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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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In celebration of Africa’s game-changing women social entrepreneurs

January 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

All through the month of January, Lionesses of Africa is raising awareness of Africa's truly inspiring women social entrepreneurs. We celebrate their significant impact and life-changing contributions to the African continent and their efforts to make it a better place for everyone, both socially and economically.

 

We salute all of these amazing changemakers who have created women-led social ventures that are having a profound impact on their communities, their countries and on our continent.

At Lionesses of Africa we love celebrating the incredible women social entrepreneurs who are making a real and lasting difference to the lives of others across the African continent. Each day, we share their start-up stories and their words of wisdom and encouragement to other women entrepreneurs.  We are constantly and genuinely inspired by their passion and unwavering belief that through their innovative entrepreneurial approaches to addressing social challenges in Africa, they can make change happen for the better. 

It has been so rewarding to focus our storytelling in January on women social entrepreneurs - they are truly Lionesses of Africa. They are each, in their own indomitable way, leading a new and vibrant charge in helping to find sustainable solutions to address so many of the continent’s socio-economic challenges.  We love the fact that these women are able to see possibility and potential where others see only seemingly difficult problems.  Instead, they find solutions and, along the way, inspire so many others through their efforts.  If you missed all the inspirational Start-Up Stories the first time around, together with all the other great content that we have featured on these truly remarkable women social entrepreneurs of Africa, this is your opportunity to take a look again and be as inspired as we were. 

We salute all of these amazing changemakers who have created women-led social ventures that are having a profound impact on their communities, their countries and on our continent. We look forward to continuing to share their stories and report on their future achievements.

Featured
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
June 28, 2025
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
June 28, 2025

Startup Story

Gadifele Moeng is the founder and ceo of Future Leaders Academy in South Africa, a business launched in 2017 and focused on empowering young people to find their voice and gain confidence through public speaking and storytelling. She is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and inspiring others to overcome their fears and shine.

Read more →
June 28, 2025
Hon. Tiguidanké Traoré, a visionary entrepreneur harnessing the power of female leadership to create positive social change
May 2, 2025
Hon. Tiguidanké Traoré, a visionary entrepreneur harnessing the power of female leadership to create positive social change
May 2, 2025

Startup Story

Hon. Tiguidanke Traore is the change-making founder of ToutesLeaders in Guinea, a non-partisan citizen movement committed to reinvigorating democracy through the power of female leadership. Its shared values ​​are: social justice and entrepreneurship.She is a graduate of the ISSIC School of Journalism in Dakar, Senegal, specializing in Corporate and Social Communication. After gaining extensive experience in administration as an administrative employee for the municipality of Chaudfontaine in Belgium, she embarked on a business venture in 2010 by creating her own label, "COCOSTYLE," which promotes community living through inclusive fashion inspired by Afro-European cultures. She launched her own e-commerce business and participated in the civic engagement of the African diaspora by leveraging the rich cultural diversity in the Liège region (BELGIUM). She also invested internationally by opening her first showroom in Casablanca, Morocco. She has created jobs for 120 people through her business and organisation.

Read more →
May 2, 2025
Nonceba Ndukula, a South African social entrepreneur with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and gender based violence
November 17, 2024
Nonceba Ndukula, a South African social entrepreneur with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and gender based violence
November 17, 2024

Startup Story

Nonceba Ndukula is the founder of Nabai Foundation in South Africa, a social impact  organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect Nonceba’ s dedication to making a positive impact. She is a GBV-F Survivor, Coach, Business Administrator, Philanthropist and Mentor and an inspiring individual whose life journey has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope. As the founder of Nabai Foundation, Nonceba is a passionate advocate for education, community empowerment, and survivor support. Her personal experiences have fuelled her commitment to addressing the root causes of GBV-F and providing support to survivors. She is a Nominee of Sociopreneur of the Year 2023, Finalist in Women of Stature Awards, and a Nominee of Leading Women of Africa Awards.

