Approximately 4,024 years of history

The firm is built on the foundation and wisdom of the founder's grandfather, a first-generation businessman, and a visionary predecessor whose work over the past 70 years laid the groundwork for today's company. Rooted in both innovation and philanthropy, his legacy was closely tied to advancements in finance, job creation, and the growth of the African economy.

Ambrose is a figure whose life story embodies resilience, pioneering spirit, and a commitment to community transformation. His legacy forms a foundational part of the Goneke Investment Group’s DNA, symbolizing values of longevity and sustainability—qualities that Ambrose cultivated in his lifelong mission to break barriers and foster unity in Zimbabwe’s social and business landscapes.

Zimbabwe, once hailed as a post-colonial success story, wrestled with entrenched divisions in race and class. Within this context, Ambrose began his trailblazing journey, ultimately becoming the first black President of the prestigious Harare Club—a once-exclusive establishment founded in 1896 as the Salisbury Club, where portraits of white chairmen lined the walls and where the remnants of colonial privilege still lingered. Chikukwa’s entry into the Harare Club transformed its atmosphere, ushering in a new era of inclusivity as he rose to the club’s highest office. His election as the first black President marked a profound shift and symbolised his broader influence in reshaping Zimbabwe’s social and business institutions.

In addition to his Harare Club presidency, Chikukwa also became the first black President of the Rotary Club of Harare, another significant milestone. Through Rotary, he led community service projects aimed at improving health, education, and economic opportunities for Zimbabweans of all backgrounds. His leadership in Rotary was instrumental in bridging racial and socioeconomic divides, reflecting his vision of a Zimbabwe built on mutual respect and shared progress.

Ambrose’s journey began with academic distinction, earning a scholarship to Stanford University—a rare accomplishment for a black Rhodesian in the 1950s. Returning to his homeland in 1961, he faced racial discrimination head-on, standing firm against prejudiced norms in the workplace. While working at the United States Information Service, he shattered social barriers, asserting his right to equal treatment with courage and dignity. His actions, including the famous incident where he broke his teacup in protest of discrimination, spoke volumes, reshaping perceptions among his colleagues.

A devout Christian, Chikukwa’s faith guided his life and decisions, strengthening his resolve to serve and uplift others. He received the Anglican Church’s highest honour, the Order of Epiphany, awarded by the Bishop of the Anglican Church's Diocese of Harare, Church of the Province of Central Africa. This rare recognition reflected not only his spiritual devotion but also his lifelong dedication to embodying Christian principles of service, integrity, and compassion.

Beyond his personal triumphs, Ambrose's legacy as a social and business trailblazer solidified a framework of strength, confidence, and vision within the founder of GIG. His effortless integration into previously exclusive circles set a powerful precedent of perseverance and inclusivity. Ambrose was a natural leader, pioneering integration across Zimbabwe’s tennis and golf clubs and advocating for equal access and respect wherever he went. His convictions extended beyond social clubs; he advocated for national reconciliation in Zimbabwe’s post-independence years, believing genuine healing required a foundation of truth and dialogue. He noted that “reconciliation alone is not enough” and often spoke of the need for transformative initiatives that addressed the lingering scars of colonial rule.

Ambrose Ashley Chikukwa’s pioneering spirit is now interwoven with the identity of Goneke Investment Group, whose mission of “Powering African Economies, Enhancing African Lives” reflects his visionary legacy. This history of resilience, adaptability, and social impact instills confidence among investors and stakeholders, as the qualities that Ambrose lived by have become integral to the company’s mission. His legacy of leadership and unity has paved the way for a company committed to sustainable development and positive impact across Africa—a testament to longevity and sustainability, traits embedded in the very fabric of the organisation.