Ivory Coast SMS Guide: Compliance, Sender IDs & Best Practices

Send SMS in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) by understanding local regulations, operator requirements, and technical specifications. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about SMS in Ivory Coast: ARTCI compliance requirements, sender ID registration process (3 weeks), phone number formats, operator integration with Orange, MTN, and Moov networks, and best practices for transactional messages, marketing campaigns, and two-factor authentication. Whether you're launching your first SMS campaign or scaling existing operations, this guide provides actionable steps for reliable SMS delivery in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast SMS Market Overview: Mobile Operators and Network Coverage

Market Conditions: Three major operators dominate Ivory Coast's mobile market: Orange (prefix 07), MTN (prefix 05), and Moov/Atlantic Telecom (prefix 01). Orange holds approximately 45% market share, while MTN Côte d'Ivoire leads in total mobile subscriptions as of 2023. Network coverage has expanded significantly – 2G/3G covers over 92.9% of the territory and 4G covers approximately 63.7% as of 2024 (source: ARTCI). Orange operates the highest-quality 4G/5G network in the country.

Market Penetration: As of Q4 2024, mobile penetration exceeds 150% (multiple SIM ownership), with over 48 million active connections serving a population of approximately 30 million. SMS usage remains strong for business-to-consumer communications despite OTT messaging growth in urban areas. Transactional SMS and authentication services drive 70% of business messaging volume.

On 31 January 2021, the country transitioned from 8-digit to 10-digit phone numbers by prepending two digits based on carrier (source: ITU Operational Bulletin No. 1266, 24.XII.2020). This change addressed mobile number resource saturation and ensures availability for growing demand.

Recent Infrastructure Developments: In late 2024 and early 2025, all three operators (Orange, MTN, and Moov Africa) committed to deploying approximately 240 small-scale radio sites nationwide to improve coverage across underserved areas.

Phone Number Format: Use 10-digit numbers in these formats:

• Within Côte d'Ivoire: XX XX XXX XXX
• International format: +225 XX XX XXX XXX

Mobile Operator Prefixes (effective 31 January 2021):

• 01: Moov/Atlantic Telecom (formerly Etisalat)
• 05: MTN Côte d'Ivoire
• 07: Orange Côte d'Ivoire
• Note: 8-digit numbers are obsolete. Use the 10-digit format with carrier prefix.

SMS Features and Technical Capabilities in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast supports concatenated messaging and alphanumeric sender IDs, but does not support two-way SMS.

Does Ivory Coast Support Two-Way SMS?

Two-way SMS is not supported in Ivory Coast. Design your SMS strategies around one-way communication flows.

Alternative for Two-Way Communication: Use USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes for interactive sessions. USSD enables real-time two-way communication through session-based menus. Contact your SMS provider or mobile operators directly to provision USSD short codes for interactive services like balance inquiries, surveys, or customer service menus.

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Yes – concatenation works for messages exceeding standard length limits, though support varies by sender ID type.

Message Length Rules:

• 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding
• 70 characters for UCS-2 encoding

Concatenation Example: A 320-character message automatically splits into three segments:

• Segment 1: 153 characters (7 characters reserved for concatenation header)
• Segment 2: 153 characters
• Segment 3: 14 characters (remaining content)
• Total cost: 3 message segments

Each segment is billed separately. Messages exceeding 160 characters use 153-character segments to accommodate concatenation headers.

Encoding Considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encoding are supported. Use UCS-2 for messages containing special characters or non-Latin alphabets.

MMS Support

MMS messages automatically convert to SMS with an embedded URL to access multimedia content. This ensures compatibility across all devices while enabling rich media sharing.

MMS-to-SMS Conversion Details:

• Pricing: MMS conversion costs 2–3 SMS segments plus standard SMS delivery fees
• URL Requirements: Use your own domain or your provider's whitelisted domain for media hosting
• Expiration: Media URLs typically remain active for 30 days
• Best practice: Notify recipients that they'll receive a link to view multimedia content

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Ivory Coast. Mobile numbers remain tied to their original network operators, simplifying message routing.

