Meta is set to introduce new charges for certain messages sent by businesses through the WhatsApp Business Platform from October 1, 2026.
The new pricing structure will affect organisations that use the WhatsApp Business Platform, formerly known as the WhatsApp Business API, to communicate with customers at scale.
The changes will not primarily affect ordinary WhatsApp users or small businesses that use the standard WhatsApp Business application.
Under the reported pricing structure, businesses will be charged based on the type of message they send. Utility messages, such as payment alerts, order confirmations and other service-related updates, are expected to attract a lower fee, while marketing messages will cost more.
The development could have a significant financial impact on companies that send large volumes of messages to customers, particularly banks, fintech companies, retailers, airlines and telecommunications firms.
For Nigerian businesses, WhatsApp has become an important channel for customer communication, with companies using the platform for transaction notifications, account updates, order confirmations, customer enquiries and promotional campaigns.
The new pricing model could prompt businesses to review how frequently they communicate with customers and prioritise essential messages in order to control costs.
Meta has continued to expand its business messaging services on WhatsApp. The company has introduced paid business broadcasts on the WhatsApp Business app and requires businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform to use approved templates when initiating certain customer messages.
For businesses that rely heavily on WhatsApp for customer service and marketing, the reported changes could make the platform a more significant recurring operating expense and may encourage some companies to explore alternative communication channels.
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