By Andrew Irumba Katusabe
London, United Kingdom – One of the most anticipated events in the international business calendar, the UK-Africa Business Summit, returns on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place, with a powerful lineup of VIPs and key speakers from across Africa and the Commonwealth.
This year’s summit, themed East & South Africa Focused, promises to be a dynamic platform for trade, policy, and investment dialogue. Among the top headliners is Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the celebrated Ugandan business tycoon and Chairman of the Ruparelia Group of Companies. He will join a distinguished roster of dignitaries and leaders to shape discussions on sustainable economic cooperation between Africa and the UK.
About the Summit
The UK-Africa Business Summit has become a key platform for nurturing bilateral trade and investment relationships between the UK and African nations. The summit traditionally attracts policymakers, diplomats, business tycoons, and development partners. With a sharp focus this year on East and Southern Africa, it provides an ideal space to unlock new opportunities, showcase emerging African markets, and bridge public-private sector partnerships.
Over the years, the summit has grown into a significant vehicle for influencing policy direction, particularly in areas like energy, trade, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The 2025 edition is expected to advance conversations on investment resilience, intra-African trade, and innovation.
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Luis Franceschi
Leading the summit’s intellectual charge is Prof. Luis Franceschi, the Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Renowned for his legal scholarship and leadership in international governance, Prof. Franceschi will deliver the keynote address. His presence underscores the Commonwealth’s support for economic diplomacy, inclusive governance, and sustainable business transformation in Africa.
Featured Speakers and VIPs
1. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia
Chairman, Ruparelia Group of Companies
A billionaire businessman and Uganda’s leading real estate and financial services magnate, Dr. Sudhir is revered for his expansive investments across hospitality, banking, insurance, education, and agriculture. His reputation as a turnaround strategist makes him a sought-after speaker at global forums.
Why He’s a Key Voice at International Forums:
Dr. Sudhir has previously spoken at:
- The Africa Global Business Forum (Dubai)
- Commonwealth Business Forum (UK)
- World Investment Forum (Geneva)
- Africa Hotel Investment Forum (Nairobi)
His insights into emerging markets, capital mobilization, and entrepreneurship in Africa are regularly referenced by economists and development experts.
2. General David Muhoozi
Minister of State for Internal Affairs
A retired army general and former Chief of Defence Forces in Uganda, Gen. Muhoozi brings strategic leadership to internal governance and security reforms.
3. Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament
As one of the youngest parliamentary leaders in Uganda, Tayebwa is known for his progressive legislative agenda and passionate advocacy for youth-driven economic reforms.
4. Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa
Minister, Energy and Mineral Development
She leads Uganda’s ambitious oil and gas sector strategy and has been central to Uganda’s energy transition and power infrastructure expansion.
5. Hon. Evelyn Anite
State Minister for Finance, Investment and Privatization
An influential voice in Uganda’s investment policies, Anite plays a pivotal role in privatization and FDI attraction, especially in manufacturing and financial services.
6. Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs
With a military and civil service background, Gen. Musanyufu is known for his administrative precision and institutional reforms in national identity and internal governance.
7. Hon. Francis Mwebesa
Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
Mwebesa is leading Uganda’s industrialization efforts and regional trade development, championing the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.
8. Hon. Musa Ecweru
Minister of State for Works and Transport
Tasked with spearheading infrastructure connectivity, Ecweru has been integral to rural road development and transport modernization.
Event Sponsors & Supporters
The event is supported by:
Ruparelia Group
EW Properties
World Book of Records, London
NIRA
Uganda North American Association (UNAA)
Registration and Participation
Participants can register and find more information via the official summit portal:
www.ukafricasummit.uk
The 2025 UK-Africa Business Summit isn’t just an event — it is a movement that catalyzes transcontinental business. With Dr. Sudhir at the helm of its business engagements, the summit affirms Uganda’s growing influence on the global investment stage.