Carrier Identification: Determine the carrier from the phone prefix for routing optimization:

• 01: Route to Moov/Atlantic Telecom
• 05: Route to MTN Côte d'Ivoire
• 07: Route to Orange Côte d'Ivoire

This enables carrier-specific optimization, including tailored delivery settings, carrier-specific rate negotiation, and targeted retry logic.

Sending SMS to Landlines

SMS to landline numbers is not supported. Attempts to send messages to landlines result in a 400 response error (code 21614) through the REST API, with no message delivery and no charges to your account.

SMS Compliance and ARTCI Regulatory Requirements in Ivory Coast

The Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI) regulates SMS communications in Ivory Coast. Key regulatory frameworks include Law No. 2024-352 (June 6, 2024) relating to electronic communications, which updates the telecommunications regulatory framework, and Law No. 2013-450 on personal data protection. Recent ARTCI Decision n°2024-1194 (December 30, 2024) established SMS termination tariff ceilings for 2025-2027.

Enforcement and Penalties: While ARTCI has not published a comprehensive public registry of penalties, enforcement actions typically include suspension of sender IDs (immediate), fines ranging from 5 million to 50 million XOF ($8,000–$80,000 USD) for serious violations, and potential criminal liability for personal data protection violations under Law No. 2013-450. Repeat offenders face service provider blacklisting across all carriers.

Data Privacy and Personal Data Protection

Legal Framework: Law No. 2013-450 governs personal data protection in Côte d'Ivoire, enforced by ARTCI. This law aligns with the ECOWAS Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on Personal Data Protection (2010) and protects fundamental rights regarding personal data processing.

Key Data Protection Requirements:

• Obtain explicit consent before collecting or processing personal data for SMS campaigns
• Provide individuals the right to access, correct, supplement, update, or delete their personal data
• Honor requests to object to data processing for prospecting (marketing) purposes
• Maintain secure data processing practices and document compliance measures
• Ensure lawful data transfers if sharing recipient data across borders

Data Protection Compliance Checklist:

• Obtain and document explicit consent with timestamp and source
• Implement secure data storage with encryption at rest and in transit
• Establish data retention policy (recommend maximum 24 months for marketing lists)
• Create process for data subject access requests (respond within 30 days)
• Document lawful basis for processing under Law No. 2013-450
• Implement data breach notification procedures (notify ARTCI within 72 hours)
• Conduct annual data protection compliance audits
• Appoint data protection officer if processing over 100,000 records

Compliance Note: In December 2023, ARTCI announced a study on the impact of advanced technologies on personal data protection, indicating ongoing regulatory evolution in this area.

Consent and Opt-In Requirements

Explicit Consent Requirements:

• Obtain written or electronic consent before sending marketing messages
• Maintain detailed records of when and how you obtained consent, including timestamp and source
• Clearly communicate the purpose and frequency of messages during opt-in
• Document the scope of consent for compliance with Law No. 2013-450

Best Practices for Consent Collection:

• Use double opt-in processes for marketing lists
• Provide clear terms and conditions during signup
• Document consent timestamp, source, and scope
• Enable easy opt-out methods at signup

Consent Form Template:

I consent to receive SMS messages from [YOUR COMPANY NAME] at the phone number provided. I understand that:
- Messages may include promotional offers, account updates, and service notifications
- Message frequency: Up to 3 messages per day
- Standard SMS rates may apply
- I can opt out at any time by replying STOP or ARRETER
- My personal data will be processed according to [PRIVACY POLICY LINK]

[ ] I agree (checkbox or electronic signature)
Date: _______________
Phone Number: +225 __ __ ___ ___

HELP/STOP Commands

• Support standard STOP commands in all SMS campaigns
• Recognize HELP and STOP keywords in both French and English
• Common French keywords: ARRETER, STOP, DESABONNER
• Respond to HELP/STOP commands immediately and free of charge

Automated HELP/STOP Processing:

