Ambassador O. Koray Ertaş, Türkiye’s top diplomat to the UK, is set to deliver a high-impact address at the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025. His presentation will showcase Türkiye’s strategic investments across Africa’s infrastructure and industrial sectors—highlighting major projects like the $3 billion electrified railway in Uganda and expanding road and manufacturing developments led by Turkish firms. More than a speech, Ambassador Ertaş will mobilise the Turkish business community in the UK to see Africa as a prime destination for long-term, win–win investments.
The organisers of the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit are honoured to announce the participation of His Excellency Ambassador O. Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Kingdom, as a featured speaker at this year’s prestigious event, taking place on Friday, 12 September 2025, at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London.
Ambassador Ertaş will deliver an address on Türkiye–Africa Economic Engagement and Infrastructure Partnerships, showcasing how Türkiye is driving sustainable growth across East Africa through strategic investments in transport, manufacturing, and industrial development.
His presentation will highlight Turkish firms’ growing presence in Africa, including:
Ambassador Ertaş is also expected to rally the Turkish business community in the UK to view Africa not only as a trade partner—but as a long-term investment destination. His engagement reflects Türkiye’s broader strategic vision, centred on expanding infrastructure partnerships, increasing bilateral trade, and promoting mineral cooperation across Africa’s emerging markets.
“The time for Africa to explore non-traditional partnerships is now. It is a great honour to welcome Turkey—and other new partners like Guyana and Grenada—to this year’s UK–Africa Summit. We are thrilled by the growing interest from across the globe,” said Willy Mutenza, Chairman of the UK–Africa Business Summit.
With over 500+ delegates expected—including ministers, investors, project developers, and DFIs—the summit offers a unique platform to unlock investment, form cross-border partnerships, and shape Africa’s infrastructure and industrial future.
🔗 Register Now: https://ukafricabusinesssummit.uk
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Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
Hon. Matia Kasaija
Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development – Republic of Uganda
Hon. Matia Kasaija has served as Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development since 2015. He oversees fiscal policy, national budgeting, public investment planning, and economic development strategy, with a focus on accelerating inclusive growth and achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040 goals.
A senior member of Cabinet and Parliament, Hon. Kasaija has played a key role in driving macroeconomic stability, public financial management reforms, and infrastructure financing. Under his leadership, Uganda has implemented major projects in transport, energy, and oil and gas, while maintaining a strong emphasis on debt sustainability and domestic resource mobilisation.
He previously served as State Minister for Finance (Planning and Economic Development) and State Minister for Internal Affairs, bringing over four decades of public service experience. His background includes leadership roles in public administration, political mobilisation, and cooperative development.
Hon. Kasaija holds a degree in Commerce from Makerere University and is known for his pragmatic approach to economic policy and fiscal discipline.
Chief Executive London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TBC), is expected to share insights on strengthening UK–Africa business linkages, supporting SME growth, and fostering bilateral trade through chamber-to-chamber collaboration. His perspective will highlight the critical role of business networks in enabling market access and driving sustainable commercial partnerships between the UK and Africa.
Businessman and Conservative Life Peer, House of Lords, UK
Lord Dolar Popat is a businessman, Conservative life peer in the House of Lords, and one of the UK’s most experienced parliamentary voices on UK–Africa trade and investment. Appointed to the House of Lords in 2010, he built a successful career in the hospitality and property sectors before entering public service.
Born in Uganda, Lord Popat brings a personal and strategic understanding of East Africa’s commercial landscape. As a former UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda, with the Democratic Republic of Congo later added to his brief, he has played an important role in strengthening bilateral trade, supporting UK business engagement, and promoting investment-led partnerships across the region.
At the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026, Lord Popat will share practical insights on deepening UK–Africa trade and investment relations, with a focus on enterprise, private sector growth, market access, and long-term commercial partnerships.
His perspective is especially relevant to discussions on the UK–Africa–India trilateral investment corridor, Uganda’s role as the 2026 Strategic Growth Partner, and the Summit’s focus on moving from access to production, from dialogue to execution, and from interest to bankable outcomes.
A strong advocate for enterprise, education, and stronger UK–Africa economic relations, Lord Popat continues to engage with business leaders, policymakers, investors, and institutions committed to expanding commercially credible partnerships between the UK and African markets.
