River Valley Group Principals Set to Receive Prestigious 2026 African Business Leadership & Impact Awards
By Staff Writer
The Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, in collaboration with the American Management University (AMU), USA, has officially announced the selection of the principals of River Valley Group of Companies Group Chairman Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and Group CEO H.E Amb. Prof Smelly Dube as recipients of the African Business Leadership and Impact Awards 2026.
The conferment will take place during the 16th Peace Achievers International Awards, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria.
Prof Smelly Dube will be honoured with the Distinguished Leadership and Corporate Sustainability Award, while Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube will get the Africa’s Business Transformation Enterprise Award.
This year’s ceremony, themed “Honouring Impact, Inspiring Peace, Transforming Lives,” seeks to recognize individuals whose professional achievements transcend corporate success to create tangible societal value.
According to the selection committee, the award is a testament to the recipient’s “outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and significant contribution to business development” through the stewardship of the Rivervalley Group.
In formal letters of notification to the principals, the organizers emphasized that the award is not merely a recognition of a corporate title, but a celebration of the lives transformed and institutions strengthened under the recipients’ vision.
“True leadership extends beyond titles and corporate achievements.
“It is reflected in the opportunities created, people empowered, and positive change generated through one’s work. Your journey demonstrates the value of vision, enterprise, and purposeful leadership,” wrote Dr Kingsley Amafibe, the Project Director in separate letters to Eng. Dr Dube and Amb. Prof Smelly Dube.
“This distinguished recognition is conferred upon you in acknowledgement of your exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision, professional excellence and measurable impact in business and enterprise development, particularly through your stewardship of River Valley Group.”
In a comment, Prof Smelly Dube said River Valley Group reflects a commitment to enterprise, strategic vision and the pursuit of sustainable value which is enshrined in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision 2030.
“The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has ushered in a new dispensation of of industrialization and economic integration which we are helping to achieve as River Valley and our efforts are reflected in these awards. We will continue to be inspired by His Excellency, President Dr. E.D Mnangagwa’s philosophy that “Nyika lnovakwa Nevene Vayo, llizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo,” she said.
Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube said, As a proud Zimbabwean, l am happy to receive this recognition in a historic moment as Zimbabwe successfully won the bid to represent Africa as a non permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2027- 2028. The peace dividend prevailing in Zimbabwe has put the country on a positive economic growth trajectory,” said Eng Dr. Dube.
The awards committee considered River Valley’s contributions as worthy of recognition because they represent the kind of purposeful leadership and enterprise that can contribute to Africa’s economic advancement and inspire others to pursue excellence.
“We are therefore honouring you not simply because of the position you occupy, but because of the impact associated with your leadership and contributions,” reads the citation.
The Peace Achievers International Awards celebrates individuals whose achievements extend beyond personal success and contribute meaningfully to society. Your selection reflects our belief that your professional journey and leadership deserve to be recognised among distinguished African achievers.
The 16th edition is expected to be a high-profile gathering, bringing together an elite assembly of African business leaders, policy makers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and peace advocates.
The event serves as a platform to celebrate excellence and promote the synergy between economic development and regional peace.
The Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation continues to champion the philosophy that greatness is defined by the difference one’s achievements make in the lives of others—a spirit they say is perfectly embodied by this year’s honorees.
