How common are smartphones in Zimbabwe?
If they're not very common yet, what's needed for quicker Bitcoin adoption is something like
Coinapult SMS wallet, at least while smartphones are not everywhere.
And, of course, an exchange would be necessary too. I'm not aware of any... is there an exchange in Zimbabwe, or an easy way for Zimbabweans to send dollars to foreign exchanges?
Actually, if the transfer of cell phone minutes is so easy, wouldn't it be possible to build a "cell phone minutes/BTC" exchange, instead of BTC/USD exchange? You would only need to be sure the cell phone operator would not close the exchange account for unauthorized use of its credits.
The transfer time on bitcoins is still way too long to be used very well as a currency. It can take over an hour to get confirmations of 3 or more and that's just way too long to be practical. I'm sure it can be used some but not that widespread for awhile.
For the great majority of transactions you don't need more than 1 confirmation. Actually, if you know the sender, you don't need any confirmation at all.
This is why I think the way to promote this in Africa is through a cell provider. If we can get a cell provider to accept bitcoins as payment for minutes (seems like the perfect commodity because the cell provider is not dealing in a tangible asset) and set up an app on their phone that releases x minutes per mBtc then I think bitcoins will take off.
Are you aware of
Bitcoin Wireless? Perhaps you should contact them.