"We are opening up new business opportunities in these markets"

Moira Sheridan

"It is expected to grow very fast, generating expansion orders," she added.

In terms of fixed line telephony, there is currently about one fixed line for every 250 people.

Even the lucky few with a telephone line will likely find that these lines are fairly unreliable.

While some analogue phones are available, many are pinning their hopes on the new GSM networks, to widen the use of telephones.

Opportunities

Many phone companies have been hit hard by the high costs paid for third generation phone licences, fears of slowdown in the US, and falling sales in Western Europe.

The African market should provide an opportunity for profits. Already, the mobile phone market grew 50% last year.

Moira Sheridan says Ericsson recognises the opportunities.

"On this continent we are confirming relationships with leading operators.. and we are also opening up new business opportunities in these markets," she said.