INTRA-African trade and collaborative investment calls hogged limelight at the Peace Icons summit concluded in Morocco today.
River Valley Group Directors, Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and Amb Professor Smelly Dube, were among the “Top 100 Most Notable Peace Icons of Africa 2026 ” at a continental summit held in Marrakech, in the Kingdomof Morocco on 27th June, 2029.
The recognition, conferred by the Nigeria-based Davidan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, honored the duo’s dual contributions to humanitarian work and business leadership across the African continent. The awards ceremony was held over the weekend at the Movenpick Hotel, following a conference of business leaders representing sectors including mining, property development, oil, gas, and aviation, among others.
The Dube duo, who operate the 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 within Zimbabwe’s mining and real estate sectors.
In her remarks at the summit, the Group CEP Amb Prof. Dube attributed their success to the economic environment she said is fostered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“This platform gave us an opportunity to link, share, 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, even in this global economic volatility, the Zimbabwe economy remains stable and on course for increased eonomic growth in 2026. As the River Valley Group of companies, we are proud to be part of this great success story.”
The continental honor follows the Dubes’ recent philanthropic efforts in Gweru, where they provided significant assistance to families of the six children who perished in a commuter omnibus fire. Their intervention was noted for complementing government relief efforts during the tragedy.
Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, leader of the organizing committee, stated that the Dubes were selected for their “growing impact, visionary leadership, and contribution to Africa’s evolving business landscape.”
“This honor 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 presentation.
The summit concluded with a unified call from delegates to prioritize intra-African trade and collaborative investment to drive the continent’s economic growth in line with the AfCTA.
Also honoured at the summit were businessmen Kudakwashe R. Tagwirei, Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya and Wicknell Chivayo.
Other big shots like Othmane Sefrioui – Mystere Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director of Hublot Morocco; Zama Phakathi – Managing Director, Splendid Group. South Africa and Dr Kunemofa Asu, FERMI, FSM – Director of Finance and Account, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Nigeria and Reginald Max – Senior Advisor, Trade and Development Bank Group of Kenya ; Prof Nicaise Ndembi – Deputy Director General Regional Director IVI Africa Regional Office Head of Mission, Rwanda; Mr. Manji Obadiah and Executive Director, HM Autocentre Ltd. (UK), among other high level dignitaries and awardees. – STAFF.