// Implement keyword detection and automated responses
function processInboundKeyword(message: string, sender: string): string {
  const normalized = message.trim().toUpperCase();

  // STOP/opt-out keywords
  if (['STOP', 'ARRETER', 'DESABONNER', 'UNSUBSCRIBE'].includes(normalized)) {
    removeFromList(sender); // Remove from database
    return "Vous êtes désabonné. You have been unsubscribed.";
  }

  // HELP keywords
  if (['HELP', 'AIDE', 'INFO'].includes(normalized)) {
    return "Pour se désabonner, répondez STOP. To unsubscribe, reply STOP. Support: [contact]";
  }

  return null; // No keyword matched
}

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

Ivory Coast does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry. Follow these practices:

• Maintain your own suppression lists
• Honor opt-out requests within 24 hours
• Keep records of opted-out numbers for at least 12 months
• Regularly clean contact lists to remove unsubscribed numbers

Sending Time Restrictions and Frequency Limits

Time Restrictions:

• Avoid sending messages between 10 PM and 6 AM local time (Africa/Abidjan, GMT+0)
• Limit messages to 3 per subscriber per day
• Exception: Send emergency or explicitly requested messages outside these hours

Time Zone Handling for Automated Campaigns:

import { DateTime } from 'luxon';

function canSendMessage(recipientTimezone: string = 'Africa/Abidjan'): boolean {
  const now = DateTime.now().setZone(recipientTimezone);
  const hour = now.hour;

  // Allow sending between 6 AM and 10 PM local time
  return hour >= 6 && hour < 22;
}

How to Register an SMS Sender ID in Ivory Coast

Alphanumeric Sender ID Registration Process

Operator network capability: Fully supported across all major networks Registration requirements: Pre-registration required – no dynamic usage allowed Sender ID preservation: Yes – registered IDs are preserved across networks Provisioning time: Approximately 3 weeks for registration approval

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

1. Choose sender ID: Select an 11-character maximum alphanumeric ID (avoid generic terms)
2. Prepare documentation:
   • Business registration certificate or company incorporation documents
   • Tax identification number (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale)
   • Authorized signatory identification
   • Sample message templates (minimum 3 examples)
   • Full URLs for any links in messages (no URL shorteners)
   • Use case description and estimated monthly volume
3. Submit application: Contact your SMS provider to initiate registration
4. Provider review: Provider validates documentation (3–5 business days)
5. Carrier approval: Carriers review and approve sender ID (2–3 weeks)
6. Testing: Conduct test sends across all three networks
7. Go live: Launch campaigns after successful testing

Registration Restrictions (effective 2024-2025):

• Prohibited content types: Promotional content registration is not allowed through certain providers; verify specific restrictions with your SMS provider
• Prohibited sender IDs: Generic sender IDs such as "InfoSMS_" "INFO_" "Verify_" "Notify" are not permitted
• Brand protection: "Google" and other major brand names are prohibited as sender IDs
• Documentation required: Provide your desired sender ID (maximum 11 characters) and sample message content_ including any URL links (shortened URLs not accepted)

Required Business Documents:

• Company registration certificate (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier)
• Valid tax identification number (NIF)
• Government-issued ID for authorized signatory
• Proof of business address in Ivory Coast or international business license
• Letter of authorization for SMS campaigns on company letterhead

Important: Promotional messaging may face additional restrictions. Verify current requirements with your SMS provider before registering sender IDs for marketing campaigns.