His contribution to UKAIS 2026 will add depth to conversations on investment diplomacy, private capital mobilisation, regional trade corridors, and the practical conditions required to turn trade ambition into structured investment, industrial partnerships, and deal execution.
Assistant Secretary General, The Commonwealth
Prof. Luis Franceschi
Assistant Secretary-General, Governance and Peace Directorate
The Commonwealth Secretariat
At the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit, Prof. Luis Franceschi will contribute to the high-level dialogue on governance, institutional trust, and regional stability as enablers of sustainable investment.
Drawing from his leadership at the Commonwealth Secretariat and deep expertise in democratic governance, Prof. Franceschi will explore how transparent institutions, rule of law, and peacebuilding frameworks are essential to unlocking long-term investment and economic partnerships across Africa. His insights will highlight the role of good governance in de-risking investment environments, ensuring social cohesion, and advancing inclusive growth in line with the ATMS pillars (Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing, and Science & Technology).
Prof. Franceschi’s intervention will underscore the importance of aligning public policy with investor confidence, and the Commonwealth’s role in supporting member states to build resilient, just, and peaceful societies.
$1.6b, leads as Uganda's richest individual
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia
Founder and Chairman, Ruparelia Group
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia is one of East Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, renowned for building one of Uganda’s largest and most diversified business conglomerates. His journey from exile to success is a powerful story of resilience, vision, and disciplined growth.
Expelled from Uganda with his family during the 1972 Asian exodus, he rebuilt his life in the United Kingdom, working various jobs and venturing into real estate trading. Returning to Kampala in 1985 with $25,000 in savings, he invested in ventures that would grow into a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Within a decade, he established Uganda’s first licensed forex bureau and later founded Crane Bank, transforming the financial sector by increasing accessibility, extending service hours, and reducing banking costs.
Today, he leads the Ruparelia Group, with investments in banking, insurance, real estate, hospitality, education, media, and floriculture. Landmark enterprises such as Speke Resort & Convention Centre, Kampala Parents School, Meera Investments, and Rosebud Ltd have become national assets. His floriculture companies export over 150 million roses annually to the UK and other markets, meeting the highest Good Agricultural Practice standards.
Dr Ruparelia’s leadership has been marked by resilience, including overcoming the loss of Crane Bank in 2016 and regaining his position through a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2022. Ranked by Forbes among Africa’s wealthiest individuals, he continues to invest with a steadfast belief in Uganda’s and Africa’s long-term potential. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, he supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development, cementing his legacy as both a visionary investor and a committed philanthropist.
Deputy governor of the Central Bank of Uganda
Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba is Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda and Chairman of REEV Group of Companies. He is an economist and public policy advisor with three decades of leadership in macroeconomic management, fiscal reform, and performance measurement across Africa. He earned an MSc from the London School of Economics in 1992, a PhD in Economics from Makerere University in 2004, an MBA focused on central bank monetary policy and commercial bank competitiveness in 2013, and a BSS from Makerere in 1990.
Prof. Nuwagaba has delivered high-level assignments for multilateral and regional institutions, including the African Development Bank, the World Bank, IGAD, UNDP, FAO, WFP, IFAD, and the East African Community. Recent work includes macroeconomic management in fragile states for AfDB, ex-post evaluation of IGAD’s Regional Investment Programme, and national capacity development strategies for Somalia and South Sudan. He led Uganda’s FINSCOPE financial inclusion survey, served on audit and advisory committees at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and contributed to mid-term reviews of Uganda’s National Development Plans.
His portfolio spans financial sector deepening, public expenditure analysis, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, land and resettlement policy, justice sector baselines, and infrastructure and agriculture impact evaluations. He has supervised doctoral and master’s research, published widely on urbanisation, poverty reduction, skills and employment, and economic transformation, and authored the 2024 book “Transformative Economics.”
Honours include the Golden Jubilee Independence Medal (2018), Paul Harris Fellow recognition by Rotary, and inclusion in “World Who is Who” (2004). A committed Rotarian, he has held leadership roles at club and district levels.
