London, UK – 12 September 2025 — Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group and widely regarded as Uganda’s most successful entrepreneur, will deliver the keynote address at the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit, to be held at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London.

His keynote comes at a pivotal moment for Uganda, now recognised as one of East Africa’s most dynamic investment destinations. With a rapidly growing economy, major infrastructure projects, and ongoing pro-business reforms, Uganda presents exceptional opportunities for investors across real estate, finance, agriculture, and hospitality. Dr Ruparelia’s remarkable journey not only embodies the country’s enterprising spirit but also highlights the strong potential for transformative returns in Uganda’s fast-evolving markets.

A Journey of Resilience and Enterprise

Born in Kabatoro, Kasese District, Uganda, in 1956, Dr Ruparelia’s early life was marked by upheaval, having been exiled to the United Kingdom following the 1972 expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin. Starting anew in Britain, he worked in factories, supermarkets, and drove taxis—steadily saving with the intention to return to Uganda and rebuild.

In 1985, equipped with US $25,000 in savings, Dr Ruparelia returned home and launched a series of ventures, including Uganda’s first licensed foreign exchange company, Crane Forex Bureau. This move laid the foundation for the Ruparelia Group—a multi-sector conglomerate now recognised as one of East Africa’s most influential business empires.

Today, Dr Ruparelia is celebrated not only for his personal success—with an estimated net worth of US $1.2 to $1.6 billion—but also for his pivotal role in Uganda’s economic development. The Ruparelia Group spans finance, real estate, hospitality, education, floriculture, insurance, and media, with flagship holdings such as Meera Investments, Speke Resort & Conference Centre, Kampala International School, and Rosebud Ltd.

Sector Leadership: The Ruparelia Group

Keynote on Entrepreneurship and Transformation

Dr Ruparelia’s keynote will focus on perseverance, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurship as catalysts for Africa’s transformation. Drawing on his own journey—from forced exile and taxi driving in London to building a regional powerhouse—he will share insights on responsible leadership and the real impact of enterprise.

Reflecting on the principles that have guided his life, Dr Ruparelia often quotes his father:

“Always pay your debts.”

He has previously remarked:

“I just want people to say, I know Sudhir is a good man, a man of his word.”

Event Details

• Venue: The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London
  
• Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
  
• Delegates: 300+ senior attendees, including ministers, business leaders, DFIs, diaspora investors, and institutional partners
  
  

Now in its fifteenth year, the UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit remains the leading UK platform for strengthening commercial ties and strategic investment partnerships between the United Kingdom and Africa. Dr Ruparelia’s remarkable story is a powerful testament to the Summit’s mission: unlocking Africa’s entrepreneurial potential through resilience, opportunity, and principled leadership.

For further information or registration:
www.ukafricasummit.uk