SMS Gateway API for AfricaSMS Gateway API for Africa
Our SMS gateway API gives developers a single REST endpoint to send SMS, receive delivery webhooks, and manage sender IDs across African carriers - with 99.9% uptime and sub-second median latency.
SMS gateway API with REST endpoints, delivery webhooks, and direct African carrier routes - integrate in minutes with a free sandbox.
Trusted across African enterprises
Trusted by Aar, Bidco, Creditinfo, Devki, Dhl, Kengen, Kimisitu, Muthokinju, Pathcare, Premier Hosp, Royal Milk, Safeboda, U&I Microfinance, Unaitas, Unicef, Username, Usernamesacco, Yego
Why businesses choose Celcom Africa's SMS Gateway API
One African messaging stack - routes, compliance, and delivery tools that work together.
REST & JSON API
Simple HTTP endpoints with GET and POST support - integrate from any backend language.
Webhook delivery receipts
Real-time callbacks confirming delivery, failure reason, or network status.
Two-way messaging
Receive and route inbound SMS replies to your application endpoints.
Sandbox environment
Test integrations with simulated delivery before incurring live charges.
Direct carrier routes
In-country operator connections across 50+ African markets - not grey routes.
No API call fees
Pay only for SMS credits used - API access itself is free.
Built for reliability at scale
The SMS gateway API runs on infrastructure with a 99.9% uptime SLA and redundant routing across carrier connections per country. All API traffic is encrypted in transit, and data handling aligns with Kenya's DPA 2019, Nigeria's NDPR, and South Africa's POPIA.
- Encrypted API traffic in transit
- Redundant per-country carrier routing
- Regional privacy-law alignment
How SMS Gateway API works
- 1
Create your account
Sign up online in minutes - no telecom contracts or lengthy paperwork for standard accounts.
- 2
Get API credentials
Generate your API key and partner ID from the dashboard, or send from the web portal immediately.
- 3
Configure sender ID
Register your branded sender name per country so customers recognise your business on every message.
- 4
Send your first message
Upload contacts, call the REST API, or connect your application - delivery starts on direct carrier routes.
- 5
Track delivery
Monitor real-time delivery reports, export logs, and set up webhooks for automated status updates.
Common use cases
From Nairobi fintechs to Lagos retailers - teams across Africa run customer-critical messaging on Celcom every day.
- Automated OTP verification for login and payments
- Event-triggered transactional alerts from your backend
- Two-way SMS chatbot for customer support
- Scheduled bulk campaign sender for marketing platforms
- Delivery receipt webhook for reconciliation dashboards
Frequently asked questions
How do I get started with the SMS gateway API?
Register for a free account, retrieve your API key and partner ID from the dashboard, copy a code sample, and send a test message with complimentary credits. Most integrations complete in under 10 minutes.
Do you support SMPP as well as REST?
REST is our primary integration path with full documentation. Contact us for SMPP connectivity requirements on enterprise accounts.
What rate limits apply?
Default limits are generous for most use cases. Higher-volume limits are available on request for enterprise accounts.
Can I send to multiple countries from one API key?
Yes. One account and API key covers all markets Celcom operates in, with per-country sender ID registration as needed.
How do delivery webhooks work?
Configure a callback URL in your dashboard and our system POSTs delivery status updates as they occur, including message ID and network.
Start building with the SMS gateway API
Get your free API key and send your first message today.
API access is free - pay only for SMS credits at transparent per-message rates. REST API, webhooks, and ready-made plugins connect Celcom to your existing systems.