Read more →
November 17, 2024
Dentaa Amoateng, a social enterprise builder dedicated to the advancement of Diaspora Africans
September 22, 2024
Dentaa Amoateng, a social enterprise builder dedicated to the advancement of Diaspora Africans
September 22, 2024

Startup Story

Dentaa Amoateng MBE is the President and Founder of the Grow Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Enterprise, a social enterprise organisation dedicated to the advancement of diaspora Africans and Africans through various socio –economic programs and initiatives. She is a multi-hyphenate with years of experience in the acquisition of funding, deal brokering, lobbying and facilitating Diaspora development. Dentaa is the current Liaison Executive Officer for the Greenwich-Tema Meridian Link, working to secure trading and business networks between both cities. She started the business in 2009 and today it has 20 employees.

Read more →
September 22, 2024
Vicky Chilli, a South African entrepreneur using film as a tool for social change
January 27, 2024
Vicky Chilli, a South African entrepreneur using film as a tool for social change
January 27, 2024

Startup Story

Vicky Chilli is a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Umlazi in South Africa and the founder of eKasi Bioscope (Pty) Ltd. She established a movie cinema in her township and uses film as a tool for social change. She started this project in 2016 at King Shaka High School where she discovered that learners were facing social issues and needed a platform to relate too, open-up and learn. The cinema screens African-inspired movies and the youth watch movies for free. Vicky has screened approximately 20 African-inspired movies indoors and had 1 drive-in cinema.

Read more →
January 27, 2024
Rita Idehai, a Nigerian social entrepreneur helping households to live waste-free
November 12, 2023
Rita Idehai, a Nigerian social entrepreneur helping households to live waste-free
November 12, 2023

Startup Story

Rita Idehai is a geoscientist and social entrepreneur who works at the nexus of responsible consumption, social inclusion, and circular economy. She is the founder and CEO of Ecobarter, a social enterprise started in 2018 making it possible for Nigerian households to live waste-free. Through her organization, Rita is also helping poor women and informal last-mile waste pickers capture more value and build back their lives leveraging otherwise wastes.

Read more →
November 12, 2023
Blandine Umuziranenge, a Rwandan social entrepreneur focused on improving reproductive, maternal and child health in Africa
October 15, 2023
Blandine Umuziranenge, a Rwandan social entrepreneur focused on improving reproductive, maternal and child health in Africa
October 15, 2023

Startup Story

Blandine Umuziranenge is the founder and ceo of Kosmotive, a social enterprise founded in 2014 to improve Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health in Rwanda and throughout Africa. Early in her career she worked at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency and Contact FM radio. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Innovation Management, a bachelor’s degree in business information and communication technology and an Advanced Diploma in Information Technology. Her twelve years of experience combine Information Technology, Social Entrepreneurship and Circular Business Modelling. Blandine is a multi-award-winner including the Youth Connekt Africa 2019 Girls in Innovation Award and the Invest2Impact Africa 2019 Women's Empowerment Award. Blandine's ambition is paving menstrual freedom for girls and women in Africa.

Read more →
October 15, 2023
Stélia Dgedge, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating access to clean drinking water
October 8, 2023
Stélia Dgedge, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating access to clean drinking water
October 8, 2023

Startup Story

Stélia Dgedge is the founder of Khuwana Water Filters Lda, a Mozambican company dedicated to the production and sale of ceramic-based water purifying filters. She has a degree in Financial and Insurance Management from ISCTEM. Since very early on, she has always been interested in topics related to preservation, sustainability, and the environment. About five years ago Stélia was invited to be part of the Finance Department of a startup that operates in the Renewable Energy sector. It was a unique opportunity for her to demonstrate once again the knowledge obtained at the associated University and her professional experience, as she came from a company with over twenty years in the market and was well positioned in it. She discovered her purpose - a mixture of three words, “Entrepreneurship, Impact, and Sustainability”.