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International:

• Domestic long codes: Supported but not available through international providers
• International long codes: Supported with limitations on MTN network

Sender ID preservation: No – international long codes may be modified by carriers Use cases: Recommended for transactional messages and two-factor authentication (2FA)

Short Codes

Support: Available through major carriers Provisioning time: 8–12 weeks for approval and setup Use cases: Ideal for:

• High-volume marketing campaigns
• Two-factor authentication
• Customer service interactions

Short Code Pricing and Application:

• Setup fee: $1_000–$5_000 USD (one-time_ carrier-dependent)
• Monthly rental: $500–$1_500 USD per month per carrier
• Application process: Submit application through your SMS provider with business documentation_ use case description_ and message templates
• Approval criteria: Carriers evaluate business legitimacy_ message content_ and volume projections

Restricted SMS Content and Prohibited Industries in Ivory Coast

Restricted Industries:

• Gambling and betting services
• Adult content or services
• Cryptocurrency promotions
• Political messaging without proper authorization
• Religious content (subject to carrier filtering)
• Unsolicited promotional content

Content Filtering

Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Messages containing certain keywords may be blocked or filtered by carriers
• Use URLs from approved domains only; shortened URLs may be rejected
• Send message content in French or English
• Avoid religious or political content without authorization

Commonly Filtered Keywords by Carrier:

Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:

• Avoid excessive punctuation or special characters
• Don't use all caps for entire messages
• Limit URL usage in marketing messages
• Keep content clear_ professional_ and factual
• Test messages across all three carriers before launching campaigns

SMS Marketing Best Practices for Ivory Coast (2025)

Effective SMS Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear calls-to-action
• Personalize messages using subscriber name or relevant details
• Maintain consistent sender ID across campaigns

SMS Copywriting Examples for Ivory Coast:

Transactional (French):
"Bonjour [NAME]_ votre commande #12345 est confirmée. Livraison prévue le 15/03. Suivez: [URL]"

Promotional (French):
"[BRAND]: -30% sur tous les articles ce week-end ! Visitez notre boutique d'Abidjan ou commandez sur [URL]. Répondez STOP pour se désabonner."

2FA (Bilingual):
"Votre code de vérification: 847392. Valable 10 min. Your verification code: 847392. Valid 10 min."

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Maximum 3 messages per day per subscriber
• Respect religious holidays and Sundays
• Peak engagement hours: 9 AM – 6 PM local time
• Space out campaign messages to avoid overwhelming recipients

Major Ivorian Holidays to Avoid for Marketing:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Easter Monday (varies)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Ascension Day (varies)
• Whit Monday (varies)
• Independence Day (August 7)
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• National Peace Day (November 15)
• Christmas (December 25)
• Eid al-Fitr (varies_ Islamic calendar)
• Eid al-Adha (varies_ Islamic calendar)
• Ramadan period (avoid promotional messages during fasting hours)

Localization and Language Considerations

• Primary language: French
• Bilingual messages: Consider bilingual content for important communications
• Date and time formats: Use local formats (DD/MM/YYYY)
• Cultural sensitivity: Respect cultural norms in your content

Cultural Nuances and Messaging Tone:

• Use formal French ("vous") rather than informal ("tu") in business communications
• Greetings are important – start with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" based on time of day
• Show respect for elders and authority in tone
• Family and community values resonate strongly – emphasize collective benefits
• Avoid overly aggressive sales language; prefer informative_ respectful tones
• Reference local landmarks or neighborhoods for geographic relevance (e.g._ "Notre boutique à Cocody")

Opt-Out Management

• Process opt-outs within 24 hours
• Send confirmation when opt-out is successful
• Maintain unified opt-out lists across all campaigns
• Audit opt-out compliance regularly

Testing and Monitoring

• Test across all three major carriers (Orange_ MTN_ Moov)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier
• Track engagement metrics and opt-out rates
• Test HELP/STOP functionality regularly

KPIs and Benchmarks for SMS Campaigns in Ivory Coast:

How to Integrate SMS APIs for Ivory Coast (Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird)

Twilio SMS API for Ivory Coast

Twilio provides a robust SMS API with specific support for Ivory Coast's messaging requirements.

