The internet in Africa is entirely different to the internet used in the developed world. In America or Europe, the internet is generally something you surf on a computer or tablet -- a device with a 10-inch to 15-inch screen. In Africa, hundreds of millions of people will experience the internet for the first time on a 2-inch cellphone screen. Probably in black and white. And probably only as text. They may not even know they are using the internet. Google, for instance, offers search and Gmail via SMS, the text message service that is still the most popular form of communication.
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The first time most Africans use the internet is on a mobile phone, says Toby Shapshak
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Shapshak: While many don't have electricity, mobiles mean anyone can have a phone
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Mobile money is big business - half of Kenya's GDP now moves via this method
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In South Africa, 25 per cent of Google searches are via mobile
While the rest of the developed world is rushing headlong into smartphone heaven -- with powerful touchscreen devices that are more mini computer than voice-calling phone -- Africa's workhorses are the kind of phone seen in @placeholder cities circa 1998.