Sierra Leone SMS Guide 2024: Compliance, Best Practices, and API Integration

Sierra Leone SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Two major operators dominate Sierra Leone's mobile market: Africell holds approximately 60% market share with 4.2 million active subscribers (as of 2024), maintaining market leadership since 2009. Orange is the second major operator with the best network coverage. Other operators include QCell and state-owned SierraTel. SMS remains crucial for business messaging and notifications. While OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp gain popularity in urban areas, SMS maintains widespread reach through universal compatibility and reliability in areas with limited internet connectivity. Android devices significantly outnumber iOS, reflecting broader African mobile usage patterns.

SMS Capabilities and Features in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone supports basic SMS functionality with limited advanced features, focusing primarily on one-way messaging for business and personal communication.

Two-way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Sierra Leone. Recipients cannot reply to messages you send through messaging platforms.

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Yes, concatenated messaging is supported in Sierra Leone.

Message length rules: Standard SMS uses 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding or 70 characters for UCS-2 encoding before message splitting occurs.

Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 (Global System for Mobile Communications 7-bit encoding) and UCS-2 (Universal Coded Character Set 2-byte encoding) are supported, though support may vary by sender ID type.

MMS Support

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is not directly supported in Sierra Leone. When you send MMS content, the system automatically converts it to an SMS containing a URL link to the multimedia content. For example, if you send an image, recipients receive a text message like: "View your message: https://example.com/media/abc123".

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Sierra Leone. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching between service providers.

Sending SMS to Landlines

You cannot send SMS to landline numbers in Sierra Leone. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers return a 400 error with error code 21614. These failed messages are not logged or charged to your account.

NatCA SMS Regulations and Compliance Requirements

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) regulates SMS communications in Sierra Leone. NatCA launched on December 15, 2023, replacing the previous National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM). The National Communications Authority Act 2022 provides the primary legal framework, empowering NatCA to regulate all aspects of telecommunications. This act addresses Data & Mobile Money Services, Cybersecurity, Universal Access, Cable Landing Station, Terrestrial Fibre Backbone, Data Protection, Electronic transactions, 4G, 4G+, and 5G. The Telecommunications Act of 2006 provides additional legal framework for telecommunications services, including SMS messaging.

2024 Regulatory Updates: NatCA actively enforces compliance. In October 2024, NatCA imposed fines of Le500 million on Africell and Orange for operating mobile money services without proper licensing under the National Communications Authority Act 2022. Ensure your telecommunications activities comply with current licensing requirements.

Consent and Opt-In Requirements

Explicit Consent Requirements:

• Obtain written or electronic consent before sending marketing messages
• Maintain clear records of when and how you obtained consent
• Include clear terms and conditions during the opt-in process
• Provide transparent information about message frequency and purpose

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

Support standard opt-out keywords in all SMS campaigns:

• STOP/CANCEL/END: Process immediately and free of charge
• HELP: Respond with service information and support contact
• Language support: Recognize commands in English and local languages (Krio, Mende, Temne)

Example HELP response: "YourBrand SMS alerts. Msg frequency varies. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Help: +232-XX-XXXXXX"

Example STOP confirmation: "You have unsubscribed from YourBrand SMS alerts. You will receive no further messages."

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

Sierra Leone does not maintain an official Do Not Call (DNC) registry. You must:

• 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

Time Zone Sensitivity

• Sierra Leone operates in the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) timezone (UTC+0)
• Recommended sending hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM local time
• Send urgent messages (security alerts, emergency notifications) outside these hours only when necessary
• Respect local holidays and cultural observances

Sender ID Options: Alphanumeric, Long Codes, and Short Codes

Alphanumeric Sender ID

Operator network capability: Dynamic alphanumeric sender IDs are supported

Registration requirements: Pre-registration is not required; dynamic usage is allowed

Sender ID preservation: Certain carriers, particularly Africell, may modify your sender IDs

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International:

• Domestic long codes: Not supported
• International long codes: Supported with limitations

Sender ID preservation: No, original sender IDs are not preserved

Provisioning time: Immediate activation for international long codes

Use cases: Suitable for transactional messages and notifications

Short Codes

Support: Short codes are supported in Sierra Leone

Provisioning time: 4 – 8 weeks for approval and activation

Use cases:

• Marketing campaigns
• Two-factor authentication
• Customer service
• Promotional content

Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases

Restricted Industries and Content:

• Gambling and betting services
• Adult content or explicit material
• Unauthorized financial services
• Political campaign messages without proper authorization
• Cryptocurrency promotions

Content Filtering

Known Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Carriers may block messages containing certain keywords
• Carriers may filter URLs from unknown domains
• High-volume sending patterns may trigger spam filters

Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:

• Avoid excessive punctuation and all-caps text
• Use registered and approved sender IDs
• Maintain consistent sending patterns
• Include clear opt-out instructions

Best Practices for Sending SMS to Sierra Leone

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear call-to-actions
• Personalize messages with the recipient's name when appropriate
• Avoid URL shorteners that might trigger spam filters

Effective example: "Hi Sarah, your order #1234 ships today. Track: yourstore.com/track Est. delivery: Jan 15. Reply STOP to opt out."

Ineffective example: "AMAZING DEAL!!! Click here NOW!!! bit.ly/xyz Don't miss out!!!" (All caps, excessive punctuation, URL shortener)

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit marketing messages to 2 – 4 per week per recipient
• Space out bulk campaigns to avoid network congestion
• Consider Ramadan and other religious observances
• Avoid sending during major national holidays

Localization

• Primary languages: English and Krio
• Use multi-language support for wider reach
• Use simple, clear language
• Avoid colloquialisms that might not translate well

Culturally appropriate example (English): "Your payment was received. Thank you for your business."

Culturally appropriate example (Krio): "Wi dɔn get yu payment. Tɛnki bɔku." (We received your payment. Thank you very much.)

Opt-Out Management

• Process opt-outs within 24 hours
• Send confirmation message for opt-out requests
• Maintain detailed opt-out logs
• Regular audit of opt-out compliance

Testing and Monitoring

• Test messages across all major carriers (Africell, Orange)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier (target: >95% for transactional, >85% for marketing)
• Track opt-out rates and patterns (healthy rate: <2% per campaign)
• Test HELP/STOP functionality regularly

SMS API Integration: Twilio, Sinch, Plivo, and MessageBird

Twilio

Twilio provides robust SMS capabilities for sending messages to Sierra Leone. Here's how to implement it:

// Twilio Node.js SDK v5.10.1 (October 2024)
// Supports Node.js v20 and v22 (required for new deployments after November 10, 2025)
import { Twilio } from 'twilio';

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

// Function to send SMS to Sierra Leone
async function sendSMSToSierraLeone(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  try {
    // Ensure proper formatting for Sierra Leone numbers
    const formattedNumber = to.startsWith('+232') ? to : `+232${to}`;

    const response = await client.messages.create({
      body: message,
      from: senderId, // Alphanumeric sender ID or approved number
      to: formattedNumber,
      statusCallback: 'https://your-webhook.com/status'
    });

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

// Handle delivery status callbacks
async function handleDeliveryStatus(req: Request) {
  const { MessageStatus, MessageSid, ErrorCode } = req.body;

  if (MessageStatus === 'delivered') {
    console.log(`Message ${MessageSid} delivered successfully`);
  } else if (MessageStatus === 'failed') {
    console.error(`Message ${MessageSid} failed with error code ${ErrorCode}`);
  }
}

Sinch

Sinch offers comprehensive SMS services for Sierra Leone with the following integration approach:

// Sinch Node.js SDK @sinch/sdk-core v1.2.1 (January 2025)
// Supports Node.js v18 (until May 2025), v20.11.0+ (LTS recommended), or v22
import { SinchClient } from '@sinch/sdk-core';

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  projectId: process.env.SINCH_PROJECT_ID,
  keyId: process.env.SINCH_KEY_ID,
  keySecret: process.env.SINCH_KEY_SECRET
});

// Function to send SMS via Sinch
async function sendSinchSMS(
  recipientNumber: string,
  messageText: string
) {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      to: [recipientNumber],
      from: 'YourCompany', // Alphanumeric sender ID
      body: messageText,
      // Optional delivery report settings
      delivery_report: 'summary'
    });

    return response;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Sinch SMS failed:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

