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