Authentication and Setup:

• Account SID and Auth Token required
• Pre-registered alphanumeric sender IDs recommended
• E.164 number format mandatory (+225)

import { Twilio } from 'twilio';

// Initialize Twilio client
const client = new Twilio(
  process.env.TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID,
  process.env.TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

// Function to send SMS to Ivory Coast with retry logic
async function sendSMSToIvoryCoast(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string,
  maxRetries: number = 3
) {
  // Validate phone number format
  if (!to.startsWith('+225')) {
    throw new Error('Invalid Ivory Coast phone number format');
  }

  // Determine carrier from prefix for error handling
  const carrier = getCarrier(to);

  for (let attempt = 1; attempt <= maxRetries; attempt++) {
    try {
      const response = await client.messages.create({
        body: message,
        from: senderId, // Pre-registered alphanumeric sender ID
        to: to,
        statusCallback: 'https://your-callback-url.com/status'
      });

      console.log(`Message sent successfully: ${response.sid}`);
      return response;
    } catch (error: any) {
      // Carrier-specific error handling
      if (error.code === 21408) {
        // Permission to send not enabled for region
        throw new Error(`Sender ID ${senderId} not registered for Ivory Coast`);
      } else if (error.code === 21614) {
        // Invalid recipient (e.g., landline)
        throw new Error(`Invalid recipient number: ${to}`);
      } else if (error.code === 30003 && attempt < maxRetries) {
        // Unreachable destination - retry with exponential backoff
        const delay = Math.pow(2, attempt) * 1000;
        console.log(`Retry attempt ${attempt} after ${delay}ms for ${carrier}`);
        await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, delay));
        continue;
      }

      if (attempt === maxRetries) {
        console.error(`Failed after ${maxRetries} attempts:`, error);
        throw error;
      }
    }
  }
}

function getCarrier(phoneNumber: string): string {
  const prefix = phoneNumber.substring(4, 6); // Extract XX from +225XX
  const carriers: Record<string_ string&gt; = {
    '01': 'Moov',
    '05': 'MTN',
    '07': 'Orange'
  };
  return carriers[prefix] || 'Unknown';
}

Sinch

Sinch offers direct carrier connections in Ivory Coast with support for high-volume messaging.

import { SinchClient } from '@sinch/sdk';

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  apiKey: process.env.SINCH_API_KEY,
  apiSecret: process.env.SINCH_API_SECRET
});

async function sendBatchSMS(
  recipients: string[],
  message: string
) {
  try {
    const batch = await sinchClient.sms.batches.create({
      from: 'YOUR_SENDER_ID',
      to: recipients.map(num => num.startsWith('+225') ? num : `+225${num}`),
      body: message,
      deliveryReport: 'summary'
    });

    return batch;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Batch sending failed:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

MessageBird (Bird)

MessageBird provides specific features for the Ivory Coast market including delivery optimization.

import { MessageBird } from 'messagebird';

// Initialize MessageBird client
const messagebird = new MessageBird(process.env.MESSAGEBIRD_API_KEY);

interface SMSResponse {
  id: string;
  status: string;
  recipients: {
    total: number;
    delivered: number;
  };
}

async function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  recipient: string,
  message: string
): Promise<SMSResponse&gt; {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) =&gt; {
    messagebird.messages.create({
      originator: 'YOUR_SENDER_ID',
      recipients: [recipient],
      body: message,
      datacoding: 'auto', // Handles special characters
      type: 'premium' // For guaranteed delivery
    }, (err, response) =&gt; {
      if (err) {
        reject(err);
        return;
      }
      resolve(response);
    });
  });
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

Rate Limits by Provider:

• Twilio: 100 messages per second
• Sinch: 250 messages per second
• MessageBird: 150 messages per second

Carrier-Imposed Rate Limits:

• Orange: 50 messages/second per sender ID
• MTN: 30 messages/second per sender ID
• Moov: 40 messages/second per sender ID

These carrier limits apply regardless of provider API limits. Distribute high-volume campaigns across multiple sender IDs or use throttling to respect carrier constraints.

