By Staff Reporter
River Valley Group directors Eng. Dr. Mncedisi Dube and Amb. Prof. Smelly Dube were among the recipients of the Top 100 Most Notable Peace Icons of Africa 2026 awards at a continental summit held in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco, on June 27, 2026.
The recognition, conferred by the Nigeria-based Davidian Peace and Advocacy Foundation, honoured the duo for their contributions to humanitarian work and business leadership across Africa. The awards ceremony was held at the Mövenpick Hotel following a conference attended by business leaders from the mining, property development, oil and gas, aviation and other sectors.
The Dubes, who operate Tebekwe Gold Mine and several property development projects in Zimbabwe under the River Valley Group of Companies, were invited to address delegates on investment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining and real estate sectors.
Speaking at the summit, River Valley Group Chief Executive Officer Amb. Prof. Dube attributed the company’s success to the economic environment fostered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 policy framework, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“This platform gave us an opportunity to connect, share ideas and grow our business not only in Zimbabwe but across the African continent,” Prof. Dube said.
“Our success lies in the astute leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, whose policies allow businesses to thrive. Despite global economic volatility, Zimbabwe’s economy remains stable and on course for increased economic growth in 2026. As the River Valley Group of Companies, we are proud to be part of this success story.”
The continental honour follows the Dubes’ recent philanthropic work in Gweru, where they provided assistance to families of the six children who died in a commuter omnibus fire. Their intervention complemented government relief efforts following the tragedy.
Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, chairperson of the organising committee, said the Dubes were selected in recognition of their growing impact, visionary leadership and contribution to Africa’s evolving business landscape.
“This honour celebrates not only your achievements but also the hope, inspiration and opportunities your leadership continues to create for countless people across the continent,” Amafibe said during the awards ceremony.
The summit concluded with delegates calling for increased intra-African trade and collaborative investment to accelerate the continent’s economic growth in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Also honoured at the summit were Dr. Kudakwashe R. Tagwirei, Hon. Dr. Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya and Sir Wicknell Chivayo for their contributions to business, empowerment and philanthropy. Other recipients included Othmane Sefrioui, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Hublot Morocco; Zama Phakathi, Managing Director of Splendid Group South Africa; Dr. Kunemofa Asu, Director of Finance and Accounts at the Niger Delta Development Commission (Nigeria); Reginald Max, Senior Advisor at the Trade and Development Bank Group of Kenya; Prof. Nicaise Ndembi, Deputy Director General and Regional Director of the IVI Africa Regional Office in Rwanda; and Mr. Manji Obadiah, Executive Director of HM Autocentre Ltd (UK), among other distinguished dignitaries and award recipients.
