On the market today, the charger that charges an iPhone will not be the same that charges a Samsung phone, an iPad, or the AirPods among other devices as these all come with their own kinds of chargers distinct from the competition. It should also be noted that with advancing technology, USB Type C is becoming the most common charging port and the European Commission intends to make it compulsory, and Type A is quickly disappearing.

In order to protect the consumer and the wider environment, the European Commission is proposing passing a new legislation to standardize the charging systems for the different devices.

In a press statement that Guru8 has seen titled “Pulling the plug on consumer frustration and e-waste: Commission proposes a common charger for electronic devices”, the Commission to compel manufacturers to “establish a common charging solution for all relevant devices”.

According to the Commission, it proposes to revise their Union’s Radio Equipment Directive in order to harmonise the charging port and fast charging technology by insisting that “USB – C will become the standard for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles” in order to protect the environment against e-waste and consumer inconvenience that has been brought about by the (prevalence) “of different, incompatible charges for electronics.

To ensure that one charger fits all scenarios, the Commission in its proposals will see that the sale of chargers is also unbundled (and sold separately) from the sale of electronic devices such that any available charger is able to charge the available devices without having to have a different charger for every device.

The directive would see uses buy chargers separately from the devices with the overall motive to “improve consumers’ convenience and reduce the environmental footprint (that is) associated with the production and disposal of chargers, thereby supporting the green and digital transitions”.

“European Consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible charges piling up in their drawers” reads a quote of Executive Vice President for Europe fit for a Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager cited within the statement. She adds that “We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions”.

“…more and more devices, more and more chargers are sold that are not interchangeable or not necessary”, adds Commissioner Thierry Breton. “We are putting an end to that”.

This decision will impact the future devices manufactured by technology companies, most especially the devices that are intended for the European Union market that is bound by the legislation to be passed. However, to be consistent, companies may be forced to adjust to the legislation even for the non – European markets just like is being done with the GDPR, a model that countries are now adopting for their data protection laws.

Britam, a leading diversified financial services group listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, has today launched a strategic partnership with MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd that will see the global telecommunications giant distribute Britam’s insurance products through MTN MoMo agents and utilize MTN Mobile Money as a payment platform.

The partnership – dubbed Insurance Everywhere – is part of the Britam Group focus on customer centricity as it is aimed to improve accessibility of their services to current and new clients with a digital first approach.

The partnership will have an initial focus on Motor Third Party Insurance, which is a statutory policy within Uganda, but will in the long run also take on other personal product lines such as Travel Insurance and Domestic Packages in the future.

The Britam group has already seen success in its digitization efforts with parent company Britam Holdings generating KES Sh1.4 billion (UGX 150bn) in new business though revamped digital channels after the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak.

As a result of this progressive investment in this business process management software, Britam Insurance have been able to positively navigate the effects of the pandemic with robust business continuity.

“Our strategic formula is based on customer experience and this is why we are committed to multi-channel distribution to increase accessibility and choice. We are working with long-term partners such as MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd who share our digital first vision and approach to customer service and are looking forward to our customers benefiting from this”, said the Britam CEO Mr. Allan Mafabi who was speaking at the launch.

The partnership will see MTN MoMo Agents utilize the Agent App Motor Third Party System to serve customers whilst customer payments will be made through MTN MoMo Assisted Payments. All a customer needs to do is to dial *165*4*5# to buy 3rd party insurance using MTN MoMo; aside from getting a sticker from our authorised Britam offices, agents and / or distributors, one can walk into the selected MTN shops to print out the insurance sticker.

Speaking at the launch held at Sheraton Kampala, Rwenzori Ballroom, the MTN Mobile Money Ltd General Manager, Mr. Stephen Mutana looked forward to the partnership with Britam Insurance: “Our partnership with Britam Uganda offers a glimpse of what the future should look like; we are thankful that Britam Insurance has seen the possibilities of what MTN MoMo can do  to simplify and streamline the business operations process while easing the lives of customers. Combined with our large distribution network, we believe that we will offer additional excellent customer services to current and potential Britam Insurance clients”.

Other guests that were present at the launch included senior officials from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Uganda Police – Traffic Division, MTN Uganda Executive Management Committee, Britam agents and distributors and senior journalists from the media.

Bolt is fully operational in Kampala, and now the e-hailing company has launched in Gulu city as part of moves to provide safe and affordable transport right across Uganda. Bolt is charging from UGX 2,000 for boda-boda rides and UGX 8,000 for Bolt base.

Users will be able to access Bolt’s wide range of riding categories such as Bolt Boda (one rider), Bolt Base (up to four riders), and Bolt XL, which takes up to six riders, following the launch on 27^th August 27, 2021 via a virtual event.

Speaking at the event, Moses Mugerwa, the Operations Manager Bolt Uganda, said one of Bolt’s main goals apart from providing value-for-money transport services countrywide is creating employment opportunities.

“Transportation is a significant factor in everyone’s day-to-day life. With our launch in Gulu, we aim to provide safe and quality transportation that’s easily accessible to anyone who needs it. We see this move being beneficial not only to customers here in the North but also as a way to help combat the rising rates of youth unemployment in the region.”

Recently the company revamped its App to make its services more customer-centric.  As part of Bolt’s drive to boost employment in Uganda, it has also assured its partners that the company constantly evaluates its operations to offer the best earnings on its e-hailing platform.

The emergency response button (SOS button) for passengers is also integrated into the app, allowing riders to easily connect to a 24/7 response service team if they are involved in any emergency while on a Bolt ride.

Bolt began operating in Uganda in 2017. The company has continued to supplement the government’s efforts to close the employment gap and commit to their partnership with drivers in working to improve the experience for and with drivers.