USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Malawi.

Malawi's telecommunication landscape is dynamic, with approximately 12 million mobile phone users. Internet penetration stands at around 17%, reflecting a growing but still modest digital footprint. USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is widely used, facilitating various services like balance checks and mobile money transactions. Popular USSD codes in Malawi include *123# for checking airtime balance and *141# for accessing mobile money services. Key players in the Malawian market, such as Airtel Malawi and TNM (Telekom Networks Malawi), leverage USSD codes to enhance customer experience and streamline service delivery. USSD codes are critical for mobile banking and utility services, making them integral to everyday transactions. WhatsApp and SMS are essential tools for marketing in Malawi, with businesses using these platforms to engage customers and promote products. For instance, companies like Shoprite Malawi use SMS for promotional campaigns and customer notifications.

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Malawi's DIALING CODE

+265

MOBILE USERS IN Malawi

15M

SMS pricing in Malawi

In Malawi, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Malawi's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Malawi for services like mobile banking, require approval from Malawi's national communications authority. Malawi's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Malawi's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Malawi face less stringent rules but must comply with Malawi's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Malawi, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Malawi's regulatory body and must follow Malawi's pricing transparency guidelines.

SMS Sent (Per)

Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.

MWK

0.15

WhatsApp pricing in Malawi

WhatsApp's popularity in Malawi stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Malawi's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Malawi's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Malawi. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Malawi's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.

WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)

WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.

USD

0.0225

WhatsApp (Setup)

A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.

USD

USSD pricing in Malawi

Malawi leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Malawi's digital inclusion efforts. In Malawi, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Malawi's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Malawi's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Malawi for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.

USSD Shared Code (Monthly)

The fee is charged to keep the shared USSD code active. This is charged per telco.

MWK

25,000

USSD Usage Prepaid (Per dial)

This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, which is a flat rate. In Prepaid, the customer is charged.

MWK

Dedicated USSD Code (Monthly)

This fee is charged per month to keep the USSD code active and is charged per Telco.

MWK

250,000

USSD Usage Postpaid (Per dial)

This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, and the flat rate is charged to the business in postpaid pricing.

MWK

Voice (IVR) pricing in Malawi

Malawi's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Malawi's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Malawi are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Malawi's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Malawi balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Malawi leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.