Mozambique SMS Guide: Best Practices, Compliance & API Integration (2025)

Learn how to send compliant SMS messages to Mozambique with confidence. This comprehensive guide covers INCM regulatory requirements, operator-specific guidelines for Vodacom, Movitel, and TMcel, A2P SMS best practices, API integration with major providers, and current SMS pricing for the Mozambique market.

Whether you're implementing transactional SMS, bulk messaging campaigns, or two-way communication, you'll find everything you need to successfully deploy SMS services in Mozambique's growing mobile market of 17.7 million connections.

For more country-specific SMS guides, explore our resources on sending SMS to South Africa, Tanzania SMS requirements, and other African SMS markets.

Quick Reference: Mozambique SMS Requirements

Market Overview:

• Mobile connections: 17.7 million (50.4% penetration, January 2025)
• Broadband penetration: 88.4% (3G/4G/5G)
• Dominant operators: Vodacom (50%), Movitel, TMcel
• Regulatory authority: INCM (Instituto Nacional das Comunicações de Moçambique)

Key Requirements:

• Alphanumeric sender ID: Pre-registration required (~2 weeks)
• Two-way SMS: Not supported on standard A2P channels
• Number portability: Not available
• Time zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
• Consent: Explicit opt-in required for marketing messages
• Opt-out processing: Within 24 hours

SMS Pricing (2025):

• Plivo: $0.01853 per message
• Twilio: $0.2455 per message
• MessageBird: Volume-based pricing
• Sinch: Contact for quote

Message Specs:

• GSM-7: 160 characters per segment
• Unicode (UCS-2): 70 characters per segment
• Concatenation: Supported (varies by carrier)
• MMS: Auto-converted to SMS with URL

Mozambique SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Mozambique has a growing mobile market with approximately 17.7 million mobile connections as of January 2025, representing 50.4% of the population (35.1 million). Mobile connections increased from 16.72 million in Q4 2023 to 18.91 million in Q4 2024, though connections decreased slightly (−0.2%) between early 2024 and early 2025. As of February 2024, 81.9% of connections are broadband (3G/4G/5G), increasing to 88.4% by 2025.

The market is dominated by three major mobile network operators (MNOs) with distinct market positions as of mid-2024:

• Vodacom Mozambique: Market leader with 11.6 million subscribers (~50% market share), strongest in data speeds and 4G coverage
• Movitel: 4 million subscribers, focuses on rural coverage and digital inclusion
• TMcel (created 2019 from TdM/mCel merger): 3.4 million subscribers, only operator offering integrated fixed-line service

While OTT messaging apps gain popularity in urban areas, SMS remains crucial for business communication due to its reliability and widespread accessibility, particularly in rural regions. Android devices dominate the mobile ecosystem due to their affordability and availability. Internet penetration stood at 19.8% (6.96 million users) as of January 2025, up 2.9% from the previous year.

Sources: DataReportal Digital 2025: Mozambique, Statista mobile connections data Q4 2024, BuddeComm Mozambique Telecoms Report 2024

What SMS Features Are Supported in Mozambique?

Mozambique supports basic SMS functionality with limitations on two-way messaging and specific requirements for sender IDs, while offering support for concatenated messages and MMS conversion.

Does Mozambique Support Two-Way SMS?

Two-way SMS is not supported in Mozambique through standard A2P (Application-to-Person) channels. If you need two-way communication for customer service or interactive campaigns, explore alternative solutions or work with local SMS aggregators who may offer proprietary workarounds.

Can You Send Concatenated Messages (Long SMS)?

Support: Yes, message concatenation is supported for most sender ID types, though support may vary by carrier.

Message length rules: Standard SMS length limits apply – 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding, 70 characters for UCS-2 encoding.

Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encodings are supported, with UCS-2 being particularly important for messages containing Portuguese special characters or emoji.

Does Mozambique Support MMS?

MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This ensures compatibility across all networks while still allowing you to share rich media content through a web-based interface. Recipients receive a text message with a link to view images, videos, or documents.

What About Number Portability and Landline SMS?

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Mozambique. Mobile numbers remain tied to their original network operators, which simplifies message routing and delivery for bulk SMS campaigns.

Sending SMS to Landlines

You cannot send SMS to landline numbers in Mozambique. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in failed delivery and an error response (400 error code 21614) from the API, with no charges applied to your account.

What Are the Compliance Requirements for SMS in Mozambique?

SMS communications in Mozambique are regulated by the Instituto Nacional das Comunicações de Moçambique (INCM), the national regulatory authority overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, and radio frequency spectrum management. Understanding these compliance requirements is essential before you send SMS to Mozambique for commercial purposes. While specific SMS marketing regulations are still evolving, you must adhere to general telecommunications compliance guidelines and international best practices for A2P messaging.

