Bulk SMS

Overview

Bulk SMS lets you send the same message to a large list of recipients. Use the SMS Portal dashboard to create contact lists, import recipients, and send campaigns.

Step 1: Create a contact list

Log in to app.esmsafrica.io
Go to Contact Lists
Click Create List
Enter a name (e.g. "Marketing campaign Q1")

Step 2: Import contacts

CSV upload

Prepare a CSV file:

phone,name
+254712345678,Alice
+254712345679,Bob
+254712345680,Charlie
+234812345678,David

Upload it on the contact list page.

Manual entry

Add contacts one at a time by entering the phone number and name.

Step 3: Send the campaign

Go to Send SMS
Select your sender ID
Select the contact list you created
Type your message
Review the recipient count and estimated cost
Click Send

Each SMS is charged individually based on the recipient's country.

Tips

Test first — Send to a small test list before a large campaign
Check balance — Ensure your wallet has enough funds for the entire list
Sender IDs — Some countries require registered sender IDs
Message length — Keep messages under 160 characters to avoid multi-part SMS charges
Timing — Send during business hours for better engagement