Own Correspondent
MARRAKECH,Morocco — River Valley Group directors Ambassador Professor Smelly Dube and Group Chairman Dr Engineer Mncedisi Dube have been named among the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa for 2026 at a summit in Morocco.
The Gweru based couple was honored by the Nigeria-based Davidan Peace and Advocacy Foundation for “sterling business efforts” across the continent.
They were recognized alongside other Zimbabwean business figures including Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Sir Wicknell Chivayo and Dr Scott Sakupwanya.
The awards ceremony took place at the Mövenpick Hotel in Marrakech over the weekend, following a one-day conference that drew leaders from Africa’s oil, gas, property development, mining, tourism, manufacturing and aviation sectors.
While business commitments kept the Dubes in Zimbabwe, River Valley Group Legal Officer Constance Madzudzu and Finance Director Richard Chiwara accepted the honors on their behalf.
The recognition adds to the couple’s growing continental profile, built on major local projects.
Locally, the River Valley Group partnered with Moroccan investors to deliver multi-million-dollar property developments in Gweru and recently donated a 5.5kv diesel generator to Glen View Poly Clinic in Harare as part of its corporate social responsibility drive.
Reflecting on the award from Gweru, Prof Dube said: “I would like to thank the organisers for this recognition, which is not only for me, but for the entire River Valley Group. It is significant exposure for us as we seek to expand our footprint in the region, the continent and beyond. Morocco is a premier investment destination and one we would love to explore.”
Eng Dube added: “Insofar as we celebrate individual awards and recognition, I am happy this platform allowed us to link, share and grow our business not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa.”