Recent Regulatory Developments (2024):

• Mid-2024: INCM violated telecommunications law when fixing minimum mobile telephony tariffs (Resolution 01_BR/CA/INCM/2024), leading to suspension of tariffs that ended unlimited data packages
• July 2024: Mrs. Helena Fernandes appointed as new INCM Chairperson
• August 2025: INCM opened public consultation on Consumer Protection of Communications Services regulation
• Ongoing: Implementation of revised SIM card and mobile device registration scheme requiring mandatory biometric registration to tackle fraud

Sources: INCM official website (www.incm.gov.mz), Approve IT regulatory updates 2024–2025

How Do You Obtain Consent for SMS Marketing in Mozambique?

Explicit Consent Requirements:

• Obtain clear, documented opt-in consent before sending any marketing messages or promotional SMS
• Maintain detailed 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 content type

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

• Support standard opt-out keywords in all SMS campaigns:
  • STOP, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE (English)
  • PARAR, CANCELAR (Portuguese)
• Provide information about the service when users send HELP/AJUDA commands
• Respond to these commands in both Portuguese and English
• Process opt-out requests within 24 hours

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

Mozambique does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry. You should:

• Maintain your own suppression lists
• Honor opt-out requests immediately
• Implement a system to track and manage unsubscribe requests
• Regularly clean contact lists to remove opted-out numbers

What Time Zone Does Mozambique Use for SMS Scheduling?

Mozambique follows Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2). The country does not observe daylight saving time, so CAT remains consistent year-round.

Recommended Sending Windows:

• Business days: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM CAT
• Weekends: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CAT
• Avoid sending during major religious observances and national holidays

Note: This article previously incorrectly stated East Africa Time (EAT). Mozambique uses Central Africa Time (CAT) at UTC+2, not EAT which is UTC+3.

What Sender ID Options Are Available When You Send SMS to Mozambique?

Alphanumeric Sender ID

Operator network capability: Supported with pre-registration requirements

Registration requirements: Pre-registration required for Movitel; no segregation between international and domestic traffic

Sender ID preservation: Yes, preserved for pre-registered sender IDs

Provisioning time: Approximately 2 weeks

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International:

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

Sender ID preservation: No, international long codes may be overwritten

Provisioning time: N/A

Use cases: Not recommended for primary business messaging; use pre-registered alphanumeric IDs instead

Short Codes

Support: Not currently supported in Mozambique

Provisioning time: N/A

Use cases: N/A

What Content Is Restricted in Mozambique SMS?

Restricted Industries and Content:

• Gambling and betting services
• Adult content or services
• Unauthorized financial services
• Political messaging without proper authorization
• Cryptocurrency promotions

How Do Carriers Filter SMS Content?

Known Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Carriers may block messages containing certain keywords
• Use URLs from approved domains
• Avoid excessive punctuation and special characters

Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:

• Use registered sender IDs
• Maintain consistent sending patterns
• Avoid URL shorteners where possible
• Keep content clear and professional

What Are the Best Practices for SMS in Mozambique?

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear calls to action
• Personalize messages with the recipient's name when appropriate
• Maintain consistent branding across SMS campaigns

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit messages to 2–3 per week per recipient
• Respect local business hours (8:00 AM–8:00 PM CAT)
• Consider Ramadan and other religious observances
• Avoid sending during national holidays

Localization

• Primary language: Portuguese
• Consider including English for business communications
• Use local date and time formats
• Respect cultural sensitivities in content

Opt-Out Management

• Process opt-outs within 24 hours
• Maintain a centralized opt-out database
• Include opt-out instructions in messages
• Conduct regular audits of opt-out compliance

Testing and Monitoring

• Test across all major networks (Vodacom, Movitel, TMcel)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier
• Track engagement metrics
• Regularly test opt-out functionality

How Much Does It Cost to Send SMS to Mozambique?

Current SMS Pricing to Mozambique (2024–2025):

Key Considerations:

• Longer messages are segmented: 160 characters (GSM-7) or 70 characters (Unicode) per segment
• Each segment is charged separately
• Providers with direct local operator connections (Vodacom, Movitel, TMcel) may offer better rates
• Volume discounts typically available for high-throughput campaigns

Sources: Twilio SMS Pricing MZ, Plivo SMS Pricing MZ (accessed January 2025)

How Do You Integrate SMS APIs to Send Messages to Mozambique?