Throughput Management:

// Example rate limiting implementation
import { RateLimiter } from 'limiter';

const limiter = new RateLimiter({
  tokensPerInterval: 100,
  interval: 'second'
});

async function sendBulkSMS(messages: Array<{to: string_ body: string}>) {
  const results = [];

  for (const msg of messages) {
    await limiter.removeTokens(1);
    try {
      const result = await sendSMSToIvoryCoast(msg.to, msg.body, 'YOUR_SENDER_ID');
      results.push(result);
    } catch (error) {
      console.error(`Failed to send to ${msg.to}:`, error);
      results.push({ error, to: msg.to });
    }
  }

  return results;
}

Error Handling and Logging

Common Error Scenarios:

• Invalid phone number format
• Unregistered sender ID
• Network timeouts
• Carrier rejections

Error Codes and Resolutions for Ivory Coast:

Logging Best Practices:

interface SMSLog {
  timestamp: Date;
  recipient: string;
  status: string;
  error?: any;
  provider: string;
  messageId?: string;
  carrier?: string;
  segmentCount?: number;
}

async function logSMSActivity(log: SMSLog): Promise<void&gt; {
  // Add carrier information
  log.carrier = getCarrier(log.recipient);

  console.log(JSON.stringify(log, null, 2));

  // Store in database with retention policy
  await db.smsLogs.insert({
    ...log,
    expiresAt: new Date(Date.now() + 90 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000) // 90-day retention
  });
}

Frequently Asked Questions: Sending SMS in Ivory Coast

What phone number format should I use for sending SMS in Ivory Coast?

Use the international E.164 format: +225 XX XX XXX XXX. Ivory Coast transitioned to 10-digit numbers on 31 January 2021 (source: ITU Operational Bulletin No. 1266). The first two digits identify the mobile operator: 01 for Moov/Atlantic Telecom, 05 for MTN, and 07 for Orange. Always include the +225 country code when sending international SMS to ensure proper routing.

Do I need to register my sender ID in Ivory Coast?

Yes, alphanumeric sender ID registration is mandatory in Ivory Coast and takes approximately 3 weeks. Dynamic sender IDs are not allowed. Pre-register through your SMS provider before launching campaigns. Provide your desired sender ID (maximum 11 characters), sample message content, and full URLs (no shortened links). Generic sender IDs like "INFO" or "Verify" are prohibited, as are major brand names like "Google."

What are the SMS compliance requirements in Ivory Coast?

Ivory Coast SMS compliance requires: (1) explicit consent under Law No. 2013-450 before sending marketing messages, (2) support for STOP commands in French (ARRETER, DESABONNER) and English, (3) honoring opt-outs within 24 hours, (4) avoiding sending between 10 PM and 6 AM, and (5) limiting messages to 3 per subscriber per day. ARTCI enforces these regulations, with recent updates in Law No. 2024-352 (June 2024).

Which mobile operators work in Ivory Coast?

Three major mobile operators work in Ivory Coast: Orange Côte d'Ivoire (prefix 07, ~45% market share), MTN Côte d'Ivoire (prefix 05, leading in subscriptions), and Moov Africa/Atlantic Telecom (prefix 01). As of 2024, network coverage reaches 92.9% for 2G/3G and 63.7% for 4G (source: ARTCI). Number portability is not available, so phone numbers remain tied to their original operator, which simplifies routing.

Can I send two-way SMS in Ivory Coast?

No, two-way SMS is not currently supported in Ivory Coast. You cannot receive replies to SMS messages sent through standard SMS channels. Design your SMS strategies around one-way communication flows only. For applications requiring user responses, consider alternative solutions like web forms, USSD codes, or dedicated mobile apps.

How long does sender ID registration take in Ivory Coast?

Alphanumeric sender ID registration in Ivory Coast takes approximately 3 weeks for approval. Short code provisioning requires 8–12 weeks for approval and setup. Plan your launch timeline accordingly and submit registration requests well in advance of campaign start dates. Registration requirements include sample content, URL verification, and compliance checks by local carriers.

What message length limits apply in Ivory Coast?

