Senegal SMS Pricing Guide: Compare Costs & API Providers

Compare SMS pricing in Senegal across international gateways and local operators. This guide breaks down 2025 rates from Twilio ($0.4411/SMS), Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip, plus Orange Senegal, Yas Senegal, and Expresso Telecom. Find per-message costs, volume discounts, technical requirements, and compliance rules to choose the right SMS solution for your business.

Understanding the SMS Landscape in Senegal

Senegal's SMS market is a blend of international gateway providers and local operators. Overseen by the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP), the market aims to balance fair competition with consumer protection. ARTP is an independent administrative authority with legal personality and financial autonomy, responsible for regulating telecommunications and postal sectors. In January 2025, ARTP reinforced subscriber identification rules for enhanced security and transparency.

Subscriber Identification Impact on Business Users: Under Article 36 of Law No. 2018-28 (December 12, 2018 Electronic Communications Code), operators must identify all users at subscription and retain identification data. Business users must present commercial registry documentation and NINEA numbers when purchasing SIM cards for SMS services. Individual subscribers are limited to 3 SIM cards per operator.

Non-Compliance Penalties: ARTP enforces strict penalties for regulatory violations: formal notice with 30-day compliance period, fines up to 3% of annual turnover (doubled for repeat offenses), partial or total license suspension, license duration reduction, or permanent withdrawal. Operators face these sanctions for failing to properly identify subscribers or maintain identification records.

Key players include:

• International SMS Gateways: Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, Infobip, and Vonage offer API-driven solutions for businesses, providing global reach and advanced features.
• Local Operators: Orange Senegal (Sonatel), Yas Senegal (formerly Free/Tigo), and Expresso Telecom cater primarily to individual consumers, offering competitive rates for domestic messaging. As of Q3 2024, Orange Senegal holds 56.23% market share, Yas Senegal has 24.47%, and Expresso has 17.02%.

What Are International SMS Gateway Prices in Senegal?

Looking for SMS API pricing in Senegal? International SMS gateway providers charge $0.16-$0.44 per message with full API access, delivery tracking, and enterprise support—significantly higher than local operator rates but essential for businesses requiring programmatic integration and global reach.

International gateways provide robust APIs, comprehensive documentation, and global reach, making them ideal for businesses with international communication needs. However, their per-message costs are generally higher than local operators. Expect rates to range from $0.16 to $0.44 per message.

Why International Gateways Cost More: International SMS providers charge higher rates due to: (1) inter-carrier routing fees for connecting to Senegalese operators, (2) infrastructure costs for maintaining global API platforms and direct operator connections, (3) compliance and delivery reporting systems, (4) 24/7 support and enterprise SLAs, and (5) currency conversion and international transaction overhead. Direct local operator rates ($0.02-$0.08) lack API access, delivery tracking, and programmatic integration—features businesses pay premiums for with international gateways.

Senegal Quick Reference

Key Features and Considerations:

• Direct Operator Connections: Gateways establish direct connections with operators worldwide, ensuring reliable message delivery. Example: Twilio maintains dedicated connections to Orange Senegal, Yas Senegal, and Expresso, bypassing intermediary aggregators for faster delivery.
• API Access: Integrate SMS functionality directly into your applications using well-documented APIs. RESTful APIs support all major programming languages (Python, Node.js, PHP, Java, Ruby).
• Delivery Reporting: Track message status (delivered, failed, queued, undelivered) in real-time with webhook callbacks for automated monitoring and alerting.
• Message Routing Optimization: Providers optimize routing to minimize latency and maximize deliverability. Intelligent routing selects the most reliable path based on historical delivery rates.
• Volume-Based Discounts: Significant cost savings are available for high-volume messaging. Typical tiers: 10K-50K messages (5-10% discount), 50K-100K (10-15%), 100K+ (15-25%), enterprise committed-use (25-40%).
• Compliance and Regulations: Adhering to local regulations, such as obtaining opt-in consent for marketing messages, is crucial. Vonage, for example, explicitly prohibits unsolicited promotional messages in Senegal. Twilio provides detailed guidelines for Senegal, emphasizing opt-in consent and responsible messaging practices. They also highlight that numeric sender IDs are not supported by Orange and Expresso, requiring alphanumeric sender IDs instead.

Provider Comparison:

Note: Twilio and Plivo pricing verified from official sources (October 2025). Sinch and Infobip pricing not publicly available – contact providers directly for quotes. Prices subject to change.

