Electronics company Philips announced that it plans to take its annual Cape Town-to-Cairo roadshow to Zimbabwe next week.

Phillips has been conducting the pan-African Cape Town to Cairo roadshow since 2010, and this year marks the first time that the Amsterdam firm takes its show to Zimbabwe.

According to a company statement this year’s roadshow theme focuses on mother and child care, in support of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which are aimed at reducing child mortality rates and improving maternal health.

There will also be an opportunity for customers and potential customers to see demonstrations of some of the key healthcare equipment that Philips will be introducing during the roadshow.

Phillips provides a range of ultrasound monitoring, clinical informatics and patient care solutions needed to care for mothers and children from pregnancy, labour and delivery to postnatal, neonatal and paediatric care and the transition home.

“The need for energy-efficient lighting, mother and child care and the revitalisation of African health care infrastructure are key pillars along which we develop meaningful innovations for our African customers,” commented Philips Africa senior vice-president and chief executive J.J. van Dongen.

“The Cape Town-to-Cairo roadshow is an important vehicle in our approach to enhance our understanding of local needs and growing the market,” he said.

The roadshow will cover 12 000 kilometres crossing 17 countries and 18 cities between May and September.