Prof. Nuwagaba brings an evidence-led approach to stabilising prices, safeguarding financial stability, expanding access to finance, and aligning public policy with long-term growth. His work bridges government, central banking, and development partners to advance investment, productivity, and inclusive prosperity.
Senior Presidential Advisor at State House
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Republic of Uganda Speaker, Mining and Energy Session Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is a senior Ugandan political leader, former Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, and private-sector businesswoman with extensive experience across energy policy, mineral development, public leadership and investment-facing reform. As Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, she played a central role in shaping Uganda’s energy and minerals agenda during one of the country’s most important transition periods. Her tenure covered major reforms and milestones across electricity generation, transmission, petroleum development, mineral governance, state participation in mining, value addition and energy transition planning. Hon. Nankabirwa led Uganda’s engagement around the Energy Transition Plan, launched at COP28, which set out a long-term pathway for universal modern energy access, energy-sector modernisation, industrial growth, emissions management and regional energy positioning. She also oversaw major infrastructure and policy priorities, including the commissioning of the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Project, expansion of national generation capacity, power distribution reforms, petroleum infrastructure development and preparations for Uganda’s entry into commercial oil production. In the minerals sector, she was closely associated with Uganda’s shift toward stronger state participation, structured investor engagement and domestic value addition. Under the Mining and Minerals Act 2022 framework, Uganda moved to establish a state-owned mining company to manage the government’s commercial interests and 15 percent participation in large and medium-scale mining projects. This approach was designed to strengthen Uganda’s ability to retain more value from its mineral wealth while working with credible private-sector partners. At UKAIS 2026, Hon. Nankabirwa brings a rare combination of ministerial experience, sector knowledge and private-sector insight. Her contribution to the mining and energy session will help UK investors understand Uganda’s energy and minerals journey from inside government, including the policy choices, infrastructure demands, investment opportunities and implementation challenges that define the sector. Her perspective will be especially valuable in discussions on mineral beneficiation, energy infrastructure, public-private partnerships, domestic processing, investor confidence, petroleum development, power supply for industry and Uganda’s wider ambition to move from resource access to bankable industrial value.
Ambassador, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UK
His Excellency Mr Ndolamb Ngokwey
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Kingdom
Ambassador Ndolamb Ngokwey is a seasoned diplomat, development strategist, and senior government official currently serving as the DRC’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, international cooperation, and public sector reform, he brings deep expertise in governance, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships.
Prior to his appointment in London, Ambassador Ngokwey held senior roles with the United Nations and contributed extensively to multilateral initiatives across Africa, focusing on peacebuilding, institutional strengthening, and regional integration.
He is a vocal advocate for transparent investment, critical mineral governance, and renewable energy development in the DRC—championing UK–DRC cooperation that prioritises both economic transformation and environmental stewardship.
State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda
Hon. Amos Lugoloobi – State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda
Hon. Amos Lugoloobi is a Ugandan economist and senior government official currently serving as the State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Ntenjeru North, Kayunga District. A member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), he plays a key role in shaping Uganda’s fiscal policy and national budget processes.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Makerere University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
In Parliament, Hon. Lugoloobi actively contributes to the Business Committee, Finance Committee, and Budget Committee. Beyond politics, he supports community-driven development through projects focused on clean water, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
1st Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for East African Community
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga will speak on the critical role of regional integration in accelerating economic growth and trade across Africa. She will highlight the East African Community’s (EAC) progress in harmonising trade policies, removing non-tariff barriers, and advancing cross-border infrastructure. Emphasising Uganda’s strong commitment to the AfCFTA, she will encourage UK investors to use Uganda as a strategic entry point into the EAC and the wider African market, tapping into a more unified, accessible, and opportunity-rich trade environment.
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga
1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Republic of Uganda
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga is the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs of the Republic of Uganda. She plays a central role in coordinating Uganda’s engagement within the East African Community (EAC), advancing regional integration, and promoting cross-border trade and investment.
A seasoned lawyer, legislator, and advocate for inclusive economic growth, she served as Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda from 2011 to 2021, the first woman to hold this position. Over her three decades in public service, Rt. Hon. Kadaga has championed legislative reforms to improve governance, expand access to education and healthcare, and strengthen women’s participation in leadership.