Real Cost Example: Sending 50,000 messages/month via Plivo to Orange Senegal: 50,000 × $0.2917 = $14,585 base cost. With 10-15% volume discount: $12,400-$13,125 effective monthly cost. Twilio at $0.4411/SMS: $22,055 base, ~$18,750-$19,850 with discounts. Local operator direct integration at $0.06/SMS: $3,000 (but requires custom development and lacks API features).

How Much Do Local Senegal Operators Charge for SMS?

Need the cheapest SMS rates in Senegal? Local mobile operators—Orange Senegal, Yas Senegal, and Expresso—offer domestic SMS from $0.02-$0.08 per message, up to 10× cheaper than international gateways. However, direct operator integration requires custom development and may lack enterprise-grade APIs.

Local operators offer competitive rates for domestic messaging within Senegal. These are suitable for businesses targeting a local audience. However, integrating with local operators might require custom solutions and may lack the advanced features of international gateways. The mobile subscriber base grew 7.8% in 2024, with 5G services launched by Orange Senegal and Yas Senegal.

Business Integration with Local Operators: Orange Senegal offers the SMS Senegal API for direct integration. Process: (1) Register at Orange Developer Portal, (2) Submit application for SMS API access and await validation (typically 3-5 business days), (3) Purchase SMS bundles (25-5,000 SMS starting at 20 FCFA/message, ~$0.033/SMS) using Orange airtime credit or bank transfer for volumes >100K/month, (4) Integrate using OAuth 2.0 authentication with Client ID and Client Secret, (5) Send SMS via REST API supporting PHP, JavaScript, Java, Python, C#, Ruby. Orange is the only operator allowing bundle purchase via communication credit. Yas Senegal and Expresso require direct commercial agreements—contact sales departments for business accounts.

Contract Requirements: Orange API requires no monthly minimum for pay-as-you-go. Enterprise clients needing >100K messages/month, custom sender names, or SMS response capabilities must contact Orange's commercial team for dedicated agreements. Yas Senegal and Expresso: minimum commitments vary (typically 10K-50K messages/month for business accounts), setup requires company registration documents, NINEA number, and signed service contract.

Note: Prices are based on conversions from CFA francs and are subject to change. Contact the operator directly for precise pricing. Market share data from ARTP Q3 2024 report.

What Technical Requirements Apply to Sending SMS in Senegal?

Number Format and Validation

Senegal Phone Number Format:

International: +221 N XX XX XX XX
E.164 Format: +221NXXXXXXXX (9 digits after country code)
Example: +221 778 688 219 or +221778688219

Validation Requirements:

• Country code: +221 (mandatory for international SMS)
• Local number length: 9 digits
• Service category digit: N = 3 (landline) or 7 (mobile)
• E.164 format recommended for storage and API calls

Regex Validation Pattern:

^(\+221|221)?[37]\d{8}$

This matches: optional +221 or 221 prefix, followed by 3 or 7, then 8 digits. Example validation code (JavaScript):

function isValidSenegalNumber(phone) {
  const regex = /^(\+221|221)?[37]\d{8}$/;
  return regex.test(phone.replace(/\s/g, ''));
}

Sender ID Requirements

Alphanumeric Sender IDs:

• Supported without pre-registration (fully dynamic)
• Character limit: 11 characters (alphanumeric)
• Use for one-way promotional and transactional messages
• Recommended for branding and recognition

Numeric Sender IDs:

• Not supported by Orange Senegal and Expresso Telecom
• Use alphanumeric sender IDs instead

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Messaging Restrictions:

• Time restrictions: No messaging between 10PM–6AM
• Opt-in consent: Mandatory for marketing messages
• Unsolicited promotional messages: Prohibited
• Language support: French and Wolof recommended

Opt-In Consent Implementation: Businesses must obtain explicit documented consent before sending marketing SMS. Best practices: (1) Use double opt-in—send confirmation SMS after initial signup, (2) Include clear opt-in language: "Reply YES to receive promotional offers from [Business Name]", (3) Store consent records with timestamp, source (web form, in-store signup, app), and IP address, (4) Maintain audit trail for ARTP compliance verification, (5) Initial opt-in message template: "Welcome to [Business]. You'll receive updates in French/Wolof. Reply STOP to opt out. Msg rates may apply."

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Content:

• Acceptable: Transactional notifications (order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders), OTPs and 2FA codes, account alerts, opted-in promotional offers with clear sender identification, customer service responses.
• Unacceptable: Unsolicited marketing, gambling/betting promotions without authorization, adult content, phishing attempts, messages impersonating government agencies, content with excessive special characters or ALL CAPS (triggers spam filters), unauthorized financial solicitations, political campaign messages without ARTP approval.

