Over 100 African SMEs and UAE-based professionals convene to share milestones and forge new partnerships ahead of 2026.
The UAE Africa Networking Group (UAENG) successfully held its 4th Quarter Community Check-In on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at KIZA in DIFC. The event brought together more than 100 African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), UAE-based professionals, and expatriates to reflect on achievements from 2025, exchange success stories, and explore fresh opportunities as they gear up for 2026.
Established in 2016, UAENG has positioned itself as a trusted business platform bridging African markets with the UAE. The Group’s initiatives focus on fostering partnerships, facilitating trade, and driving investment opportunities across sectors.
Addressing the gathering, UAENG Founder Dr. William Stenhouse underscored the organisation’s mission of connecting businesses across borders.
“Since our inception, the UAE Africa Networking Group has been The Bridge between Africa and the UAE,” Dr. Stenhouse said. “Today, millions of UAE-based businesses, agencies, and individuals are actively seeking to engage with vetted and trusted African companies. This quarterly SME event is at the core of our mission and serves as a true measurement of our success.”
Building on this vision, UAENG has expanded its reach beyond networking events by facilitating sector-specific trade missions, investment forums, and mentorship initiatives that directly link African entrepreneurs with UAE markets. These efforts have helped African SMEs secure contracts, attract investment capital, and access vital expertise, while also enabling UAE-based companies to diversify their partnerships and tap into Africa’s rapidly growing markets.
The evening featured interactive networking sessions, business showcases, and engaging discussions highlighting transformative growth stories from 2025. Participants also explored emerging opportunities in trade, investment, and technology, with an emphasis on strengthening cross-continental collaborations.
Founded in 2016, the UAE Africa Networking Group is a Dubai-based business platform dedicated to building bridges between African markets and the UAE. With a community of more than 6,000 members in the UAE and over 17,000 SMEs and professionals globally, the Group provides a trusted network for trade, investment, and partnership through curated events, strategic collaborations, and community engagement.