Read more →
October 8, 2023
Sylvia Wambui, a Kenyan social impact entrepreneur helping businesses to grow
July 9, 2023
Sylvia Wambui, a Kenyan social impact entrepreneur helping businesses to grow
July 9, 2023

Startup Story

Sylvia Wambui is the Founder of Mursly Digital Group LLC in Kenya. She is a mentor, virtual assistant, and business consultant to entrepreneurs. She has spent over 6 years in marketing, across local and international clients where she has been a marketing lead, managing multiple brands and large tech brands. After COVID struck, it called for a restructuring of the business. That’s when Mursly Digital Group Limited was launched and has just recently been incorporated in March 2023. Mursly Digital Group offers business consulting services that cover strategy across business structures specifically marketing, social media, personal, and leadership development to ease the load of idea generation. It also does consulting and virtual assistance work, both in Africa and internationally, having worked with community and tech-driven brands like Black Women In Clinical Research, Blaze Group LLC, and Bauce Magazine. As a mentor, Sylvia has worked to support entrepreneurs and professionals by providing knowledge on capacity building and upskilling for scale / professional growth.

Read more →
July 9, 2023
Hermine Bertolini, a social impact entrepreneur manufacturing washable sanitary pads in Namibia
March 10, 2023
Hermine Bertolini, a social impact entrepreneur manufacturing washable sanitary pads in Namibia
March 10, 2023

Startup Story

Ann Pads is a social impact business, founded by Hermine Bertolini in Namibia, which addresses the combined challenge of period poverty and menstruation education in the country. Her business manufactures washable sanitary pads, combined with an educational programme approach to helping girls, families and local communities to better understand menstruation.

Read more →
March 10, 2023
Lombuso Mthethwa, a social entrepreneur providing support to new moms in Eswatini
March 5, 2023
Lombuso Mthethwa, a social entrepreneur providing support to new moms in Eswatini
March 5, 2023

Startup Story

Lombuso Mthethwa, founder of Moms Club Eswatini, has built a social enterprise and specialist support group helping Eswatini’s pregnant women and new moms through their healthy new parenting journeys. It provides antenatal classes, pregnancy yoga and Lamaze classes, together with a specialist online shop that provides everything moms need in those early weeks and months.

Read more →
March 5, 2023
Mara Zhanet Michelo, a Zambian social entrepreneur developing young people to fulfill their potential
October 16, 2022
Mara Zhanet Michelo, a Zambian social entrepreneur developing young people to fulfill their potential
October 16, 2022

Startup Story

Mara Zhanet is the founder and ceo of Jacaranda Hub, an organization that aims to develop young people through the provision of collective services, infrastructure and specialized tools and equipment for common use among the young and aspiring MSMEs with growth potential. She is a social entrepreneur, project management and business development expert, business coach, facilitator, and mentor with 15 years of professional experience.

Read more →
October 16, 2022
Lily Katumba, a Ugandan entrepreneur building an impact-driven business giving hope to others
July 31, 2022
Lily Katumba, a Ugandan entrepreneur building an impact-driven business giving hope to others
July 31, 2022

Startup Story

Lily Katumba is the founder of Zuri Styles, an accessories design and manufacturing business in Uganda creating jobs and restoring hope to vulnerable people. Lily’s mission is to stop Human Trafficking and empower those most vulnerable by creating sustainable employment, providing coaching and mentorship, and empowering girl children.

Read more →
July 31, 2022
Pendo Galukande, a Ugandan social entrepreneur creating opportunities through premium gifting
March 4, 2022
Pendo Galukande, a Ugandan social entrepreneur creating opportunities through premium gifting
March 4, 2022

Startup Story

Pendo Galukande is one of the original three co-founders of Dis N Dat (Uganda) Ltd and the current Managing Director. She has been featured several times on National Television and print media as a positive example of a social entrepreneur. Her social enterprise having started out creating hand crafted greeting cards, and now has expanded into providing the youth access to skills and employment through the provision of premium gift services. Dis N Dat was launched in 2007 and employs 2 full time people, 4 consultants, and provides about 25 placements for part-time positions for youth annually. Pendo has a track record in Health Management having been the first manager of the leading private hospital in Uganda. She also managed a pharmacy in a rural hospital and oversaw refugee programs in rural Uganda.

Read more →
March 4, 2022
Bih Adelaide, a social entrepreneur in Cameroon bringing healthcare to people in need
January 16, 2022
Bih Adelaide, a social entrepreneur in Cameroon bringing healthcare to people in need
January 16, 2022

Startup Story

For victims of conflict and low income people who cannot access affordable healthcare in Cameroon, help is now at hand, thanks to social entrepreneur Bih Adelaide, co-founder of African Initiative For Health and Research Promotion (AIHRP). Her venture is now providing pro-bono health care services to those who need it most.

