Philips attracting Africa with innovations addressing local needs

Press Release:
Philips announces its fourth consecutive pan-African Cape Town to Cairo road show; visiting 18 cities across 17 countries between 14th May and 23rd September 2013. The road show is instrumental in raising awareness on how Philips can enhance life in Africa. With an Africa-relevant product portfolio and a strong historical presence on the continent, Philips is committed to significantly expand its business footprint in Africa in the coming years.
Well positioned for growth in Africa “Africa is an important growth market for Philips. We have an ambitious growth plan for the continent in place aimed at double digit growth over the coming few years,” states Frans van Houten, CEO of Philips.  Frans van Houten, who is participating as a co-chair of the World Economic Forum on Africa 2013 in Cape Town (8-10 May), continues: “Philips entered Africa over a century ago; we have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the African market as well as the key challenges facing Africa today. We are well positioned to increase our presence on the continent by developing local talent and organizations, increasing our footprint and introducing innovative products and solutions which are relevant for the local needs.”
The Cape Town to Cairo Roadshow 2013 During the Cape Town to Cairo roadshow 2013 Philips engages in a dialogue with customers, governments, NGOs and media on the key challenges facing Africa today. The roadshow continues its focus on Mother and Child Care, supporting the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 aimed at reducing child mortality rates and improving maternal health. With clinical education and training programs for African healthcare professionals and through large scale healthcare revitalization projects, Philips helps to improve standards of care.
“The need for energy-efficient lighting, mother and child care and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure are key pillars along which we develop meaningful innovations for our African customers”, says JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President & CEO Philips Africa. “I’m excited the Cape Town to Cairo Road Show is starting again. It is an important vehicle in our approach to enhance our understanding of local needs and growing the market.”
The road show also highlights the benefits of Philips’ LED lighting and solar solutions which offer, energy efficient, cost effective and reliable on- and off-grid illumination. Philips will be promoting its new solar powered LED Street and Area lighting solutions; a Pan-African soccer tour with African soccer legends under solar-powered LED floodlights is also planned to highlight these developments.
To further boost Philips’ understanding of local customer needs, Philips recently also launched Fabric of Africa: a collaborative campaign to drive public-private partnerships and to improve healthcare access across the continent.
For more information please follow the Cape Town to Cairo roadshow on:www.philips.com/africaroadshow