Investors looking for the next great socially minded business or social entrepreneurs looking for new industry sectors where they can make a big impact, are increasingly beginning to look at the education sector. The education-technology sector is ripe for disruption, investment and rapid growth, while offering the opportunity to dramatically and positively make a difference to people’s lives and the global economy. Technology combined with educational expertise can have a powerful effect on learning. In the US, the Center for Digital Education estimated that public elementary schools and colleges and universities spent around $20.4 billion on ed tech in 2014 alone. So what is driving this upward trend? An interest in new educational models: blended learning, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, and personalised learning, educational activities tailored to students’ individual needs as determined by frequent assessments. At the end of the day, no technology can outperform a great educator, but the best ed-tech offerings can make a tangible contribution by freeing up educators' time and empowering them with data and tools that enhance their ability to teach and achieve maximum results. Here in Africa, more entrepreneurs with new ideas and innovations are needed, as well as real solutions that will help educators and students on the ground. This is the time for the ed-tech entrepreneurs on the continent to shine.

Sep 17, 2017 Award Winner, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Divine Ndhlukula Melanie Hawken Comment

Divine Ndhlukula wins Zimbabwe's private sector leader of the year award

Women dominated the Zimbabwe Institute of Management 2017 Leadership Excellence awards that were presented in Harare this month, with Securico Security Services founder, Divine Ndhlukula, picking up the prestigious Private Sector Leader of the Year award. She received the award for her ongoing contribution to management excellence in the country in the preceding year and for being an example and inspiration for others to emulate.

Jul 2, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Divine Ndhlukula Melanie Hawken Comment

100 Lionesses: Divine Ndhlukula appointed new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce President

This month saw the appointment of Divine Ndhlukula, founder of game changing security services company, Securico, as the new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) President, a post she will occupy for the next two years. She has committed to dedicating her time at the helm of the ZNCC to furthering the cause of small to medium sized enterprises, something close to her heart as an entrepreneur. Divine said: “It will be important to note that we will focus on helping SMEs to realize their full potential as they now anchor the country’s economy. In the same vein, we will also strive to ensure that the country’s economy can realize its full potential.”

Mar 10, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Sarah Collins Melanie Hawken Comment

Sarah Collins and Wonderbag collaborate with Pfizer Vaccines to positively change lives in Ghana

In the Upper East Region of Ghana, cooking is a dangerous and time-consuming daily activity. Results from a self-reported survey indicate that women spend two hours a day gathering fuel and water, followed by up to four hours standing over open fires1. Exposed to cooking smoke for hours each day, women and small children can be at higher risk for deadly diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart disease and lung cancer.

Mar 5, 2017 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tara Fela-Durotoye Melanie Hawken Comment

Is your favorite lipstick fake? Africa's leading beauty entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye launches campaign to tackle counterfeiting

Leading African beauty industry entrepreneur, Tara Fela-Durotoye, together with other leading Nigerian entrepreneurs are raising their voices to stand against counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy in Nigeria. Their powerful new campaign 'United We Stand' aimed at tackling piracy, counterfeiting and intellectual property theft head-on launched on 24th February 2017. The campaign is a call to action against injustice which also implores the Nigerian public to take extra steps to preserve hard work and to ensure consumer safety by buying genuine products and shunning counterfeit products.

Sep 24, 2017 Essential Books Melanie Hawken Comment

ESSENTIAL READ: Women Rocking Business - The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guidebook to Create a Thriving Life Doing Work You Love by Sage Lavine

Author Sage Lavine asks: “Can a woman like me, with just the spark of an idea, actually start a business and make money? Can I have a meaningful career that fits into my life, instead of fitting my life into the cracks of my work schedule?” If you're asking these types of questions, then her new book Women Rocking Business will give you the help and advice you need.

Sep 17, 2017 Essential Books Melanie Hawken Comment

Essential Read: Pivot - The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One by Jenny Blake

If you've got the perfect career or business, congratulations. But if you are even a little bit uncertain that your current gig is the right one, it is time to start thinking about your next move. In the new world of work and business, it's the only move that matters, according to Jenny Blake, author of Pivot.

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