Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Vodacom Congo

In the late 1990's, international experts predicted there would be a market for only 10,000 cell phones in all of Congo. The day Alieu Conteh launched his cell phone company, he had capacity for 4,000 customers, but 35,000 people lined up.  In less than five years he broke the one million mark.  Alieu promised a telephone would no longer be a luxury in Congo. When Alieu came out with a $2 card, he revolutionized the market and tripled his sales. Alieu brought cell phone service to both government and rebel held areas and created Congo's largest network.  He continues to roll out service every week in rural villages throughout the nation.