Vusumuzi Dube
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
River Valley Group of Companies’ chief executive, Dr Smelly Dube, has dedicated her award as one of the 100 Most Notable Africans to President Mnangagwa, who was also honoured during a recent function held in Kigali, Rwanda.
She was named as part of this prestigious list together with her husband, Engineer Dr Mncedisi Dube.
“It serves as an inspiration and motivation for me as a woman business leader and us as the River Valley Group of Companies to remain focused and add value to our country’s economic revival agenda that is Vision 2030 and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“As a Group, we will keep on heeding the call by President Mnangagwa for us locals to work together brick by brick to develop our country in line with the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said, commenting on the award.
The 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit 2025 was held early this month in Kigali, Rwanda.
Among those honoured included Egyptian ace footballer Mohammed Salah, renowned investor Femi Otedola, DG WTO Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Coza Global, Victor Osimhen, H.E. Malam Umar Namadi, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Governor of Jigawa State of Nigeria, His Excellency, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, Deputy Governor of Edo State.
There was also the Deputy Governor of Cross River State; Nduka Obaigbena (Chairman Arise media group), Dr Nimi Briggs, chief executive ifficer of NIMPAT Group, George-Kelly D. Alabo, DSSRS, FNIQS, Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency. Dr. Amit N. Thakker, EBS Executive Chairman, Africa Health Business, Nairobi, Kenya. Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, among other luminaries.
The platform supports startups, innovators, and small businesses through mentorship and access to markets. Implement community-based projects focused on education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment in collaboration with local and international partners and non-governmental organisations.
It also offers leadership development workshops, executive training rams, and mentorship opportunities to entrepreneurs.
Just a week and a half ago, Dr Dube was inducted into the prestigious National Excellence Hall of Fame in Harare, an honour made once every ten years, for the successes of the River Valley Group of Properties that she leads together with her husband Eng Dr Dube.
Online Reporter