Sliaptsova managed to alert a local journalist by surreptitiously using her mobile phone before it was confiscated.

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But Africa's resourcefulness goes far beyond the mobile phone, and according to Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade, author of forthcoming book "The Bright Continent, " advanced economies can learn a thing or two from Africa's innovative spirit.

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But the hacks turned back to their laptops scowling as they realised a visiting journalist had the bells of St Peter's as their mobile phone ring-tone.

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