SMS API & SMS Gateway Zimbabwe — Econet and NetOne

A Zimbabwe SMS gateway you can call from any language

SMSPoP connects to the networks directly: NetOne (071/072) over SMPP and Econet (077/078/079) over the operator's own interface. You don't manage binds, routing or number formats. You send JSON, and we work out the network for every number and route it.

One call, sent immediately

POST /api/campaigns with your message, approved sender ID and numbers. There is no separate "send" step. Each number comes back with its own message_id and status.

Simple, safe authentication

Create Bearer tokens in your dashboard and revoke them at any time. Tokens belong on your server, never in a browser or mobile app.

Delivery reports by webhook

Give us a webhook URL and we POST the final result for every message_id: delivered, undelivered or expired. No polling.

Built for OTP traffic

One-time codes take a fast path, are rate-limited per number to stop abuse, and are masked in your campaign history after an hour.

Automatic network routing

Send 0771234567, 771234567 or +263771234567: numbers are normalised, checked and sent over the right network.

Transparent billing

Every response tells you the exact credits used. A standard SMS is 160 characters. Longer messages are billed per 153-character part.

Send your first SMS in three steps

1. Get a sender ID

Apply for a sender ID of up to 11 characters (for example your brand name) in the dashboard. Approval takes up to 7 working days.

2. Buy credits and create a token

Top up with EcoCash and generate an API token under API Tokens. The token is shown once, so store it in your server's environment settings.

3. Call the API

Send the request on the right. You get a 200 with a message_id per number, and the SMS arrives a few seconds later. The full API documentation covers webhooks, errors, message length and examples in JavaScript, PHP and Python.

cURL

 curl -X POST https://smspop.co.zw/api/campaigns \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "name": "Login code",
    "message": "Your verification code is 482913. It expires in 10 minutes.",
    "sender_id": "YOURBRAND",
    "contact_import_method": "manual",
    "manual_contacts": "0771234567"
  }'

PHP (Laravel HTTP client)

 $response = Http::withToken(env('SMSPOP_TOKEN'))
    ->acceptJson()
    ->post('https://smspop.co.zw/api/campaigns', [
        'name'                  => 'Payment reminder',
        'message'               => 'Hi Tendai, your invoice of $40 is due on Friday.',
        'sender_id'             => 'YOURBRAND',
        'contact_import_method' => 'manual',
        'manual_contacts'       => '0712345678',
    ]);

What Zimbabwean developers build with the SMSPoP API

Use	Typical message	Why SMS
Sign-up & login OTPs	Your verification code is 482913.	Works on every phone, with no data bundle or app needed
Transaction alerts	Payment of $25.00 received. Ref INV-1042.	Instant, so customers trust your system
Order & delivery updates	Your order #5531 is out for delivery.	Fewer "where is my order?" calls
Appointment reminders	Reminder: dentist tomorrow at 10:00.	Fewer no-shows
System & IT alerts	Server db-1 disk at 92%.	Reaches staff when email is not being read

Not sure which network a number is on? See our guide to Zimbabwe mobile number prefixes, or how businesses use SMS for OTP verification.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SMS gateway?

An SMS gateway connects your software to the mobile networks so that a request from your app becomes a text message on a phone. SMSPoP is an SMS gateway for Zimbabwe: it connects directly to Econet and NetOne, so you only make one HTTPS request.

Which Zimbabwean networks can I reach with the API?

Econet (077, 078 and 079 numbers) and NetOne (071 and 072 numbers). Numbers on other networks are rejected before sending, and you are not charged for them.

How much does the SMS API cost?

The API uses the same credits as the dashboard: from $0.02 per SMS, with no setup fee or monthly subscription. Credits are valid for one year from purchase. A message longer than 160 characters is billed per 153-character part.

Can I send OTP codes with the SMSPoP API?

Yes. One-time codes go through a fast path, are limited per number to prevent abuse, and are masked in your campaign history after an hour so codes are not left visible.

How do I get delivery reports?

Set a webhook URL in your account. SMSPoP will POST the final status (delivered, undelivered or expired) for each message_id as the network reports it.

Do I need a sender ID to use the API?

Yes. Messages are sent from an approved sender ID of up to 11 characters, such as your brand name. Apply in the dashboard; approval takes up to 7 working days.

Is there a rate limit?

Sending is limited to 10 requests per minute per account, and each request can carry many numbers. Listing campaigns is limited to 60 requests per minute.

Get your API token in minutes

No setup fees and no monthly subscription. From $0.02 per SMS, paid with EcoCash. Credits are valid for one year.

Create free account View pricing

Questions? Call +263 71 423 9734 or contact our team.

SMS API and SMS gateway for Zimbabwe