In particular, businesses such as cosmetics, automobiles, cell phone minutes and personal banking have become in high demand.

FORBES: The Finances Of The Global Middle Class

Rarely when questioned would a business person describe Africa as the continent that yields a minimum of 8% Returns on Investment, has 85% cell phone penetration in some countries, develops innovative banking solutions such as MPESA in Kenya, boasts robust stock exchanges in Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi or that the origins of PayPal are in South Africa.

WHITEHOUSE: Champions of Change Blog

The expansion of banking through cell phones is highly strategic: 85% of Haitians already have access to a mobile phone.

FORBES: The Race (For Marketshare) Is On: Commercial Launch of Mobile Banking in Haiti