ARTP Regulations (2025):

• Subscriber identification rules enforced (January 2025)
• QoS (Quality of Service) monitoring required
• SIM card registration mandatory
• Mobile Number Portability (MNP) supported

Technical Limitations

• Two-way SMS: Not universally supported by all providers
• Concatenation: Limited support (avoid messages >160 chars GSM-7 or >70 chars Unicode)
• Sender ID preservation: Not guaranteed (international long codes may be modified)
• MMS support: Varies by provider and operator (often converted to SMS with URL link)

Workarounds: For two-way communication, use dedicated phone numbers or implement web-based response mechanisms (include URL in SMS for replies). For long messages, split into multiple 160-character segments or use URL shorteners linking to full content. For MMS limitations, host images externally and include https:// links in SMS body.

What Factors Influence SMS Pricing in Senegal?

Several factors contribute to the final cost of SMS services:

• Geographic Location: International messages typically cost more than domestic ones due to routing and inter-carrier fees. Senegal domestic SMS via local operators: $0.02-$0.08. International gateway routing adds 5-10× markup.
• Message Volume: Higher volumes usually unlock tiered discounts. Consider your projected message volume when choosing a provider. Enterprise committed-use discounts available from major providers.
  • Quantitative Example: 5,000 msgs/month at Plivo: $0.2917/msg = $1,458.50. 50,000 msgs/month (10-15% discount): $0.248-$0.263/msg = $12,400-$13,150 (15-20% savings). 500,000 msgs/month (25-30% discount): $0.204-$0.219/msg = $102,000-$109,500 (30-35% savings vs. base rate).
• Pricing Model: Providers offer various pricing models:
  • Subscription: Fixed monthly fee with a predetermined message allowance.
  • Pay-As-You-Go: Pay only for what you use, offering flexibility but potentially higher per-message costs for lower volumes.
  • Hybrid: A combination of fixed and variable costs, often tailored for enterprise clients.
• Features: Advanced features like short codes, dedicated sender IDs, and two-way messaging can influence pricing. Note that two-way SMS is not universally supported by all providers in Senegal.
• Carrier Fees: In some cases, additional carrier fees may apply. Twilio charges $0.001 per message processing fee for messages that terminate in a "Failed" status.
• Sender ID Type: Alphanumeric sender IDs (free with most providers) vs. dedicated phone numbers (monthly lease fees starting at $1.15/month with Twilio).

Market Context (2024-2025)

Regulatory Developments:

• January 2025: ARTP reinforced subscriber identification rules
• 5G licensing: Sonatel and Yas Senegal secured 5G concessions (July 2023)
• Government Digital Transformation: "New Technology Deal" roadmap targeting digital economy development by 2034

Infrastructure Investments:

• Sonatel launched mobile 5G services (July 2024)
• Yas Senegal investing $217M in network upgrades (96% 3G, 90% 4G coverage targets)
• PAIX Data Centres building new facility in Dakar (January 2025)

Market Growth:

• Mobile subscribers: +7.8% growth in 2024
• Mobile broadband subscribers: +5.1% growth in 2024
• SMS traffic continues steady growth across all operators

How Do You Choose the Right SMS Provider for Senegal?

Select your optimal SMS solution based on these specific requirements:

• Target Audience: For local audiences, local operators might offer cost-effective solutions. For international reach, an international gateway is necessary.
• Message Volume: High-volume senders should prioritize providers with generous volume discounts.
• Integration Needs: Evaluate the API documentation and integration capabilities of each provider.
• Features: Consider whether you need advanced features like two-way messaging, short codes, or MMS support.
• Budget: Balance cost-effectiveness with the features and reliability offered by each provider.

Decision Matrix:

Typical Use Case Examples:

• E-commerce startup (Dakar-based): 5,000 order confirmations/month → Orange SMS API at $0.04/msg = $200/month vs. Twilio at $0.44/msg = $2,200/month. Savings: $2,000/month (91% cheaper).
• Regional bank (West Africa): 200,000 OTPs/month across 5 countries → Twilio Verify with volume discounts at ~$0.30/msg = $60,000/month. Includes delivery optimization, fraud detection, and fallback to voice.
• NGO health campaign: 50,000 awareness messages/month, French + Wolof → Plivo at $0.25/msg (discounted) = $12,500/month. Includes delivery tracking and compliance reporting.

Check each provider's pricing page for current rates before making your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest SMS provider in Senegal?

Searching for the lowest SMS rates?