Read more →
January 16, 2022
Marina Rakotondrasoa Ralaivaomisa, an agri-entrepreneur making a positive impact in Madagascar
October 17, 2021
Marina Rakotondrasoa Ralaivaomisa, an agri-entrepreneur making a positive impact in Madagascar
October 17, 2021

Startup Story

Most of the population of Madagascar lives in rural areas relying on farming to make a living, but the majority live in poverty. Marina Rakotondrasoa Ralaivaomisa, founder of Massöva, is on a mission to help change their situation through her entrepreneurial approach to agribusiness and extending the local value chain.

Read more →
October 17, 2021
Estelle Dogbo, a social entrepreneur empowering African artists through global exposure
September 12, 2021
Estelle Dogbo, a social entrepreneur empowering African artists through global exposure
September 12, 2021

Startup Story

For many African artists, the challenge is ensuring their work is visible, getting their work and names known, and connecting with potential curators and buyers in their own countries and abroad. Estelle Dogbo, founder of the Yawoa Foundation in Nigeria, is looking to make these ambitions happen.

Read more →
September 12, 2021
Rahel Mwitula Williams, a Tanzanian entrepreneur building a socially responsible lifestyle brand to empower women
August 15, 2021
Rahel Mwitula Williams, a Tanzanian entrepreneur building a socially responsible lifestyle brand to empower women
August 15, 2021

Startup Story

Rahel Mwitula Williams serves as lead designer of ILAVA, a socially responsible lifestyle brand that uses fashion to empower women and inspire change around the world. Her role within ILAVA has not only reinforced her passion for seeking global change, but it has also led to her ability to impact women and leaders across the globe through various opportunities. To name a few, ILAVA was invited to showcase its latest collection at LA Fashion Week in 2017, and in April 2018, she had an opportunity to represent ILAVA at Northwestern University through a TEDx Talk (Redefining Philanthropy: Faces of Change Makers).

Read more →
August 15, 2021
The Wire Media Agency-Collage-1.jpg
July 10, 2021
Victoria Orr, a South African social entrepreneur showcasing talented artists to  the UK market
July 10, 2021

Startup Story

Victoria Orr is the founder and CEO of Amandla Ubuntu Limited, a South African/UK social enterprise that works with South African artists, crafters and female owned businesses to provide a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The enterprise ethically sources beautiful arts and crafts, providing sustainable incomes and sells online in the UK, with plans to move into Europe and USA.

Read more →
July 10, 2021
Adri Williams, a South African entrepreneur changing women’s lives in Khayelitsha through cookies 
May 16, 2021
Adri Williams, a South African entrepreneur changing women’s lives in Khayelitsha through cookies 
May 16, 2021

Startup Story

Khayelitsha Cookies is an impact driven, hand-made cookie manufacturing business making a difference to reducing employment in South Africa, and empowering women to look after their families.

Read more →
May 16, 2021
Mayra Pereira, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping clients transition to a sustainable low-carbon future
April 18, 2021
Mayra Pereira, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping clients transition to a sustainable low-carbon future
April 18, 2021

Startup Story

Many companies are now actively thinking about sustainability in their businesses and in Mozambique, impact driven entrepreneur Mayra Pereira, founder of Gaia EES Consulting, is helping them to make the move towards more sustainable action.

Read more →
April 18, 2021
Noreen Asekenye, a Ugandan social entrepreneur changing lives through storytelling 
April 11, 2021
Noreen Asekenye, a Ugandan social entrepreneur changing lives through storytelling 
April 11, 2021

Startup Story

Stories have always had the power to enthrall, to engage, and often to change lives, and for Noreen Asenkenye, founder of Tell a Story Foundation Uganda, that is her motivation. She is passionate about looking out for the vulnerable, and through storytelling she is helping them deal with their distress. Noreen is an enthusiastic fundraiser, and through Tell a Story Foundation, she has successfully run fundraising campaigns for children with autism, two young girls raised by single mothers, and the current Together for Good campaign, a Covid-19 relief fundraiser benefiting vulnerable families with income relief. Noreen is a cohort 35 Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellow, Cohort 18 Reignite Africa Young Leaders Fellow, and a recent graduate of the 2020 Zimba Women Business Program.

