Published on 07/09/2025
Ugandan billionaire businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is set to once again take centre stage at the 15th UK–Africa Business Summit, where he will deliver a keynote address on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Royal Horse guards Hotel & One Whitehall Place.
Organised by The Promota Africa, the annual summit has become a leading platform for dialogue between African and UK policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs, with a focus on unlocking trade, driving investment, and advancing sustainable growth across the continent.
Dr. Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, returns to the summit for a second consecutive year, underscoring his growing profile as one of Africa’s most influential private sector voices. His presence signals not just a recognition of his achievements as an entrepreneur but also of his ongoing role in shaping the narrative around Africa’s economic transformation.
With a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, education, hospitality, banking, insurance, agriculture, and media, Dr. Ruparelia is credited with helping to reshape Uganda’s private sector over the past three decades. Beyond business, he is widely acknowledged for his philanthropy and his advocacy for stronger diaspora engagement and policy reforms to unlock African capital.
At the London summit, he is expected to address themes central to Africa’s economic future, including the scaling of enterprises through affordable finance, harnessing ethical agribusiness opportunities, and investing in resilient urban infrastructure. His contribution is anticipated to bridge practical entrepreneurial insights with global investor perspectives.
The 2025 summit brings together a distinguished panel of leaders, with Professor Luis Franceschi, Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth, headlining the international line-up. Uganda will also be strongly represented, with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Treasury Secretary Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, and several cabinet colleagues scheduled to speak on investment opportunities in energy, trade, infrastructure, and finance.
Senior military and government officials, including Gen. David Muhoozi, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, and State Ministers Evelyn Anite, Francis Mwebesa, and Musa Ecweru, are also expected to share perspectives on security, investment, and regional integration.
Celebrating its 15th edition, the UK–Africa Business Summit has grown into a trusted platform for forging tangible business partnerships. The 2025 programme will highlight bankable projects across energy, ICT, agriculture, and financial services, with sessions tailored to match investors with credible ventures.
This year’s summit has received backing from both government and private institutions, including the Uganda High Commission in the UK, the UK Department for Business and Trade, UK Export Finance, and the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Corporate partners such as Ruparelia Group, EW Properties, and the World Book of Records – London are also supporting the event.
According to the organisers, the summit aims to move beyond rhetoric by linking capital with opportunities, supporting SMEs, and promoting diaspora-led investments. “The focus this year is on execution—matching ideas with capital and building lasting partnerships that can transform economies,” noted The Promota Africa.
Dr. Ruparelia’s participation, alongside other prominent figures, is expected to further spotlight Uganda’s growing role in regional and global trade conversations. For him, it marks yet another chance to champion the private sector as a driver of Africa’s sustainable growth story.
The summit will commence at 9:00 a.m. on September 12, 2025. Interested participants can register via www.ukafricasummit.uk or contact the organisers directly at +44 7868 855 951.
