River Valley Group of Companies has credited Emmerson Mnangagwa for creating a conducive business environment after the company secured a prestigious double accolade at the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre in the United Kingdom.
In a statement, the group said its continued growth and international recognition were anchored on policies championed by President Mnangagwa, which have opened economic space for private sector participation in national development.
“As the River Valley Group of Companies, we are leveraging on the policies of President E.D. Mnangagwa, who has opened up space for all Zimbabweans to contribute towards the vision of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030. We take great pride in operating in an environment that allows businesses to thrive,” the company said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to national development, echoing the President’s mantra that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
The recognition follows River Valley’s induction into the Top 100 Emerging Businesses 2026 Hall of Fame for the second consecutive year by the Governing Council and International Honors Committee of the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre.
The company was honoured in the mining and infrastructure development category, in recognition of its impact on Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and job creation.
Founder and Principal Partner of the Centre, Hillary Emoh, praised the company in a citation addressed to its Chief Executive Officer, Smelly Dube.
“This honour recognises your outstanding contribution to infrastructural development in Zimbabwe, as well as your role in human capital development through job creation, youth empowerment and the adoption of innovative practices that ensure productivity and quality,” he said.
The awards were presented under the 2026 theme, “Empowering the Future: Catalysing Global Partnerships, Innovation and High Growth Enterprises,” during a ceremony held from March 27–28 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London’s Kensington district.
River Valley Group was singled out for exemplifying innovation, ethical leadership, social impact and measurable progress, placing it among leading global enterprises driving industry transformation.
Dr Emoh noted that the honoured companies demonstrated resilience, sustainability and adherence to global standards over time.
“This is more than just a list—it is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance and strategic execution in today’s dynamic business environment,” he said.
The River Valley Group operates across diverse sectors including real estate, mining and retail, with key assets such as Tebekwe Mine under Matovu Investments and Continental Groceries.
The company’s growth has been driven by the leadership of engineer Mncedisi Dube and Professor Smelly Dube, whose combined expertise in engineering, mining and real estate has positioned the group as a leader in quality construction and resource development.
Eng Dube is credited with spearheading technically sound and innovative construction projects, while Prof Dube has brought strategic direction and industry insight, particularly in mining and property development. She is also widely recognised for mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Together, the duo has cultivated a culture of excellence anchored on ethical business practices, innovation and community empowerment—principles aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
With a growing international footprint that now includes operations in Scotland and expansion plans targeting Botswana and Australia, River Valley Group says the latest recognition marks a new chapter in its global growth trajectory.
