Top 10 WhatsApp Business API & Team Inbox Providers in South Africa - 2024 Edition

In today's fast-paced business world, connecting with customers effectively and efficiently is key to success. The WhatsApp Business API has become an essential tool for businesses to improve customer communication, automate responses, and offer personalized support. South Africa is home to a variety of exceptional providers of this service, each with unique features designed to help businesses thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 10 WhatsApp Business API solution providers in South Africa, delving into their offerings, pros, cons, free trials, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Before we jump into the list of top 10 WhatsApp Business API providers in South Africa, let's first get an understanding of WhatsApp Business API, its features, and its associated benefits. 

So, without further ado, let's get started...!

What is WhatsApp Business API

A WhatsApp Business API is an application program interface allowing businesses to receive and send bulk WhatsApp messages in real-time seamlessly. It is designed to help businesses communicate with their customers in a more efficient and personalized way, using features such as interactive automated messages and quick replies. 

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In a nutshell, WhatsApp Business API is a robust solution that enables businesses to personalize their customer communication flows and provide a better customer experience. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger company, the WhatsApp Business API can be customized to fit your needs.

Wanna know about WhatsApp Business API in detail? Here is your 2024 Ultimate Guide to WhatsApp Business API - Click Here to Read

Features of WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business API empowers businesses with an extensive range of features to efficiently handle their customer communication. These features include:

• Cloud-based shared team inbox for a comprehensive overview of customer interactions.
• Role-based access control to define team roles and communication flow authorities.
• Unlimited WhatsApp broadcast messaging with personalized messages and call-to-action buttons.
• Broadcast analytics report for real-time performance metrics.
• WhatsApp automation with AI-powered chatbots and auto-replies.
• Easy native integration with popular tools such as Zapier and WooCommerce.

Benefits of WhatsApp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API offers several key benefits to businesses looking to enhance their customer communication and engagement:

• Improved customer communication: With over 2.4+ billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is a popular platform for communication, making it easier for businesses to reach and engage with customers in a familiar environment.
• Two-way conversation: The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to have real-time, two-way conversations with customers, enabling prompt responses and fostering strong customer relationships.
• Automation and chatbots: The API enables businesses to automate responses using chatbots, which can handle frequently asked questions, appointment scheduling, and other tasks, freeing up time for support teams to focus on more complex issues.
• Rich media support: Businesses can send images, videos, documents, and other media to provide customers with a more engaging and informative experience.
• Secure communication: WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that the communication between businesses and customers remains secure and private.
• Message templates: The API allows businesses to create and use message templates, making it easier to send consistent, professional, and engaging messages to customers.
• Analytics and insights: Businesses can track the performance of their WhatsApp communication, measuring open and response rates, and using these insights to make data-driven decisions for improved customer engagement.
• CRM and third-party integrations: The WhatsApp Business API can be integrated with popular CRM systems and other business tools, allowing businesses to manage customer communication and data more effectively.
• Global reach: WhatsApp is used in over 180 countries, making it an ideal platform for businesses to connect with customers across the globe.
• Cost-effective communication: Using the WhatsApp Business API can help businesses save on communication costs, as it is often more affordable than traditional SMS or voice-based communication channels.

Now that you have a good understanding of the fundamentals and advantages of WhatsApp Business API, let's move on to introducing the top 10 WhatsApp Business API solution providers in South Africa. 

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Top 10 Official WhatsApp Business API Solution Providers in South Africa

1. DoubleTick

Sell products 7x faster using WhatsApp Business API on mobile

DoubleTick is WhatsApp 3.0 designed to empower your sales team to sell more in less time. It's one of the best WhatsApp CRM and MarCom tools that comes with premium WhatsApp API features such as a cloud-based shared team inbox, unlimited WhatsApp broadcast messaging, dynamic catalogue sharing, an advanced Chatbot, and much more. An all-in-one solution, DoubleTick has everything that you've been looking for in a salesforce tool. 