MessageBird

MessageBird (referred to as "Bird" in the template) provides SMS capabilities for Sierra Leone:

// MessageBird Node.js SDK v4.0.1 (last updated ~2021-2022)
// Note: This package has limited recent activity. Verify current API support before use.
import messagebird from 'messagebird';

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

// Function to send SMS via MessageBird
function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  recipient: string,
  message: string,
  originator: string
): Promise<any> {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    mbClient.messages.create({
      originator: originator,
      recipients: [recipient],
      body: message,
      // Optional parameters
      reportUrl: 'https://your-webhook.com/delivery-reports'
    }, (err, response) => {
      if (err) {
        reject(err);
        return;
      }
      resolve(response);
    });
  });
}

Plivo

Plivo's SMS API integration for Sierra Leone:

// Plivo Node.js SDK v4.74.0 (October 2024)
import plivo from 'plivo';

// Initialize Plivo client
const plivoClient = new plivo.Client(
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_ID,
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

// Function to send SMS via Plivo
async function sendPlivoSMS(
  destination: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  try {
    const response = await plivoClient.messages.create({
      src: senderId,
      dst: destination,
      text: message,
      // Optional URL tracking
      url: 'https://your-webhook.com/delivery-status'
    });

    return response;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Plivo SMS failed:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

• Default rate limit: 100 messages per second
• Use batch processing for volumes over 1,000 messages
• Implement exponential backoff for retry logic (retry after 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s)
• Schedule bulk sends during recommended hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM GMT)

Error Handling and Reporting

• Implement comprehensive error logging
• Monitor delivery receipts via webhooks
• Track common failure patterns (invalid numbers, carrier rejections, content filtering)
• Maintain audit logs for compliance purposes (minimum 12 months)

Implementation Checklist and Next Steps

Key Takeaways

1. Compliance Priorities

   • Obtain explicit consent before sending marketing messages
   • Honor opt-out requests within 24 hours
   • Respect sending hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM GMT)
   • Maintain records for at least 12 months

2. Technical Considerations

   • Use proper number formatting (+232 country code)
   • Implement retry logic with exponential backoff
   • Monitor delivery rates (target >95% for transactional messages)
   • Test across Africell and Orange networks

3. Best Practices

   • Localize content for English and Krio speakers
   • Keep messages under 160 characters (GSM-7 encoding)
   • Test regularly and monitor delivery performance
   • Maintain clean, validated contact lists

Next Steps

Implementation Checklist:

1. Legal Compliance

   • Review the Telecommunications Act 2006 and National Communications Authority Act 2022
   • Consult with local legal counsel on consent requirements
   • Implement consent management and opt-out systems

2. Technical Setup

   • Set up test accounts with preferred SMS providers (Twilio, Sinch, Plivo)
   • Configure webhook endpoints for delivery status callbacks
   • Test number formatting and sender ID preservation

3. Testing Phase

   • Send test messages to Africell and Orange numbers
   • Verify HELP/STOP keyword functionality
   • Monitor delivery rates and carrier-specific behavior

4. Production Deployment

   • Schedule sends during recommended hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM GMT)
   • Implement rate limiting and retry logic
   • Set up monitoring and alerting for delivery issues

Frequently Asked Questions About SMS in Sierra Leone

What are the SMS regulations in Sierra Leone for 2024?

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) regulates SMS communications in Sierra Leone. NatCA launched on December 15, 2023. The National Communications Authority Act 2022 provides the legal framework, covering Data & Mobile Money Services, Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and telecommunications licensing. Obtain explicit written or electronic consent before sending marketing messages, support opt-out keywords (STOP, CANCEL, END), and respect sending hours of 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM GMT (UTC+0). NatCA actively enforces compliance, as demonstrated by Le500 million fines imposed on Africell and Orange in October 2024 for licensing violations.

What is Africell's market share in Sierra Leone?

Africell holds approximately 60% market share with 4.2 million active subscribers as of 2024, maintaining market leadership since 2009. Orange is the second major operator with the best network coverage. Other operators include QCell and state-owned SierraTel. Test message delivery across both Africell and Orange networks to ensure optimal reach.