Read more →
April 11, 2021
Nicole Magerman, a Mozambican social entrepreneur passionate about gender equality and women empowerment 
March 21, 2021
Nicole Magerman, a Mozambican social entrepreneur passionate about gender equality and women empowerment 
March 21, 2021

Startup Story

Girl Spectrum is a non-profit organization movement founded by Nicole Natasha Magerman. Nicole founded Girl Spectrum at the age of 25 running it as a labour of love and devotion for gender equality. Girl Spectrum was founded in 2021 and has a world scale vision of creating awareness around not only women empowerment but also building confidence in our women of today. "Self-Care is Health Care", believes Nicole Magerman. As she says, “Feminists, women activists, let us gather here and conquer!”

Read more →
March 21, 2021
Amanda Obidike, an award winning Nigerian social innovator in STEM
March 14, 2021
Amanda Obidike, an award winning Nigerian social innovator in STEM
March 14, 2021

Startup Story

The impact that STEM can make in the lives of young people, particularly women and girls, on the African continent cannot be underestimated. STEMi Makers Africa, founded by Amanda Obidike, addresses the existing leaky unemployment pipeline, the underrepresentation of young women and girls in STEM. and the fragmented education system by training teachers and students in STEM Education.

Read more →
March 14, 2021
Charzade Araujo, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about mentoring the next generation 
November 8, 2020
Charzade Araujo, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about mentoring the next generation 
November 8, 2020

Startup Story

Everyone needs a mentor in life and in business, but often for young people in particular, mentors can be hard to find. One woman entrepreneur, Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors in Mozambique, has made it her goal to provide that solution.

Read more →
November 8, 2020
Maria Baryamujura, an award-winning social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable tourism
August 2, 2020
Maria Baryamujura, an award-winning social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable tourism
August 2, 2020

Startup Story

Community tourism has long been recognised as a driver of local economic development, particularly for women. In East Africa, social entrepreneur Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda, knows just how to innovate and make tourism work for rural communities.

Read more →
August 2, 2020
Diana Sierra, a designer and social entrepreneur creating access to menstrual products for girls in Mozambique
May 30, 2020
Diana Sierra, a designer and social entrepreneur creating access to menstrual products for girls in Mozambique
May 30, 2020

Startup Story

Girls in Mozambique have a number of challenges to overcome, and one of those is getting access to menstrual products, menstrual education and addressing social stigma around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, a Columbian designer and social entrepreneur who is the founder of Be Girl Inc. in Mozambique.

a around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc.

Read more →
May 30, 2020
Mariam Lawani, a Nigerian entrepreneur tackling poverty and unemployment through recycling 
May 9, 2020
Mariam Lawani, a Nigerian entrepreneur tackling poverty and unemployment through recycling 
May 9, 2020

Startup Story

In Nigeria’s rural communities, poverty and unemployment are major challenges, as is the issue of waste management. For entrepreneur Mariam Lawani, finding solutions to all of these challenges was the motivation for her business, Greenhill Recycling.

Read more →
May 9, 2020
Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses
April 19, 2020
Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses
April 19, 2020

Startup Story

Many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential, and that is where Cewon comes in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio is creating a platform which empowers women to make the change they need in their lives.

Read more →
April 19, 2020
Tadziripa Madzima, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur with a passion for helping the country’s youth to fulfill their potential 
December 1, 2019
Tadziripa Madzima, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur with a passion for helping the country’s youth to fulfill their potential 
December 1, 2019

Startup Story

Africa is a young continent with millions of young people with vast potential ready to make their contributions to its future economic development and prosperity. But those young people need support, encouragement and the right environment to thrive. In Zimbabwe, social entrepreneur Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth, has created an enterprise committed to empowering young people to fulfill that potential.

Read more →
December 1, 2019
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Read more →
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Read more →
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Read more →
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

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IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

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Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

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Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

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Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

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Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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