Pros:

• Bulk broadcast your messages and catalogue to unlimited saved and unsaved contacts.
• Automate WhatsApp marketing by scheduling your broadcast messages.
• Stay on top of your WhatsApp marketing campaign with real-time analytics and detailed reports to track your metrics and fine-tune your approach.
• Single WhatsApp number for your entire company with a cloud-based team inbox and role-based access.
• End-to-end automated catalogue sharing and order booking via AI-Powered Commerce BOT.
• WhatsApp automation via AI-powered active chatbot that can answer customers’ queries, send automated anniversaries & birthday wishes, abandoned cart notifications, pending balance reminders, bills and all kinds of alerts to customers.
• Choose your favourite tools such as Shopify, Zapier, WooCommerce etc. and integrate them with DoubleTick in just a few clicks.
• Super intuitive, easy to use and mobile-friendly.
• 24/7 Customer support is available on call, WhatsApp or email.

DoubleTick is revolutionizing the way businesses use WhatsApp API with its innovative mobile-focused platform, allowing you to manage your business on the go.

Cons:

- Due to the mobile-first approach, the product is optimised to perform best on mobile devices. 

Apart from this, there are no downsides. Please let us know if you encounter any issues.

Free Trial

DoubleTick doesn't offer a Free Trial. However, one can opt for a monthly subscription to experience DoubleTick.

Pricing

Click here to check out our pricing plans or book a FREE demo with us to know more about the product and its features. 

2. Infobip

Infobip offers an omnichannel communications platform, enabling customers to manage business communications across multiple platforms such as WhatsApp, SMS, email, and Facebook Messenger through one centralized dashboard.

Pros:

• Seamless onboarding process
• Strong customer support
• Mobile app availability
• Wide range of integrations
• Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to competitors
• Markup fees on messages sent or received
• Outdated user interface
• Additional fees for customer support
• Potential overwhelming omnichannel functionality for new users

Free Trial

Infobip provides a free trial with access to 100 conversational points to chat with customers.

Pricing

Infobip offers customized pricing to meet each business's unique needs. Contact their team for pricing details.

3. Clickatell

Clickatell is a South African company offering an all-in-one messaging platform that allows businesses to easily integrate WhatsApp Business API, SMS, and other chat platforms for streamlined communication.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Strong customer support
• Flexible API options
• Robust reporting features

Cons:

• Limited pre-built templates
• Pricing may be higher for smaller businesses
• No mobile app available

Free Trial

Clickatell offers a 14-day free trial with access to all features.

Pricing 

Pricing is based on the number of messages and starts at ZAR 600 per month.

4. 360dialog

360dialog is a comprehensive messaging iPaaS solution and an official WhatsApp Business solution provider. It offers complete WhatsApp Business API solutions through its web app, suitable for businesses of all sizes, industries, and sectors. This WhatsApp marketing platform integrates analytics and ROI tracking, team inboxes, CRM integration, marketing automation and sales intelligence in a single solution.

Pros:

• Efficient onboarding process, allowing you to set up an account in just 10 minutes.
• 100% message delivery rate.
• Free WhatsApp green tick verification.
• Easy integration of WhatsApp Chatbot.
• The API can be seamlessly integrated with various applications and CRM systems.
• Offers cost-effective pricing with a flat fee structure.

Cons:

• 360dialog does not offer 24/7 support and customer assistance can only be accessed via email.
• There are no real-time session reports available.
• It requires ongoing attention and support from the development team.
• One has to pay monthly charges for dedicated Regional Hosting.
• Levy message markup cost.

Free Trial

Yes, you can create a free WhatsApp Business API account in 360dialog without any credit card.

Pricing

360dialog offers 3 plans that are charged Monthly. The "API Only" plan will cost you 49 €/ month, which is best suited for businesses who want to get access to the API only and have an in-house team to develop the platform. Please note, with this plan you'll get Standard community support only. The "Professional" plan will cost you 99 €/ month, which is suited for small businesses. With this plan, you can send unlimited WhatsApp Session Messages or Conversations with Premium customer support. For the "Enterprise" plan, you'll have to pay > 200 €. This plan is best suited for large businesses. For custom integration, you'll have to connect with their customer support.

