An interesting story from Total Telecom shows that Africa has become the fastest growing mobile phone market in the world, expanding by some 45% over the past year, according to new data from Wireless Intelligence. This is primarily because it’s coming from such a low base, but the trend is certainly encouraging. Even so, the continent still has a relatively paltry subscriber total, with just the 200 millionth subscriber being added in the first quarter of this year.

Penetration is highest in Southern Africa at 80%, thanks to South Africa’s highly developed market. West Africa, which grew by an incredible 75% over the past year, is catching up fast, while North, Central and East Africa all have a long way to go, with the latter two markets having penetration rates of just 20%. Political and economic development in West Africa is helping spur things along there, while increased competition between operators like MTN and Celtel, among others, are also doing their bit.