Post-Event Report: 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025

The 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit, held on 12 September 2025 at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, marked a defining moment in UK–Africa relations — transforming dialogue into tangible business outcomes.

Under the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Investment between the UK and Africa,” the Summit brought together ministers, ambassadors, CEOs, and investors from eleven nations, fostering collaboration across renewable energy, industrialisation, digital trade, and infrastructure development.

Keynotes from Lord Dolar Popat (UK House of Lords), Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa (Minister of Energy, Uganda), and Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda) reaffirmed Africa’s transformation from aid dependency to investment partnership — grounded in reform, resilience, and responsible finance.

“Reforms are in motion, infrastructure is improving, and trade ties are strengthening. The moment for partnership is now.”

— Lord Dolar Popat

This year’s Summit attracted an unprecedented calibre of participants and investors, including billionaires, corporate leaders, and industry pioneers who are actively reshaping Africa’s economic landscape.

Among them was Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, whose inspiring journey — leaving the UK decades ago with just £8,000 and now returning with investments exceeding $1.6 billion — exemplifies the Summit’s vision of reinvestment and diaspora-driven development.

Notable Attendees

• Mr Preet Singh Chauhan, CEO of Preet EPC Pvt. Ltd. / Preet Group, a global leader in steel technology and industrial engineering. The company’s Concept-to-Commissioning model signals India’s growing partnership with Africa in manufacturing and infrastructure development.
• Dr Kalpesh Patel, CEO of Steelmakers Ltd, one of East Africa’s largest steel producers, advancing regional infrastructure through sustainable industrial operations.
• Mr Majid Mangalji, President of Westmont Hospitality Group, which owns and manages over 500 hotels worldwide in partnership with global brands including Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham — reflecting renewed confidence in Africa’s tourism and real estate sectors.

The Summit also welcomed distinguished dignitaries and thought leaders, including Lt Gen Peter Pearson CB CBE (Former NATO Deputy Commander and Commandant, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst), Lord Rami Ranger CBE (Host of the Grand Silver Service Gala Lunch at the House of Commons), and HH Pujya Shri Sant Trilochan Das Maharaj Ji, Honourary Guest of Honour — each underscoring the Summit’s blend of diplomacy, leadership, and shared prosperity.

Supported by Absa Bank Uganda, PostBank Uganda, NSSF Uganda, and Inspire Africa Group, the Summit highlighted Uganda’s model for green growth, sustainable industrialisation, and inclusive finance as a pathway for regional transformation.

Key Business Takeaways

• Green & Renewable Energy: Uganda now achieves 95% renewable energy generation — a strong signal for industrial investors.
• Digital Transformation: Fintech, BPO, and AI-led innovation emerged as the new engines of inclusive growth.
• Industrialisation & Value Addition: Expanding opportunities in agro-processing, manufacturing, and mining value chains.
• Finance & Investment Access: UKEF’s £2.5B facility and PostBank’s digital inclusion reforms are boosting UK–Africa capital flows.
• Diaspora & SME Empowerment: Stronger collaboration between private sector actors, diaspora investors, and UK chambers of commerce.

Next Edition

16th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit
Venue: The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London
Date: 11 September 2026
Register: africauksummit.uk