BBM, the mobile instant messaging platform from BlackBerry, is now available as a free download on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in Africa, giving Android and iPhone users across the continent access to the popular mobile social network.

The launch follows the rollout of BBM for Samsung Galaxy smartphone customers in Africa over the past few days.

The demand for BBM on Android and iPhone devices continues to be amazing. In just 24 hours BBM has been downloaded over 10-million times by Android and iPhone users, one of the best single-day openings for a mobile app to date.

To help manage the pent up demand for BBM and get everyone on the service as quickly as possible, a simple line-up system has been implemented to help ensure a smooth roll out.

To get the fastest possible access to BBM, Android and iPhone users should visit BBM.com from their Android or iPhone browser. Once they’ve downloaded the app, users should launch it and enter their email address to hold their spot in line. BlackBerry will send them an e-mail when they reach the front of the line. Customers can then log in and start using BBM.

Users among the 6-million who signed up at BBM.com will be the first to gain access to the service. Users who aren’t among the initial group will be moved through the line as quickly as possible.