WhatsApp Business API in Nigeria

How businesses use the WhatsApp Business Platform to send notifications and hold conversations at scale, and how to get started.

What the WhatsApp Business API is

The WhatsApp Business app is built for small businesses answering messages by hand. The WhatsApp Business Platform, accessed through an API, is built for companies that need to message many customers, connect their own systems and run automated conversations.

Businesses reach it through a provider. Ruach provides WhatsApp Business messaging with webhooks and automatic SMS fallback; see the WhatsApp product page.

Template messages and categories

To start a conversation with a customer, a business sends a pre-approved template message. Templates are grouped into categories, and the category affects how the message is priced:

• Utility: order, delivery and account updates
• Authentication: one-time passcodes
• Marketing: promotions and announcements
• Service: replies within a customer-initiated conversation

Rules to plan around

• Customers must opt in before you message them
• Templates are reviewed and approved before use
• Once a customer replies, you can respond with free-form messages for a limited window
• Meta sets and updates these policies, so check the current rules before launch

Getting started

1. Apply for access
   Complete the WhatsApp onboarding form with your business details.
2. Create and submit templates
   Write the messages you will send and submit them for approval.
3. Connect your systems
   Use the API to send messages and webhooks to receive replies and delivery status. See the documentation.
4. Add SMS fallback
   If a WhatsApp message cannot be delivered, the same request can fall back to SMS automatically.

Pricing

WhatsApp messages are priced per message and depend on the category. Estimate your costs with the pricing calculator, or contact us for volume pricing.

WhatsApp Business API questions

Do I need a provider to use the WhatsApp Business API?

Yes. Businesses access the WhatsApp Business Platform through a provider. Ruach offers WhatsApp Business messaging with an API, webhooks and SMS fallback.

Can I message customers who haven't contacted me?

Only with their opt-in, and by using an approved template message. After they reply, you can respond more freely for a limited time.

What is a message template?

A pre-approved message with placeholders for details such as a name or an order number. It is used to start conversations.

What happens if a WhatsApp message fails?

With automatic SMS fallback, a message that cannot be delivered on WhatsApp is sent by SMS instead.

Related

• WhatsApp: WhatsApp Business messaging with Ruach.
• SMS API guide: The SMS side of the fallback.
• SMS: Direct operator routes and delivery reports.
• Pricing: Estimate costs by channel and country.