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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Awards and Accolades: Margaret Hirsch 2018 Women in Business Awards recognize South Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs 

November 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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The Margaret Hirsch 2018 Regional Women in Business Achiever of the Year Awards Evening took place at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, South Africa on 2 November. This prestigious event saw over 500 people, including top entrepreneurs and business women from around Gauteng attending the event to see who would be announced as the Regional and Branch winners. The event was co-sponsored by GRUNDIG, one of Hirsch's Homestore's most valued suppliers. Guest Speaker at the event was Melanie Hawken, the founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa and a Champion of Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs.

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In Award Programme, Award Winner, Lionesses Tags South Africa, Margaret Hirsch
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2018 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Africa finalists announced

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

The prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs, has just announced their finalists for Africa for 2018. 

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In Award Programme, Features Tags Cartier Awards
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African Entrepreneurship Award announces 15 women finalists

November 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Final-LogoAEA2.jpg

The African Entrepreneurship Award, a $1million prize sponsored by BMCE Bank of Africa for African entrepreneurs with for-profit business ideas that create jobs and improve lives, has just announced the finalists for the 2017 awards. At the start of 2017, 5,349 entrepreneurs from all 54 countries in Africa, and 45 in the diaspora, applied for the Award. Now, one month before the winners are announced, a panel of mentors has selected 41 finalists from 19 African countries, and 39% are women entrepreneurs (15 in total). 

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In Award Programme
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Nominate the most inspiring women in tech in South Africa

June 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has launched Inspiring Fifty South Africa with an open call for nominations for inspiring women entrepreneurs in South Africa working in the different spheres of the technology and innovation sector. Inspiring Fifty is a Dutch based non-profit organisation that showcases inspiring female role models in the technology industry in the Netherlands, France, Europe and the Nordics.

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In Award Programme Tags Women in Tech
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4 African Women Entrepreneurs Make the 2017 World Economic Forum 100 Young Global Leaders List

March 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Clockwise from Top Left: Chido Govera, Jamila Abass, Rapelang Rabana, Marie Lora-Mungai

Clockwise from Top Left: Chido Govera, Jamila Abass, Rapelang Rabana, Marie Lora-Mungai

Each year the World Economic Forum undertakes an ambitious mission – to scour the world to select 100 young leaders, under the age of 40, who are tackling the world’s most complex challenges with innovative approaches. Not only are women in the majority in this year’s class, but half the intake come from emerging economies, reflecting a trend towards greater diversity in global leadership. Four game-changing women entrepreneurs and socialpreneurs from sub-Saharan Africa make this year’s list.

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In Award Programme Tags World Economic Forum
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Meet the 5 women representing Africa as finalists in the 2017 Cartier Women's Initiative Award

February 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Cartier has announced the 18 finalists for the 2017 Cartier Women's Initiative Award nominees, and once again it promises to be an inspirational group of game-changers who have made the list. For the past decade, the Cartier Awards has become synonymous with supporting creative excellence from around the world, with more than 160 entrepreneurs from 45 countries being showcased during that period.

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In Award Programme Tags Cartier Awards
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Vere Shaba wins the GE Africa Innovation Centre & Lionesses of Africa Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge

December 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
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As part of sponsorship of this year’s Lionesses of Africa 2016 Annual Conference, GE Africa Innovation Centre, General Electric’s newly launched Innovation Centre, based in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, and serving Sub-Saharan Africa, sponsored an Open Challenge for Women Entrepreneurs. Key qualification criteria for entrants included “a sustainable digital solution to a pressing challenge – or opportunity - ideally focusing on the sectors, and businesses, that GE SSA serves.”

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In Award Programme, Award Winner Tags GE & Lionesses of Africa Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge
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Celebrating 4 Winning Women Entrepreneurs At The 2016 South African Small Business Award Winners

November 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
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The accomplishments of the small business community in South Africa was in the spotlight as winners of the 2016 South African Small Business Awards were announced on 10 November at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg. In its eighth year, the South African Small Business Awards acknowledge the country’s most outstanding businesses and the remarkable people behind them. The awards are hosted by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC).

