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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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The '100 LIONESSES' Project a window into the world of Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs

June 10, 2015 Melanie Hawken

100 Lionesses is an ongoing project of Lionesses of Africa to identify and celebrate 100 extraordinary African women entrepreneurs whose example serves to motivate and inspire a belief in all of us that we can pursue our personal entrepreneurial dreams and make them a reality.

 

There are remarkable women entrepreneurs fundamentally changing the business landscape of Africa. These are the women that we profile on '100 Lionesses'. Women who are building companies and brands that are leaders in their fields. Women who are breaking the mould and turning key industry sectors on their heads with fresh approaches to doing business. Women who are leading new innovations in technology fields. Women who are creating highly desirable products the world wants to own. And, women who are making the world a better place through their change-making social enterprises. 

 

"To be recognised on our '100 Lionesses' list is not just about a woman entrepreneur's personal wealth, the size of her company, or the size of her balance sheet. It is also about her contribution to uplifting her community. Her positive impact on her industry sector. And, most importantly, the impact she has made in empowering or inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs. '100 Lionesses' celebrates these successful women in business, but also acknowledges their critical roles as change agents, role-models and mentors to aspiring young women entrepreneurs across Africa."

 

Even more impressive is the fact that these women, at the top of their own games, have never lost sight of the need to send the elevator down to the next generation of women entrepreneurs who aspire to follow in their footsteps. Each of our '100 Lionesses' has demonstrated that in the world of women's entrepreneurship in Africa, everything is possible if you have a dream, are prepared to work hard to achieve it, and have a never-give-up attitude to life and business. We are honoured to tell the stories of these women and celebrate their achievements in the '100 Lionesses' Project. 

"Some of our '100 Lionesses' are still relatively young and in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, but these fearless game-changers are having a tremendous impact. They are a source of inspiration to other young women who aspire to be just like them, forging their own paths, launching their own companies, creating tomorrow's most desirable products, and making a real difference in the world."

 

The '100 Lionesses' project aims to provide much more than just a simple, static profile of a successful women entrepreneur. We treat each profile page as window into the entrepreneurial life and journey of that woman. LoA features each woman's startup story, giving the back-story to how they launched their businesses, often against all the odds, and their journey to achieving success. We aggregate the news these women are making with their businesses. We share the very best entrepreneur advice that each women offers, because we believe other women can learn from their entrepreneurial experiences. We capture their inspirational quotes, and by doing so, give voice to the thousands of women entrepreneurs across our platform and in the media. We curate all the best videos and audio soundbites featuring these '100 Lionesses' and monitor the positive impact that these women are having on society. And importantly, we take great pride in celebrating the success of these Lionesses of Africa, by following the honours and awards they receive, and inspiring others to follow their lead. 

 

"100 Lionesses is designed to provide a window into the world of some of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs. A window through which the next generation of aspiring women can be inspired, learn, be motivated to achieve greater things, and ultimately make a difference in the world. I believe it is vital for young women to have visible and successful role-models they can learn from."

Whilst LoA curates the content each day for the '100 Lionesses' project, we also encourage each of the featured entrepreneurs to work with us to build and update their personal profiles and stories. This hopefully builds a more meaningful connection with our community of women entrepreneurs across the African continent and amongst the Diaspora. It also allows readers to follow the journey of each of these role-models, providing them with the motivation and inspiration to fulfil their own personal entrepreneurial journeys, learning as they go. What the reader hopefully experiences is a 'can do' attitude to life and business, despite the challenges and hurdles encountered. These '100 Lionesses' are proof positive that entrepreneurial dreams can be fulfilled, visions can be realised, and the world can be changed for the better. 

Visit the '100 Lionesses Project' and learn more about some of Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs.

In 100 Lionesses Project
← RAPELANG RABANA '100 Lionesses' Profile: Meet a game-changing South African education technology entrepreneurAngela Franklin - The startup story of the bookseller of Senegal with a passion to promote the writers of the Diaspora →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

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Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

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