Sarufi
Sarufi: A flexible, API-first SMS chatbot platform with strong African channel support. Ranked #14 of 32 in SMS Chatbot Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers targeting African SMS channels.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers targeting African SMS channels
- Free planYes
- AI responsesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free Developer plan includes API access and 1,000 messages/month
- Visual flows combine states, transitions, AI, and knowledge-base answers
- Supports SMS, WhatsApp, web, USSD, payments, handoff, and analytics
Where it doesn't
- The Developer plan is limited to 1,000 messages per month
- SMS deployment is tied to Africa's Talking and Beem
- Broader workflows may require API and integration work
Our verdict on Sarufi
Sarufi is a conversational-agent platform for businesses automating customer support, bookings, payments, surveys, data collection, and other workflows. It is aimed at developers and organizations that need agents across WhatsApp, SMS, USSD, and the web, with an API-first approach for connecting conversations to existing business systems. The product combines visual conversation flows with states and transitions, AI responses, knowledge-base question answering, human handoff, and conversation analytics.
Its channel and integration coverage is a central strength. Sarufi supports two-way SMS through Africa's Talking and Beem, alongside the WhatsApp Business Platform, web widget, REST API, USSD, MCP servers, and webhooks. Payment steps and payment integrations extend the platform beyond simple question answering, while escalation features allow conversations to move to people. This makes Sarufi a fit for developers building customer-facing workflows across African messaging channels, especially when backend connections and multiple deployment options matter.
The published Developer plan is free and includes 1,000 messages per month, making it a practical entry point for initial agents and lower-volume workflows. The platform's breadth also means teams may need to design conversation states, connect backend services, configure payment flows, and decide when to hand off to a human. Sarufi should suit developers who value visual flow control, AI knowledge answers, API access, and African SMS connectivity. Teams seeking a narrowly focused SMS tool, or workflows that exceed the Developer plan's message limit, may prefer an alternative with a simpler scope or different channel coverage.
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Sarufi pricing
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Sarufi fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| AI responses | Yes |
| Workflow builder | Yes |
| Two-way SMS | Yes |
| Message limit | 1000 messages/mo |
| Interactive menus | Not verified |
| MMS support | Not verified |
| API access | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: WhatsApp Business Platform, Web Widget, REST API, Africa's Talking, Beem, USSD … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | sarufi.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Sarufi integrations
Sarufi lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- WhatsApp Business Platform
- Web Widget
- REST API
- Africa's Talking
- Beem
- USSD
- MCP servers
Alternatives to Sarufi
- ConvoCoreA flexible SMS automation platform with AI conversations, workflows, campaigns, and API access.9.3
- AthenaTextA focused SMS automation platform with AI replies, routing, compliance controls, and team handoff.9.1
- BoeiBoei suits CRM-heavy teams that need SMS automation across a broad integration ecosystem.8.9
Also Ranked In
Sarufi is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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