5. Karix

Karix is a global messaging provider offering the WhatsApp Business API for businesses in South Africa, with a focus on scalability, secure communication, and customer engagement.

Pros:

• End-to-end encryption
• Rich media support
• 24/7 customer support
• Scalable solutions
• Global network coverage

Cons:

• Limited pre-built templates
• No mobile app available
• Complex pricing structure

Free Trial 

Karix offers a free trial upon request.

Pricing

Contact Karix for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

6. Cellfind

Cellfind is a South African mobile solutions provider offering WhatsApp Business API services, helping businesses streamline communication and improve customer engagement.

Pros:

• Local support team
• Customizable solutions
• Robust API documentation
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Limited integrations
• No mobile app available
• No multi-channel support

Free Trial

Cellfind offers a free trial upon request.

Pricing

Contact Cellfind for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

7. Kaleyra

Kaleyra is an international cloud communications platform that offers the WhatsApp Business API to businesses in South Africa, focusing on seamless integration, global reach, and customizable solutions.

Pros:

• Easy integration
• Customizable solutions
• Global network coverage
• Comprehensive API documentation

Cons:

• Limited customer support
• No mobile app available
• No multi-channel support

Free Trial

Kaleyra offers a free trial upon request.

Pricing

Contact Kaleyra for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

8. MTN Messaging

MTN Messaging is a South African mobile network operator offering the WhatsApp Business API as part of its business solutions, providing seamless communication between businesses and customers.

Pros:

• Local support team
• Scalable solutions
• Integration with MTN services
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Limited pre-built templates
• No mobile app available
• Limited to MTN network users

Free Trial 

MTN Messaging offers a free trial upon request.

Pricing

Contact MTN Messaging for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

9. SMSPortal

SMSPortal is a South African bulk SMS provider that also offers the WhatsApp Business API, helping businesses connect with customers through a streamlined and user-friendly platform.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Competitive pricing
• Local support team
• Integration with popular CRM systems

Cons:

• Limited analytics features
• No mobile app available
• No multi-channel support

Free Trial

SMSPortal offers a free trial upon request.

Pricing

Contact SMSPortal for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

10. Twilio

Twilio is a global communications platform that provides the WhatsApp Business API to businesses in South Africa, featuring a wide range of tools and integrations for streamlined customer communication.

Pros:

• Comprehensive API documentation
• Wide range of integrations
• Scalable solutions
• Global network coverage

Cons:

• Limited customer support
• Complex pricing structure
• No mobile app available

Free Trial

Twilio offers a free trial with a ZAR 250 credit.

Pricing

Pricing is based on message bundles and starts at ZAR 600 per month.

Note:

The pricing information for these service providers may be subject to change over time. Therefore, we recommend checking their respective websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How to Choose the Best WhatsApp Business API Solution Partner?

Selecting the perfect WhatsApp Business API solution partner can be a daunting task. Don't worry, though; we're here to help! We've compiled a list of 10 crucial factors to keep in mind when evaluating potential partners. By considering these aspects, you'll be well on your way to finding the right fit for your business.

1. Clearly define your marketing objectives.
2. Identify the essential features for your business and ensure they're available.
3. Test the user interface, assess compatibility, and evaluate performance.
4. Investigate the extent of third-party software and CRM integrations.
5. Review subscription plans, terms and conditions, and message markup costs.
6. Investigate the solution provider's market reputation and expertise.
7. Evaluate the onboarding and implementation process.
8. Schedule a demo for more in-depth insights.
9. Determine if customization options are available to meet your specific requirements.
10. Inquire about the quality of customer support.