Twilio SMS API for Mozambique

Twilio provides a robust SMS API with specific support for Mozambique. Authenticate using your Account SID and Auth Token. For detailed implementation guides, see our Twilio Node.js SMS tutorials.

import * as twilio from 'twilio';

// Initialize Twilio client
const client = new twilio(
  'YOUR_ACCOUNT_SID',    // From Twilio Console
  'YOUR_AUTH_TOKEN'      // From Twilio Console
);

// Function to send SMS to Mozambique
async function sendSMSToMozambique(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  try {
    const response = await client.messages.create({
      body: message,
      from: senderId,    // Pre-registered alphanumeric sender ID
      to: to,           // Format: +258XXXXXXXXX
      statusCallback: 'https://your-callback-url.com/status'
    });

    console.log(`Message sent successfully. SID: ${response.sid}`);
    return response;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error sending message:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

Sinch SMS API for Mozambique

Sinch offers comprehensive SMS capabilities for Mozambique with REST API support. Check our Sinch integration guides for more examples.

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

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  projectId: 'YOUR_PROJECT_ID',
  keyId: 'YOUR_KEY_ID',
  keySecret: 'YOUR_KEY_SECRET'
});

// Function to send batch SMS
async function sendSinchSMS(
  recipients: string[],
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      sendSMSRequestBody: {
        to: recipients,    // Array of numbers in +258 format
        from: senderId,    // Your registered sender ID
        body: message,
        delivery_report: 'summary'
      }
    });

    console.log('Batch sent:', response.id);
    return response;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Sinch SMS error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

MessageBird

MessageBird provides reliable SMS delivery to Mozambique with detailed delivery reporting.

import { MessageBird } from 'messagebird';

// Initialize MessageBird client
const messagebird = new MessageBird('YOUR_ACCESS_KEY');

// Function to send SMS with delivery tracking
async function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  const params = {
    originator: senderId,
    recipients: [to],
    body: message,
    reportUrl: 'https://your-webhook-url.com/delivery-reports'
  };

  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    messagebird.messages.create(params, (err, response) => {
      if (err) {
        console.error('MessageBird error:', err);
        reject(err);
      } else {
        console.log('Message sent:', response.id);
        resolve(response);
      }
    });
  });
}

Plivo

Plivo offers straightforward SMS integration for Mozambique messaging. Learn more about Plivo SMS implementations.

import * as plivo from 'plivo';

// Initialize Plivo client
const client = new plivo.Client(
  'YOUR_AUTH_ID',
  'YOUR_AUTH_TOKEN'
);

// Function to send SMS with error handling
async function sendPlivoSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
) {
  try {
    const response = await client.messages.create({
      src: senderId,     // Your sender ID
      dst: to,           // Destination number
      text: message,
      url: 'https://your-callback-url.com/status'
    });

    console.log('Message sent:', response.messageUuid);
    return response;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Plivo error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

• Default rate limits vary by provider (typically 1–10 messages per second)
• Implement exponential backoff for retry logic
• Use batch APIs for high-volume sending
• Consider queue implementation for large campaigns:

import Queue from 'better-queue';

// Example queue implementation
const smsQueue = new Queue(async function (message, cb) {
  try {
    await sendSMS(message);
    cb(null, { success: true });
  } catch (error) {
    cb(error);
  }
}, { concurrent: 5 });

Error Handling and Reporting

Implement comprehensive logging, monitor delivery rates and failures, and set up automated alerts for error thresholds.

// Example error handling middleware
function handleSMSError(error: any) {
  const errorTypes = {
    INVALID_NUMBER: 'Your phone number format is incorrect. Use E.164 format (+258XXXXXXXXX).',
    BLOCKED_NUMBER: 'This number is blocked. Remove it from your recipient list.',
    CARRIER_ERROR: 'Carrier delivery failed. Retry or contact support if the issue persists.',
    RATE_LIMIT: 'Rate limit exceeded. Reduce your sending rate or implement exponential backoff.'
  };

  logger.error({
    error: error,
    errorType: errorTypes[error.code] || 'Unknown error occurred. Check your API configuration.',
    timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
  });

  // Implement retry logic if appropriate
  if (error.code === 'RATE_LIMIT') {
    return retryWithBackoff(error.message);
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my sender ID in Mozambique?

Yes, you must pre-register alphanumeric sender IDs with Movitel and other operators in Mozambique. Registration typically takes approximately 2 weeks. Pre-registered sender IDs are preserved during message delivery, while unregistered or international long codes may be overwritten by carriers. Contact your SMS provider (Twilio, Plivo, MessageBird, Sinch) to initiate the registration process.

Which mobile operator has the best SMS delivery rates in Mozambique?

Vodacom Mozambique is the market leader with 11.6 million subscribers (50% market share) and demonstrates the strongest performance in data speeds, call success rates, and 4G coverage according to 2024 assessments. However, for comprehensive reach, you should test delivery rates across all three operators (Vodacom, Movitel, TMcel) as performance varies by region, with Movitel focusing on rural coverage.

