Government agencies require a dedicated approval process from Meta before setting up a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA). This guide covers the three required steps: getting Meta pre-approval, setting up the WABA, and completing Meta Business Verification (MBV).
Before you begin
The government agency website is operational and secured with SSL encryption.
A Customer Success Manager (CSM) from respond.io is assigned to assist with the submission process.
Getting Meta pre-approval
All government agencies must receive pre-approval from Meta before creating a WABA.
Contact support to request a WABA for a government agency.
Receive a Government Access Form from a respond.io Customer Success Manager (CSM).
Complete the form and return it to your CSM for submission to Meta.
Await approval from Meta — this may take up to 3 working days.
Setting up the WhatsApp Business Account
Once Meta pre-approval is received, proceed to sign up for a WABA by following the Connect WhatsApp Business Platform (API) step-by-step.
Completing Meta Business Verification
Government agencies must provide the following supporting documents for Meta Business Verification (MBV):
A government letter with letterhead (mandatory)
Certificate of Formation (Presidential and Ministerial decree, Governor’s regulations)
Declaration letter
Utility bills (phone, internet) showing the same address
Tax filing document
Once the supporting documents are ready, verify your business in Meta Business Manager.
After submitting the MBV request, allow up to 2–4 weeks to receive an email and notification in Meta Business Manager about approval status.
