Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Senegal
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Senegal.
Overview
In Senegal, marketing messages should rely on consent under Law 2008-12 on personal data protection, supervised by the Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CDP), and offer a simple opt-out.
Processing of personal data must be declared to or authorised by the CDP under Law 2008-12.
French is the language of business and search, while Wolof is widely spoken; voice messages in Wolof can reach wider audiences.
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 respect consumer protection rules and local cultural and religious sensitivities.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Senegal
In Senegal, marketing messages should rely on consent under Law 2008-12 on personal data protection, supervised by the Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CDP), and offer a simple opt-out..
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Senegal
WhatsApp Business API campaigns to customers in Senegal need opt-in consent under Law 2008-12, in addition to Meta's business and commerce policies..
Read the guide →Voice Call in Senegal
Telemarketing must respect consent and objections under Law 2008-12; the telecom regulator ARTP sets operator rules..
Read the guide →RCS in Senegal
RCS business messaging availability in Senegal 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 Senegal
Senegal has high mobile use, and WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app, while Wave and Orange Money mobile wallets are used for most everyday payments. Voice messages in Wolof can reach customers who prefer speaking to reading.
Law No. 2008-12 on personal data protection is enforced by the CDP. Tabaski, Ramadan and Korité, the Magal of Touba pilgrimage and the end-of-year holidays shape demand.
Senegal's economy includes fishing, groundnuts, phosphates and new offshore oil and gas production, and Dakar is a regional hub for international organisations. VAT is 18%, and prices are in West African CFA francs. Wave and Orange Money dominate mobile payments. Law 2008-12 on personal data is supervised by the CDP, and French and Wolof are used in marketing.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Senegal
In Senegal, telecoms are regulated by ARTP (Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes), and personal data by the CDP (Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles) under Law No. 2008-12. Direct marketing by electronic means requires prior consent, and data files usually need to be declared to the CDP. The mobile operators are Orange (Sonatel), Free and Expresso, and sender names for bulk SMS are arranged with them through aggregators.
French is the official language, but Wolof is spoken by most people, so voice messages in Wolof can reach customers who read little French. Religious holidays such as Tabaski, Korité and the Grand Magal of Touba change spending and travel patterns, and campaigns should be planned around them. Mobile money (Wave and Orange Money) is the default way to pay for many services, so confirmation and reminder messages are familiar and trusted when they come from a known sender.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +221; time zone Africa/Dakar; currency West African CFA franc (XOF). Usual working week: Monday to Friday.
Cities we cover in Senegal
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Senegal: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Senegal?
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 Senegal?
Processing of personal data must be declared to or authorised by the CDP under Law 2008-12.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Senegal
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