In her current role, she focuses on accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) within the EAC, fostering regional infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable investments in priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy. She also represents Uganda in high-level diplomatic and trade forums, engaging with international partners to position East Africa as a competitive and collaborative economic bloc.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga holds a Master’s degree in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala. She is recognised for her leadership in advancing gender equality, economic empowerment, and regional stability across Africa.
Ambassador-designate of Ethiopia to the UK & Northern Ireland
H.E. Biruk Mekonnen
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Kingdom
H.E. Biruk Mekonnen was appointed Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 15 May 2024. A career diplomat with over 22 years of service, he has played a key role in strengthening Ethiopia’s foreign relations through senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in Europe and the United States.
His international experience includes assignments at the Ethiopian Embassy in London (2006–2011), Berlin (2015–2016), and Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (2017–2020).
Ambassador Biruk holds two BA degrees in Political Science and International Relations (2013) and in Ethiopian Languages and Literature (2001) from Addis Ababa University, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Communications, Economics and International Relations (2002) from the International Institute for Peace and Development.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Republic of Uganda
Hon. Mwebesa is a Ugandan entrepreneur and industrialist with more than 40 years of experience in the steel industry. He is the proprietor of a group of companies spanning steel manufacturing, timber treatment, wire products, farming, and iron ore mining and processing.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi. After completing his studies in 1970, he worked with Dunlop East Africa before joining East African Steel Corporation as General Manager. In 1980, he left to establish his current group of enterprises.
Hon. Mwebesa has served on several boards, including the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and was part of the founding board and steering group that established Centenary Bank, now one of Uganda’s leading indigenous banks.
He was a member of the Constituent Assembly that promulgated the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. He has also served as Senior Presidential Advisor and, since 2021, has been the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment of Uganda
Leadership Strategist | Former NATO Deputy Commander & Sandhurst Commandant
Lieutenant General Peter Pearson CB CBE
Leadership Strategist | Former Commander, British Forces Cyprus | Author
Lieutenant General Peter Pearson CB CBE brings decades of global leadership and strategic insight to the UK–Africa Business Summit 2025. Raised in East Africa, Peter spent his early years in Jinja, Uganda, and attended school in Kitale, Kenya — grounding him in the region he would later serve with distinction.
Over nearly 35 years in the British Army as a Gurkha officer, his service spanned the globe, with operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Kosovo. He held top command appointments including Commander British Forces Cyprus, Commandant of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and Deputy Commander of NATO’s southern command.
Following his military career, Peter led a youth development charity before transitioning into consulting as a leadership and strategic planning expert. He is also a sought-after public speaker and author of Public Speaking, Like a Military Operation (2020). In 2024, he launched a free companion app — Public Speaking Made Simple — available on Apple and Android devices.
At the summit, he will draw on a lifetime of leadership under pressure to inspire meaningful dialogue on strategy, resilience, and international cooperation.
East Africa’s next phase of growth will require more than its conventional investment relationships. As governments push for domestic processing, industrialisation and value addition, opportunities are emerging for technically capable partners that have historically played a smaller role in African investment.
East Africa’s next phase of growth will require more than its conventional investment relationships. As governments push for domestic processing, industrialisation and value addition, opportunities are emerging for technically capable partners that have historically played a smaller role in African investment.
**Excerpt**
As Uganda accelerates its transition from resource extraction to industrial value creation, Memnon Capital Africa has joined the UK–Africa Investment Summit 2026 as a Strategic Partner and Sponsor of Uganda–UK Mining Week 2026.
Led by Chairman and Co-Founder Dr Elly W. Karuhanga, Memnon Capital Africa brings a disciplined investment approach focused on transforming East Africa’s energy, mining and agricultural opportunities into institution-grade, bankable projects. The firm’s participation comes at a pivotal moment for Uganda’s mining sector, which is benefiting from major regulatory reforms, a nationwide geological survey, growing critical minerals demand, and a national push towards beneficiation and downstream processing.
At Uganda–UK Mining Week 2026, Memnon Capital Africa will contribute its expertise in capital formation, project development, governance, and investment structuring as industry leaders, policymakers, financiers and investors gather in London to explore how Uganda can convert its vast mineral resources into long-term industrial growth, competitive returns and sustainable economic transformation.
