By Connect Stories Africa Correspondent
Gweru’s trailblazing business moguls and philanthropists, Prof Smelly Dube and Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube of Rivervalley Group, were celebrated at the African Caribbean Sustainability and Investment Summit (ACSIS UK 2024), held at the prestigious UK House of Lords. The dynamic duo’s accolades underscore their global influence in business, philanthropy, and sustainability, cementing their status as role models for African excellence.
The multi-award-winning business couple and philanthropists were honoured for being outstanding business individuals at the summit, which is a platform for policymakers and business leaders pivotal in creating mutually beneficial partnerships that serve the global economy.
The summit explored Africa’s readiness to achieve its 2030 goals, particularly around business sustainability.
The summit ran under the theme “Leveraging the African and UK Business Opportunities: Investing in a Sustainable Future,” with climate change as an overarching topic.
The key areas for discussion included Technology, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture, ICT, the Digital Economy & Cybersecurity, Clean & Renewable Energy, and Tourism.
On the other hand, the summit’s objectives included recognition of the significant role of the African and Caribbean business diaspora in the UK in contributing to sustainable economic development and climate change mitigation measures in their respective regions and countries of origin.
Another objective was to foster connections and partnerships between the diaspora, UK and local businesses, organizations, and the public sector, as well as to provide a platform for diaspora, UK, and local businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities of mutual benefit.
Over and above that, the summit also aimed to forge links with key stakeholders to establish common ground for exploring and leveraging business opportunities and stimulating collaboration through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking.
Prof. Dube and Eng. Dube’s dedication to philanthropy and business has made them role models, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Their contributions have improved the lives of many, and that legacy will continue to have a positive impact on the community for years to come.
The couple said they are inspired by His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s call that “Nyika inovakwa, inonamatirwa, igotongwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, lithandazilwe, libuswa ngabanikazi balo.” None but ourselves can build the Zimbabwe we all want. Let us all rally behind the President and take advantage of the conducive business and investment climate created by the Second Republic.”
In August, Prof. Dube, alongside Eng. Dube, was honoured and granted accolades to join the outstanding personalities for this year’s Top 100 Influential Global Voices 2024, at a colourful event held in the UK.
The development came barely six months after the United Kingdom-based global institution, El-Roi London University, selected Prof. Smelly Dube as a candidate for an Honorary Professorship in Mining and Industrial Development.
The Top 100 Influential Global Voices accolade is one of the most prestigious accolades reserved for eminent global achievers. The couple’s sharp business acumen and benevolent philanthropic work have previously been received with great international acclaim.
Earlier this year, Prof. Dube was awarded the Hall of Fame Woman of the Year 2024 Global Excellence award at the Leaders Without Borders Economic Development and Business Summit and International Honours in the United Kingdom. This prestigious award recognizes individuals making a significant impact globally across various fields.
Additionally, Prof. Dube received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 13th African Achievers’ Awards held at the House of Lords in London. This award highlights the achievements and impacts of Africans who have gone the extra mile to transform their communities and beyond.