During this 2-month roadshow Philips will meet with relevant stakeholders in 15 countries to present and discuss its simple and effective lighting and healthcare solutions. "As the leading company in health and well-being, Philips plans to serve Africa's growth potential in terms of partnerships for innovation, solution supply and knowledge sharing, bringing meaningful lighting and healthcare solutions to the African people," said Gottfried Dutiné, Executive Vice-President and Global Head of Markets & Innovation.

Demand for new healthcare solutions growing fast
Nowadays, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 11 percent of the world's population, yet bears 24 percent of the global disease burden and commands less than 1 percent of global health expenditures. The average life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa has remained at roughly 50 years since 2002.

Philips points out that there are signs of improvement: the quality of hospitals and medical staff increased significantly in the last years and many healthcare projects have accelerated the transformation to modern and well-structured healthcare systems in Africa. "At Philips, we applaud the fact that governments, public and private hospital sectors increasingly dedicate energy towards making healthcare more accessible and affordable," says JJ van Dongen, General Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa. "Demand for new healthcare solutions is growing fast. Our mission is to improve the quality of healthcare in Africa through access to education, sharing of best practices and improved collaboration between public and private stakeholders."

For more information, please follow The Cairo to Cape town roadshow live on www.philips.com/africaroadshow

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 23 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.