> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bird.com/applications/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms/concepts/choose-the-right-sender-availability-and-restrictions-by-country/sms-country-information-guide-africa-a-l.md). # 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 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