By Frank Kamuntu
Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s wealthiest entrepreneur and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, is set to grace the 15th UK-Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit in London on September 12, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Horseguards Hotel.
The summit, a pivotal platform for strengthening UK-Africa economic partnerships, aims to unlock strategic investment opportunities and catalyze trade across sectors like infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and technology. Sudhir will deliver a keynote address, sharing his remarkable journey from a refugee in the UK with just £8,000 to becoming one of East Africa’s most influential billionaires, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion by Forbes. His speech is expected to inspire entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and Africa’s economic potential.
The UK-Africa Business Summit, organized in collaboration with entities like UCUK and The India Overseas Trust, brings together top government officials, industry leaders, and investors to explore high-impact, investment-ready projects. It focuses on fostering bilateral trade, supporting sustainable development, and promoting African-led growth, with a particular emphasis on East Africa.
The 2025 summit will feature exclusive keynote sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities, highlighting sectors such as fintech, agribusiness, and real estate. Discussions will cover how initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and UK programs like the Developing Countries Trading Scheme can drive mutual prosperity. The event builds on the success of previous summits, such as the 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit, which secured over £6.5 billion in deals, and aims to further connect African stakeholders with global investors.
Born in 1956, Ruparelia’s story is one of grit and ambition. Fleeing Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime, he worked as a taxi driver in the UK before returning to build the Ruparelia Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, education, and finance. Notable projects include the Pearl Business Park, a modern commercial hub in Kampala, and Speke Resort Munyonyo. The group’s contributions have created thousands of jobs, driving Uganda’s urbanization. At the summit, Ruparelia will likely highlight how his ventures, including the Ruparelia Foundation’s philanthropy in education and healthcare, serve as models for sustainable development.
Dr Ruparelia’s appearance positions Uganda prominently in global economic discussions, reinforcing the summit’s goal of fostering partnerships that drive prosperity. His message of perseverance is poised to resonate, making this a defining moment for Africa’s business narrative.