Ivory Coast follows standard SMS length limits: 160 characters per message segment for GSM-7 encoding (Latin alphabet), and 70 characters per segment for UCS-2 encoding (special characters, emojis, non-Latin scripts). Concatenated messages are supported, allowing longer content to be split across multiple segments. Each segment is billed separately, so optimize message length to minimize costs while maintaining clarity.

How much does it cost to send SMS in Ivory Coast?

SMS pricing in Ivory Coast varies by provider, operator, and message volume. Typical costs range from $0.03 to $0.08 per message segment. Costs differ between Orange, MTN, and Moov networks. Alphanumeric sender IDs may incur higher rates than numeric long codes. Bulk volume discounts are available from most SMS providers. Contact your SMS gateway provider for current pricing specific to your use case and volume commitments.

Cost Comparison by Carrier and Message Type:

Note: Pricing varies by provider contracts and volume commitments. Request provider-specific quotes for accurate pricing.

What content is restricted for SMS in Ivory Coast?

Restricted content in Ivory Coast includes: gambling and betting promotions, adult content, cryptocurrency promotions, political messaging without authorization, religious content (subject to carrier filtering), and unsolicited promotional messages. Carriers actively filter messages containing prohibited keywords. Avoid shortened URLs, excessive punctuation, and all-caps text. Test messages across all three operators before launching campaigns to ensure deliverability.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Key Takeaways:

• Always use pre-registered sender IDs (3-week approval process)
• Implement proper rate limiting (respect carrier limits: Orange 50/sec, MTN 30/sec, Moov 40/sec)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier (target >95%)
• Maintain comprehensive logging with 90-day retention
• Follow time window restrictions (avoid 10 PM – 6 AM, Africa/Abidjan GMT+0)
• Obtain explicit consent and honor opt-outs within 24 hours
• Test across all three carriers before launching campaigns

Troubleshooting Checklist for Common Delivery Issues:

• Low delivery rate (<85%):

  • Verify sender ID registration status with all carriers
  • Check for filtered keywords in message content
  • Validate phone number format (all numbers use +225 XX format)
  • Test across each carrier individually to isolate issues

• Messages not delivered to specific carrier:

  • Confirm sender ID is registered with that carrier
  • Check carrier-specific rate limits aren't exceeded
  • Verify no carrier-specific content restrictions apply

• High opt-out rate (>3%):

  • Review message frequency (max 3/day)
  • Check sending times (avoid 10 PM–6 AM)
  • Evaluate message relevance and personalization
  • Verify consent collection process

• Error code 21408 (permission not enabled):

  • Sender ID not registered – initiate registration process
  • Contact SMS provider to verify ARTCI approval status

• Error code 30003 (unreachable destination):

  • Implement retry logic with exponential backoff
  • Check if recipient number is active
  • Verify carrier network status

Next Steps:

1. Register sender IDs with your chosen provider (allow 3 weeks for approval)
2. Implement delivery tracking with webhook callbacks for real-time status updates
3. Set up monitoring and alerting for delivery rates below 95% and error rate thresholds
4. Test with small volumes (100–500 messages per carrier) before scaling to full campaigns
5. Document compliance procedures including consent collection, opt-out processing, and data protection measures
6. Establish success metrics: Set baseline KPIs for delivery rate (>95%), CTR (>8%), and opt-out rate (<1%)

Launch Checklist:

• Sender ID registered and approved by all three carriers
• Sample messages tested across Orange, MTN, and Moov
• Opt-out processing automated (STOP/ARRETER keywords)
• Rate limiting configured (respect carrier-specific limits)
• Delivery tracking and logging implemented
• Time window restrictions enforced (6 AM–10 PM only)
• Consent documentation process established
• Error handling and retry logic deployed
• Monitoring dashboard configured with KPI alerts
• Emergency contact established with SMS provider support

Additional Resources:

• ARTCI (Telecom Regulator): https://www.artci.ci
• National Numbering Plan: Official documentation from ARTCI
• Orange Ivory Coast Developer Portal: Contact Orange directly for developer resources
• Important: Always verify current regulatory requirements with ARTCI before launching campaigns, as regulations are evolving.