Get a demoLog inAcademyDevelopers

SMS Country Information Guide: Africa (M-Z)

Madagascar

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

  • Madagascar Phone Number: Yes

  • Madagascar Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Malawi

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

  • Malawi Phone Number: Yes

  • Malawi Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Mali

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

  • Mali Phone Number: Yes

  • Mali Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Mauritania

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

  • Mauritania Phone Number: Yes

  • Mauritania 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

Mauritius

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

  • Mauritius Phone Number: Yes

  • Mauritius Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

Restrictions

  • Operator Registration Required: No

  • Generic URL Shortening: Yes

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Morocco

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

  • Morocco Phone Number: Yes

  • Morocco Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

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

Mozambique

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

  • Mozambique Phone Number: Yes

  • Mozambique Short Code: Yes

  • International Phone Number: Yes

  • Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes

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

Namibia

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 short code by operators)

  • Namibia Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

  • Namibia Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

  • International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code 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 short code 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

Niger

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 short code

Sender Types Supported

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

  • Niger Phone Number: No

  • Niger 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

Nigeria

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

  • Nigeria Phone Number: Yes

  • Nigeria 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

Additional Notes:

  • Local traffic requires registration

  • International traffic is Alpha dynamic

  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for Banking and Financial traffic

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Rwanda

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

  • Rwanda Phone Number: No

  • Rwanda 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: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Sao Tome and Principe

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

  • Sao Tome and Principe Phone Number: Yes

  • Sao Tome and Principe 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

Senegal

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

  • Senegal Phone Number: Yes

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

  • Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Local registration is required

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Seychelles

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

  • Seychelles Phone Number: Yes

  • Seychelles 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

Sierra Leone

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

  • Sierra Leone Phone Number: Yes

  • Sierra Leone 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

Somalia

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

  • Somalia Phone Number: Yes

  • Somalia 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

South Africa

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

  • South Africa Phone Number: No

  • South Africa 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: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

South Sudan

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

  • South Sudan Phone Number: No

  • South Sudan 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: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Sudan

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

  • Sudan Phone Number: No

  • Sudan 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: This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Swaziland (Eswatini)

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

  • Swaziland Phone Number: No

  • Swaziland 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

Tanzania

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

  • Tanzania Phone Number: No

  • Tanzania 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:

  • This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for sender ID registration

  • Must include brand name inside the SMS content for Airtel network

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Togo

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

  • Togo Phone Number: Yes

  • Togo 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

Tunisia

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

  • Tunisia Phone Number: No

  • Tunisia 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

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Uganda

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

  • Uganda Phone Number: Yes

  • Uganda 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

Zambia

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

  • Zambia Phone Number: No

  • Zambia 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

Zimbabwe

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

  • Zimbabwe Phone Number: No

  • Zimbabwe 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

Was this helpful?