt Phone Number: Yes

  • Egypt Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation. Local traffic requires sender ID registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Equatorial Guinea

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Short Code

  • Promotional SMS: Short Code

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): No

  • Equatorial Guinea Phone Number: No

  • Equatorial Guinea Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Eritrea

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): No

  • Eritrea Phone Number: No

  • Eritrea Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Ethiopia

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Ethiopia Phone Number: No

  • Ethiopia Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Gabon

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Gabon Phone Number: Yes

  • Gabon Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Gambia

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Gambia Phone Number: Yes

  • Gambia Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Dynamic sender IDs fully supported

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Ghana

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Ghana Phone Number: No

  • Ghana Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Guinea

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Guinea Phone Number: Yes

  • Guinea Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Guinea-Bissau

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Guinea-Bissau Phone Number: Yes

  • Guinea-Bissau Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Kenya

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Kenya Phone Number: No

  • Kenya Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: Yes

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Certificate of Incorporation or business license is required for sender ID registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Lesotho

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

  • Lesotho Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

  • Lesotho Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

  • International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Liberia

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: SMS with a two-way long number

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Liberia Phone Number: No

  • Liberia Short Code: No

  • International Phone Number: No

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Dynamic Alpha sender is allowed

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Libya

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

  • Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

  • Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

  • Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

  • Libya Phone Number: Yes

  • Libya Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

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