How to Get WhatsApp Business API

There are two ways through which you can get WhatsApp Business API:

1. Direct sign-up from Meta
2. Through a solution provider such as DoubleTick

Directly from Meta

You can apply directly for the official WhatsApp Business API from Meta. However, this route is not the most efficient option. For mid-sized companies, the process of setting up the API requires a developer and can be both labour-intensive and technically challenging.

Through a Solution Provider

A solution provider can expedite approval and swiftly set up the WhatsApp Business API platform for your business. For instance, with DoubleTick, the process takes between two to three days. With DoubleTick the possibilities to scale your business is endless. 

How to Get DoubleTick

Kindly email us at grow@quicksell.co or Click Below to get a FREE DEMO to know about our product offering, features and pricing plans.

Now transform WhatsApp into the ultimate sales engine to delight customers and drive revenue with DoubleTick!

Why DoubleTick?

If you're looking for the best MarCom tool that can send unlimited messages to your customers on WhatsApp without getting blocked then DoubleTick is the best business solution for you. Here are a few of the top reasons to sign up with DoubleTick WhatsApp Business API.  

• Bulk broadcast your messages and catalogue to unlimited saved and unsaved contacts.
• Automate WhatsApp marketing by scheduling your broadcast messages.
• Detailed broadcast analytics report to track your WhatsApp marketing campaign metrics in real-time.
• Single WhatsApp number for your entire company with a cloud-based team inbox and role-based access.
• End-to-end automated catalogue sharing and order booking via AI-Powered Commerce BOT.
• WhatsApp Automation via AI-powered active chatbot that can answer customers’ queries, send automated anniversaries & birthday wishes, abandoned cart notifications, pending balance reminders, bills and all kinds of alerts to customers.
• Choose your favourite tools such as Shopify, Zapier, WooCommerce etc. and integrate them with DoubleTick in just a few clicks.
• Super intuitive, easy to use and mobile-friendly.
• 24/7 Customer support is available via call, WhatsApp or email.

Read more about DoubleTick here - What is DoubleTick and How This Could Be Your Greatest WhatsApp Marketing and Sales Tool 

Getting WhatsApp Business API in 5 Minutes

It only takes 5 minutes to sign up for WhatsApp Business API via DoubleTick. If your Meta Business Manager is verified, you can get started with DoubleTick within 5 minutes. If however, you need help with Meta Business Manager verification then the process would take around 3 days to a week depending on how ready you are with your documents as well as the response time from Meta. You will receive a confirmation email once the account is set up. 

You need to follow the below steps to access the DoubleTick WhatsApp Business API:

1. Get a phone number that does not have an existing WhatsApp account.
2. Sign up for a WhatsApp API provider, such as DoubleTick.
3. Complete Facebook Business verification.

After completion of these steps, you will be able to use all the functionalities of WhatsApp Business APIs on the DoubleTick dashboard.

Requisites to Apply for DoubleTick WhatsApp Business API

You need:

• A Facebook Business Manager account
• A verified business
• A WhatsApp business account
• A fresh phone number
• A Line of Credit for your WhatsApp business account
• A command line tool such as Terminal or an app like Postman that can perform URL requests (Not needed if applied via DoubleTick)

We'd also need at least two documents from the below list to verify the business:

• Business bank statement
• Business License
• Certificate of incorporation
• Goods and services tax registration certificate (GST)
• Permanent account number card (PAN)
• Shop establishment certificate
• Udyog Aadhar / MSME Certificate
• Utility bill

We can't onboard you if the above documents are not available.

Note: 

• You'll have to get a new phone number for your WhatsApp Business API account as you can't use this further for your personal use.
• You can also use your existing phone number for your WhatsApp Business API account but all your data will be erased and you'll not be able to use it for your personal use any further.

​Know How To Get a Verified Green Tick Badge on WhatsApp - A Step-by-Step Guide: Click Here

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, choosing an ideal WhatsApp Business API solution partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's communication and customer engagement. By carefully considering the factors we've discussed, you can make a well-informed choice that will best serve your unique needs and help your business flourish.