Does Sierra Leone support two-way SMS messaging?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Sierra Leone. Recipients cannot reply to messages you send through messaging platforms. This limitation affects interactive SMS applications like customer service chatbots or survey responses. For use cases requiring two-way communication, consider alternative channels: voice calls, email, or OTT messaging apps (in urban areas with internet connectivity). Focus your SMS strategy on one-way transactional notifications, marketing campaigns, and alerts.

Can I use alphanumeric sender IDs for SMS in Sierra Leone?

Yes, dynamic alphanumeric sender IDs are supported without pre-registration requirements. However, certain carriers, particularly Africell, may modify your sender IDs. Your intended sender ID might appear differently to recipients depending on their mobile operator. Test your alphanumeric sender IDs across both Africell and Orange networks before launching campaigns to ensure brand consistency. International long codes provide immediate activation but do not preserve original sender IDs.

What consent requirements apply to SMS marketing in Sierra Leone?

Obtain explicit written or electronic consent before sending marketing messages in Sierra Leone. Maintain clear records documenting when and how you obtained consent, including timestamps and opt-in method. Include transparent terms and conditions during opt-in explaining message frequency and purpose. Support standard opt-out keywords (STOP, CANCEL, END) in English and local languages (Krio, Mende, Temne). Process opt-out requests within 24 hours and keep records of opted-out numbers for at least 12 months for compliance audits.

Which SMS SDK version should I use for Sierra Leone integration?

Use these latest SDK versions for Sierra Leone SMS integration:

• Twilio Node.js SDK v5.10.1 (October 2024, supports Node.js v20 and v22)
• Sinch @sinch/sdk-core v1.2.1 (January 2025, supports Node.js v18 until May 2025, v20.11.0+ recommended)
• Plivo Node.js SDK v4.74.0 (October 2024)
• MessageBird SDK v4.0.1 (last updated 2021-2022, verify current API support before use)

All SDKs support E.164 phone number formatting required for Sierra Leone (+232 country code).

Is mobile number portability available in Sierra Leone?

No, number portability is not available in Sierra Leone. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching between service providers (Africell, Orange, QCell, or SierraTel). This affects contact list management – phone numbers permanently associated with specific carriers may become invalid if subscribers switch operators. Regularly validate your contact lists and monitor delivery rates by carrier to identify numbers that may have become inactive due to operator switches.

How do I test SMS delivery to Sierra Leone before launching campaigns?

Set up test accounts with your preferred SMS provider (Twilio, Sinch, or Plivo) and send test messages to both Africell and Orange numbers, covering approximately 87% of the market. Monitor delivery rates by carrier, test alphanumeric sender ID preservation, verify opt-out keyword functionality (STOP, CANCEL, END), and confirm message encoding (GSM-7 for 160 characters, UCS-2 for Unicode). Test during recommended sending hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM GMT) and verify webhook delivery status callbacks work correctly.

What are typical SMS delivery rates in Sierra Leone?

SMS delivery rates in Sierra Leone vary by carrier and message type. Africell (60% market share, 4.2 million subscribers) and Orange (best coverage) typically provide reliable delivery for properly formatted messages. Factors affecting delivery include sender ID type (alphanumeric sender IDs may be modified by carriers), message content (avoid spam triggers like excessive punctuation, all-caps text, and unknown domain URLs), sending patterns (high-volume bursts may trigger filters), and time of day (respect 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM sending window). Monitor delivery receipts via webhooks to track carrier-specific performance.

How long does short code provisioning take in Sierra Leone?

Short code provisioning in Sierra Leone requires 4 – 8 weeks for approval and activation through NatCA regulatory processes. Short codes suit marketing campaigns, two-factor authentication, customer service, and promotional content. For faster deployment, use international long codes (immediate activation) or dynamic alphanumeric sender IDs (no pre-registration required). Submit short code applications at least 8 weeks before your intended launch date to accommodate potential regulatory review delays.

Additional Resources

• National Communications Authority (NatCA)
• Sierra Leone Telecommunications Act
• GSMA Guidelines for Sierra Leone
• SMS Best Practices Guide