Deepak Bhurani, Chief Executive Officer of AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd, the company behind the Blue Moon Ice Cream brand, has attracted international attention following his inclusion in the October/November 2026 Sierra Leone edition of Forbes Africa, published under its Africa Undiscovered series.
The special publication, which examines Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities, emerging industries and influential business personalities, features Deepak Bhurani among entrepreneurs contributing to the country’s changing economic landscape through private-sector investment and local production.
Under the theme “A New Taste of Industry,” the promotional feature presents AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd as an emerging force in Sierra Leone’s food and beverage industry, particularly through its commitment to developing locally manufactured ice cream and dairy products.
Established in 2024, Blue Moon Ice Cream represents Deepak Bhurani’s ambition to introduce quality consumer products while responding to growing demand for locally produced alternatives in Sierra Leone.
His entrepreneurial journey builds upon the business foundation established by Raj Bhurani, a longstanding businessman whose commercial interests include Pawan Putra and Starlight Building Materials, two enterprises associated with Sierra Leone’s building materials sector.
Drawing inspiration from that experience, Deepak Bhurani has pursued diversification beyond traditional trading activities, identifying opportunities within the food processing and consumer goods industries.
Through Blue Moon Ice Cream, he is seeking to establish a competitive domestic brand recognised for product quality, consistency, innovation and customer satisfaction.
The company’s investment also reflects growing confidence in Sierra Leone’s manufacturing potential, particularly at a time when economic diversification, industrial development and domestic value addition remain important national priorities.
By introducing locally produced frozen treats and dairy products, AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd is positioning itself to compete within a market traditionally influenced by imported consumer goods.
The company’s development could also create opportunities for employment, distribution partnerships and stronger commercial relationships with retailers and suppliers as its operations expand.
Beyond Deepak Bhurani’s business achievements, the Forbes Africa Sierra Leone edition examines broader opportunities across agriculture, banking, infrastructure and industrial investment.
Among the personalities featured is Raymond Katta, Executive Chairman of the Produce Monitoring Board, who emphasizes the country’s agricultural potential, particularly in cocoa, coffee, cashew and speciality export commodities.
Similarly, Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director of Access Bank Sierra Leone, highlights increasing investor interest and expanding commercial activities as encouraging indications of the country’s economic prospects.
Alex Emile Studa-Vincent, Chief Executive Officer of Commerce and Mortgage Bank (SL) Plc, also discusses financial-sector reforms, improved banking oversight and the growing importance of digital financial services.
Together, those perspectives illustrate the importance of private enterprise, institutional reforms and productive investment in strengthening Sierra Leone’s economy.
For Deepak Bhurani, the Forbes Africa feature provides international visibility for Blue Moon Ice Cream and its ambition to become an established household brand.
Although the company’s long-term impact will depend on sustained investment, reliable production standards, wider distribution and measurable employment creation, its emergence demonstrates the opportunities available to entrepreneurs willing to invest in domestic manufacturing.
As Sierra Leone works towards building a more diversified and competitive economy, Deepak Bhurani’s investment through AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd represents a promising example of how entrepreneurial initiative can contribute to industrial development, consumer choice and the growth of locally produced brands.