Remember, the perfect solution partner should align with your marketing objectives, offer essential features and integrations, provide a user-friendly interface, and deliver top-notch customer support. Don't hesitate to schedule demos, ask questions, and explore customization options to ensure you're getting the most out of your investment.

As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that the right partner can transform your customer communication experience, streamlining interactions, enhancing engagement, and ultimately, driving growth for your business. Take your time, evaluate your options, and trust that with the right WhatsApp Business API partner, the sky's the limit for your business's success.

Confused about WhatsApp's conversation-based pricing model?
WhatsApp Business API Conversation Cost Explained (A 2024 Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How does the WhatsApp Business API differ from the WhatsApp Business App? 

Answer: The WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium and large businesses, providing more advanced features and scalability than the WhatsApp Business App, which is better suited for small businesses.

Question: How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost? 

Answer: Pricing for the WhatsApp Business API varies depending on the solution provider. Some providers offer subscription plans, while others charge based on message bundles. To get an accurate estimate, you will need to contact the provider for customized pricing based on your business requirements.

Question: Can I integrate the WhatsApp Business API with my CRM or other business tools? 

Answer: Yes, many WhatsApp Business API solution providers offer integrations with popular CRM systems and other business tools to help you manage customer communication and data more effectively.

Question: How can I get started with the WhatsApp Business API? 

Answer: To get started with the WhatsApp Business API, you can either apply directly through Meta or opt for a solution provider like DoubleTick. Partnering with a solution provider is often faster and more efficient, as they can help with quick approval and streamlined setup.

Question: Is the WhatsApp Business API secure? 

Answer: Yes, the WhatsApp Business API offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that communication between businesses and customers remains secure and private.

Question: What kind of support can I expect from a WhatsApp Business API solution provider? 

Answer: Support from a WhatsApp Business API solution provider can vary, but most offer some level of customer support, including email, phone, or live chat. Be sure to inquire about the quality of customer support when evaluating potential partners.

Question: Can I use the WhatsApp Business API for marketing campaigns? 

Answer: Yes, the WhatsApp Business API can be used for marketing campaigns, but it's essential to follow WhatsApp's guidelines and policies regarding promotional messages to avoid any potential issues.

Question: How can I measure the success of my WhatsApp Business API communication efforts? 

Answer: Many WhatsApp Business API solution providers offer analytics and insights, allowing you to track the performance of your communication efforts, such as open and response rates. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions to improve customer engagement.

Question: Can I use chatbots with the WhatsApp Business API? 

Answer: Yes, the WhatsApp Business API supports chatbots, which can help automate responses to frequently asked questions, appointment scheduling, and other tasks, freeing up time for your support team to focus on more complex issues.

Question: What is the key factor for getting the WhatsApp Green Tick badge?

Answer: Our experience working with brands has shown that having 3-5 organic PR articles about your business increases the likelihood of getting the WhatsApp Green Tick badge. Other factors, such as your business should be at Tier 2 or higher in WhatsApp's messaging levels and reputable brand identity, may also help but do not guarantee the badge. Ultimately, the decision rests with Meta.

Question: What should I do if my Green Tick application is rejected?

Answer: While the Green Tick badge adds a professional appearance to your profile and contact information, its rejection does not affect running campaigns and supporting customers. You may reapply after 30 days.

Question: Does DoubleTick offer a free trial?

Answer: Yes, we do offer a demo account that you can play with. Download the DoubleTick App to test with a demo account.

Question: What’s DoubleTick’s pricing plan? 

Answer: Kindly email us at grow@quicksell.co or Click here to BOOK a FREE DEMO with us to learn about DoubleTick’s features and pricing plans.

Question: How many team members can I add to my DoubleTick account?

Answer: You can add unlimited team members to DoubleTick.

Question: How many devices does DoubleTick support?

Answer: An unlimited number of devices can be used with DoubleTick. However, access to the number of accounts will be based on your subscription.