Local operators offer the lowest rates: Expresso Telecom ($0.02–$0.05/SMS), Yas Senegal ($0.03–$0.06/SMS), and Orange Senegal ($0.04–$0.08/SMS, or $0.033+ via API bundles). However, these require custom integration or direct commercial agreements. For API-based solutions, Plivo offers the most competitive publicly available pricing: $0.2917/SMS for Orange network, $0.4348/SMS for Yas (verified October 2025). Contact Sinch and Infobip for custom enterprise quotes. Twilio charges $0.4411/SMS (verified October 2025).

Do you need to register alphanumeric sender IDs in Senegal?

No. Senegal is a fully dynamic country for sender IDs – you don't need pre-registration for alphanumeric sender IDs. Use up to 11 alphanumeric characters for branding. However, numeric sender IDs aren't supported by Orange Senegal and Expresso Telecom, so use alphanumeric IDs instead.

What phone number format does Senegal use?

Senegal uses country code +221 followed by 9 digits. The E.164 format is +221NXXXXXXXX, where N is 3 (landline) or 7 (mobile). Example: +221778688219. Store numbers in E.164 format for API calls and international compatibility.

Can you send SMS in Senegal between 10PM and 6AM?

No. ARTP regulations restrict messaging between 10PM and 6AM. Plan your campaigns accordingly. Also obtain opt-in consent for marketing messages – unsolicited promotional SMS is prohibited under Senegalese telecommunications law.

Which mobile operator has the largest market share in Senegal?

Orange Senegal (Sonatel) dominates with 56.23% market share as of Q3 2024. Yas Senegal (formerly Free/Tigo) holds 24.47%, and Expresso Telecom has 17.02%. Orange launched 5G services in July 2024 and continues leading infrastructure development.

Does Twilio support two-way SMS in Senegal?

Two-way SMS support is limited in Senegal. Not all international providers support inbound SMS. Alphanumeric sender IDs only support one-way messaging – you need a dedicated phone number for two-way communication. Implementation requirements: (1) Purchase a dedicated long code or short code (provisioning: 1-2 days for long codes, 8-12 weeks for short codes), (2) Configure webhook URL to receive inbound messages via HTTP POST, (3) Implement message parsing and response logic in your application, (4) Test across all three operators (Orange, Yas, Expresso) as two-way support varies. Check with your provider before implementing two-way messaging features.

What is ARTP and how does it affect SMS pricing?

ARTP (Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes) is Senegal's telecommunications regulator. It's an independent authority that sets compliance rules, enforces quality standards, and oversees fair pricing. In January 2025, ARTP strengthened subscriber identification requirements affecting all SMS providers.

How much does it cost to send SMS in Senegal?

SMS costs in Senegal vary by provider type: Local operators (Orange, Yas, Expresso) charge $0.02-$0.08 per SMS for direct integration but require custom development. International API providers charge higher rates—Plivo from $0.2917/SMS, Twilio $0.4411/SMS—but include full REST APIs, delivery tracking, and documentation. For businesses sending <10K messages monthly, Orange SMS API bundles start at $0.033/SMS with no monthly minimum. Volume discounts of 10-30% apply at 50K+ messages monthly. Choose based on integration needs vs. budget constraints.

Can you use WhatsApp instead of SMS in Senegal?

Yes. WhatsApp has high adoption in Senegal. WhatsApp Business API offers an alternative channel with richer media support. Pricing comparison: WhatsApp Business API conversation-based pricing starts at ~$0.016-$0.047 per conversation (24-hour window, unlimited messages) vs. SMS $0.29-$0.44 per message via international gateways. However, SMS remains essential for reaching users without smartphones, delivering OTPs, and ensuring universal message delivery across all devices (100% mobile phone penetration vs. ~60% smartphone penetration in Senegal).

What languages should SMS messages use in Senegal?

French is the official language, but Wolof is widely spoken. Consider using French for formal communications and business messages. For maximum reach in marketing campaigns, test both French and Wolof messaging based on your target audience demographics.

How do volume discounts work for Senegal SMS?

International providers offer tiered volume discounts – higher monthly volumes unlock lower per-message rates. Typical tiers: Twilio (standard volume tiers automatically applied, committed-use discounts for 100K+ monthly); Plivo (pay-as-you-go base rates, contact sales for committed-spend discounts at 50K+ monthly); Sinch (enterprise-focused negotiable pricing, typically 10-25% discounts at 100K+ monthly); Infobip (flexible tiered pricing, 15-30% discounts for multi-year contracts). Contact providers directly to negotiate custom pricing for volumes exceeding 100,000 messages monthly. Enterprise agreements often include additional benefits: dedicated account managers, custom SLAs, priority support, and multi-country volume pooling.