Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Côte d'Ivoire
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Côte d'Ivoire.
Overview
In Côte d'Ivoire, marketing messages should rely on consent under Law 2013-450 on personal data protection, supervised by ARTCI, and include a simple way to opt out.
ARTCI supervises Law 2013-450, and some processing requires prior declaration or authorisation.
French is the language of business and search; mobile money and WhatsApp are part of everyday commerce.
WhatsApp is a leading business channel in many African markets; Meta's policies and the local data protection law both apply.
Voice campaigns should use locally licensed numbers and follow consumer protection and data rules on direct marketing calls.
Advertising Rules
Advertising must be truthful and follow consumer protection rules.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Côte d'Ivoire
In Côte d'Ivoire, marketing messages should rely on consent under Law 2013-450 on personal data protection, supervised by ARTCI, and include a simple way to opt out..
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Côte d'Ivoire
WhatsApp Business API campaigns to customers in Côte d'Ivoire need opt-in consent under Law 2013-450, in addition to Meta's business and commerce policies..
Read the guide →Voice Call in Côte d'Ivoire
Telemarketing must respect consent and objections under Law 2013-450, and ARTCI regulates telecom operators..
Read the guide →RCS in Côte d'Ivoire
RCS business messaging availability in Côte d'Ivoire depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire has fast-growing mobile internet use, and WhatsApp and Facebook are central to customer communication. Orange Money, MTN MoMo, Moov Money and Wave are used for payments and transfers.
Law No. 2013-450 on personal data protection is enforced by ARTCI, which also regulates telecoms. Back-to-school, Ramadan, Tabaski and the end-of-year festive season are key periods.
Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer, and Abidjan is the economic capital of French-speaking West Africa, with a busy port and banking sector. VAT is 18%, and prices are in West African CFA francs. Orange Money, MTN MoMo, Moov Money and Wave are used for most payments. Law 2013-450 on personal data protection is supervised by ARTCI.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Côte d'Ivoire
Telecoms in Côte d'Ivoire are regulated by ARTCI (Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire), which also acts as the data protection authority under Law No. 2013-450 on personal data. Organisations that process personal data generally need to declare or obtain authorisation from ARTCI, and transfers of data outside the country can require prior authorisation. The main mobile operators are Orange, MTN and Moov Africa, and bulk SMS is normally sent through aggregators with an alphanumeric sender name agreed with the operators.
In practice, keep consent records, include an easy way to stop messages, and avoid sending late in the evening. French is the language of business messaging; short messages with a clear call-back number work well because many customers prefer to call. Mobile money confirmations from Orange Money, MTN MoMo, Moov Money and Wave are familiar formats, so fraudsters copy them; make sure your messages carry your brand name and never ask for PINs.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +225; time zone Africa/Abidjan; currency West African CFA franc (XOF). Usual working week: Monday to Friday.
Cities we cover in Côte d'Ivoire
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Côte d'Ivoire: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Côte d'Ivoire?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Côte d'Ivoire?
ARTCI supervises Law 2013-450, and some processing requires prior declaration or authorisation.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Côte d'Ivoire
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