Joe Osawaye is not just an entrepreneur, he is a man of purpose, deeply connected to people, culture, and the joy of creating something that truly matters.

From his early days in Nigeria, watching his parents build businesses with heart and grit, to becoming a global advocate for African excellence in Dubai, Joe’s journey is a blend of intention, resilience, and unwavering pride in his roots.

Raised in Nigeria, Joe grew up surrounded by the hustle of business and the warmth of human connection.

His mother, a radiant extrovert, taught him that business is about people, people serving people.

From her, he learned the importance of relationships, empathy, and treating others with genuine care.

Those early lessons became the foundation of his leadership style.

When he launched his telecoms company in Nigeria, Joe treated his employees like his first customers, making sure they felt seen, heard, and fulfilled.

He believed that happy people serve others better.

Joe’s first visit to Dubai in 2005 was a turning point.

The city spoke to his spirit, and he knew that it would one day become home.

By 2013, after years of traveling back and forth and with his children moved to Canada, he and his wife relocated to Dubai.

What began as a semi-retirement plan quickly turned into a new chapter of impact.

In 2014, Joe took over KIZA Dubai, re-launching it in the heart of DIFC’s Emirates Financial Towers.

Originally started by a childhood friend to give Africans in the UAE a place they could call their own, Joe saw a deeper opportunity, to turn KIZA into more than a venue.

Under his leadership, it became a cultural movement.

KIZA Dubai was established as the first Pan-African restaurant in the UAE, offering an authentic sensory journey through Africa’s diverse regions through food, music, fashion, and storytelling.

For Joe, KIZA was never just about dining and entertainment, it was about community.

It became a safe space where Africans in the diaspora could gather, connect, celebrate, and feel at home.

Today, it serves as a hub of joy, identity, and pride, where over 200 nationalities in the UAE get to experience the magic of Africa.

With over four decades of experience across hospitality, power, telecom, and oil and gas, Joe has mastered the art of turning vision into reality.

His leadership style, calm, people-centered, and full of heart, has inspired teams, customers, and peers alike.

Known for his effortless grace under pressure, he brings ease to every room he enters.

Joe’s influence extends beyond KIZA.

He has been a major sponsor of the All African Festival since 2018, aligning with Dubai’s mission to become a global cultural hub.

His contributions have earned him multiple recognitions including Best African Restaurant at the Dubai Food Festival in 2016 and 2017, and Best Pan-African Restaurant at the Middle East Hospitality Awards in 2018.

His story has been featured in books such as Titans of Africa and The Black & African Guide to Moving to the UAE, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and cultural champions.

From golf courses in the UAE to red carpets and cultural forums, Joe Osawaye remains driven by purpose.

His story is not just one of business success, but of spiritual alignment, cultural pride, and a heart that beats for his people.

Through KIZA and beyond, he continues to redefine what African excellence looks and feels like on the global stage.