This week's top stories from Computerworld West Africa...

World Bank automates Ghana Stock Exchange
A World Bank-assisted project to automate the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is nearing completion, with the electronic depository functions becoming operational as the exchange excels amid a crippling global financial market.

Zain launches first 3.5G network in Africa
In a bid to consolidate its presence in Africa and control the region's mobile market, pan-African mobile service provider Zain has launched its first 3.5G network in order to offer customers high-speed Internet access.

Uganda government to subsidize BPO sector's bandwidth
Uganda's nascent BPO (business process outsourcing) sector could get a much needed shot in the arm if the government goes ahead with plans to subsidize the sector's bandwidth costs.

Warid Telecom launches WiMax service
After spending some US$10 million on a new 8-meter satellite and WiMax devices supplied by Motorola, Warid Telecom Uganda has launched the Internet provision segment of its business.

UN launches e-learning collaborative effort
Sixteen U.N. agencies have merged their efforts to establish UNeLearn, a technology-supported project to share information and expertise in 160 developing countries.

Rwanda installs Internet kiosks nationwide
The Rwandan government has started to install Internet kiosks throughout the country as part of its e-governance project aimed at developing the use of ICT in public service delivery.

Malawi Telecom stands off against government
The Malawian government and Malawi Telecommunications, the country's sole fixed-line operator, are in a standoff over layoffs, raising fears of a communications crisis.

Orange to launch iPhone in Kenya
Telkom Kenya has underlined its intention to offer the iPhone 3G to be locked under the company's Orange mobile brand.

BLOG: CATCHING THE MOBILE WAVE
Mobile phones and the birds and the bees
"An article recently published in the popular press has suggested that there may be a link between the increase in numbers of mobile phone masts and the reduction in local sparrow populations. The number of sparrows in Britain has effectively halved from 24 million approximately thirty years ago to a present day figure of 14 million, a decrease of almost 50%."