What is the character limit for SMS in Mozambique?

SMS messages in Mozambique follow standard character limits: 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding (standard Latin alphabet) and 70 characters for UCS-2/Unicode encoding (Portuguese special characters, emoji). Longer messages are automatically segmented into concatenated messages, with each segment charged separately. Most carriers support concatenation, though support may vary.

Can I send marketing SMS without consent in Mozambique?

No, you must obtain explicit opt-in consent before sending any marketing messages or promotional SMS in Mozambique. While specific SMS marketing regulations are still evolving under INCM oversight, you must follow international best practices: maintain consent records, provide clear opt-out mechanisms (STOP/PARAR keywords), process opt-outs within 24 hours, and include your business identification in messages.

What is the cheapest SMS provider for Mozambique?

Plivo offers the most cost-effective pricing at $0.01853 per SMS to Mozambique, compared to Twilio's $0.2455 per message (as of January 2025). However, pricing alone shouldn't determine your choice – consider factors like delivery rates, API reliability, technical support, webhook capabilities, and whether the provider has direct connections with local operators (Vodacom, Movitel, TMcel) for optimal routing.

Does Mozambique support two-way SMS conversations?

Two-way SMS is not supported in Mozambique through standard A2P (Application-to-Person) channels. If you need interactive messaging for customer service, surveys, or chatbot functionality, you'll need to explore alternative solutions such as working with local SMS aggregators who may offer proprietary two-way capabilities, or consider using OTT messaging platforms (WhatsApp Business API) for urban audiences.

What time should I send SMS in Mozambique?

Mozambique follows Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2) with no daylight saving time. Send business SMS between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM CAT on weekdays, and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CAT on weekends. Avoid sending during major religious observances (particularly Ramadan for Muslim populations), national holidays, and late evening hours. Time zone respect is crucial for engagement and compliance with emerging INCM consumer protection regulations.

How do I format phone numbers for Mozambique SMS?

Use E.164 international format for all Mozambique phone numbers: +258 (country code) followed by the 9-digit subscriber number (e.g., +258821234567). Do not include spaces, dashes, or parentheses. Remember that number portability is not available in Mozambique, so numbers remain permanently tied to their original operator (Vodacom, Movitel, or TMcel), which helps with routing verification. For more information on phone number formatting, see our guide on E.164 phone format.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Successfully sending SMS to Mozambique requires understanding the regulatory landscape, operator-specific requirements, and technical considerations unique to this growing African market. By following INCM compliance guidelines, pre-registering your sender IDs, respecting local time zones and cultural norms, and implementing robust API integration with proven providers, you can build reliable A2P SMS solutions that reach Mozambique's 17.7 million mobile connections.

Key Success Factors:

• Pre-register alphanumeric sender IDs (~2 weeks provisioning time)
• Test delivery across all three operators (Vodacom 50% market share, Movitel, TMcel)
• Implement explicit opt-in consent and 24-hour opt-out processing
• Monitor INCM regulatory developments (consumer protection consultation ongoing August 2025)
• Choose cost-effective providers (Plivo $0.01853 vs. Twilio $0.2455 per message)
• Respect CAT time zone (UTC+2) with business hours 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Take Action Now

1. Review INCM Regulations: Visit www.incm.gov.mz for the latest telecommunications guidelines and consumer protection updates
2. Set Up Test Accounts: Create developer accounts with Twilio, Plivo, MessageBird, or Sinch to test SMS delivery across Mozambique operators
3. Register Your Sender ID: Initiate pre-registration with your SMS provider (allow 2 weeks for approval)
4. Implement Compliance Systems: Build opt-in/opt-out workflows, suppression lists, and delivery monitoring
5. Consult Local Counsel: For commercial deployments, verify compliance with a Mozambique telecommunications attorney

Additional Resources

• INCM (Regulatory Authority): www.incm.gov.mz – Official telecommunications regulations and public consultations
• Mozambique Telecommunications Law (Lei das Telecomunicações) – Primary legal framework
• Consumer Protection Consultation (August 2025) – Available on INCM website for public comment
• Market Statistics: DataReportal Digital 2025: Mozambique, BuddeComm Mozambique Telecoms Report
• Mobile Operator Resources:
  • Vodacom Mozambique: www.vodacom.co.mz (11.6M subscribers, 50% market share)
  • Movitel: www.movitel.co.mz (4M subscribers, rural coverage focus)
  • TMcel: www.tmcel.mz (3.4M subscribers, integrated fixed-line service)

Last Updated: January 2025. Market data and regulations are subject to change. Verify current requirements with INCM and local legal counsel before launching commercial SMS campaigns.