Google has seen business opportunities in Africa, and is investing accordingly. So has China. What is an untapped resource of money-making potential in Africa? 7 million cell phone users.

Bankelele writes:

The future will be for money transfer via cellphone, as is already taking place in the Philippines and South Africa.

Airtime offers many more possibilities - 7 million cell phone (including more post-paid cell phone customers) vs. 100,000 credit card users in Africa. Alongside his credit card terminal, a merchant can have a terminal with a dedicated cell phone line to receive virtual payments of airtime from safaricom users making small purchases. At the end of the day, he'll be able to check his virtual balance - and either re-sell the airtime to customers or use it to purchase other goods.