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In Award Winner, Award Programme Tags South Africa
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Finalists announced for the Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards 2016

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

On 20th October in Cape Town, South Africa, the finalists for the AppsAfrica.com Innovation Awards 2016 were announced, with a shortlist featuring leading mobile and tech companies from across Africa. The annual awards attracted over 200 submissions from 25 countries, chosen by an independent panel of leading industry experts.

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Calling all social innovators in South Africa: Your chance to apply for the 2016/17 Impumelelo Awards

August 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Impumelelo, the Stellenbosch Academy for Social Innovation, in partnership with the Distell Development Trust, is inviting applicants to apply for the 2016/17 Impumelelo Awards. The Impumelelo Social Innovations Centre’s award is an independent awards programme based on rigorous evaluations. It is one of the few mechanisms that uncovers what is good and what works in South Africa. The award’s end goal is to promote initiatives in civil society, the public and private sector, that improve the quality of the life of the poor in exceptional ways.

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In Award Programme Tags Social Entrepreneur
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5 African Women Entrepreneurs Shortlisted for UNCTAD 2016 Women in Business Awards

July 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Berthe Bonou-Zanou, Fatou Saine Gaye, Aline Wong, Joyce Kyalema, Brenda Omba Kayumba Lacey    

L-R: Berthe Bonou-Zanou, Fatou Saine Gaye, Aline Wong, Joyce Kyalema, Brenda Omba Kayumba Lacey    

Tran Thi Viet, founder and managing director of Viet Trang Handicraft in Vietnam has been announced as winner of the 2016 Empretec Women in Business Awards by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at a ceremony in Nairobi on 21 July. Five African women were included among the 12 finalists for the awards that celebrate exceptional micro and small businesswomen who have benefitted from Empretec, UNCTAD’s global entrepreneurship training network. Their businesses and their contribution to the socio-economic development in their countries is well worth celebrating. 

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Enter now! Entries open for inaugural West Africa Mobile Awards

February 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

The West Africa Mobile Awards (WAMAS), the first truly West African technology awards targeting the leading mobile and tech companies across the region, are now accepting entries. The deadline for entries is the 28th of February and the West Africa Mobile Award Winners 2016 will be revealed over cocktails and canapés at the awards ceremony on April 21st in Lagos, Nigeria.

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In Award Programme Tags Women in Tech
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South Africa's National Gazelles programme launches Small Business Acceleration Programme

October 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

South Africa's women entrepreneurs are invited to apply for a new accelerator grant, launched by the National Gazelle programme, an initiative of the Department of Small Business and SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency), and which provides both financial and business support.

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In Award Programme Tags South Africa
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Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Sub-Saharan Finalists head to Paris

October 7, 2015 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Thato Kgatlhanye, Chinwe Ohajuruka and Suzana Moreira

L-R: Thato Kgatlhanye, Chinwe Ohajuruka and Suzana Moreira

The three Sub-Saharan Finalists of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards will be joining 17 other inspirational women entrepreneurs selected from over 1700 applications from more than 100 countries in Paris this month to hear the announcement of this year’s Laureates. The Laureates will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on October 15, 2015, at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, in Deauville, France.

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In Award Programme Tags Cartier Awards, Social Entrepreneur
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Spark South Africa welcomes the first SHE by Spark Changemakers

October 5, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Study after study has shown that when a woman is empowered, the whole of society benefits, and this is at the core of why Spark* has launched its SHE by Spark Changemakers. Spark* finds and supports these Changemakers, who are local women entrepreneurs that have launched a venture that is changing lives, and helps them turn their startup into a sustainable and scalable venture that improves the lives of women and girls in the country as a result. Spark believes that women are the best levers for change, and following its first female focused Accelerator in South Africa, held in Johannesburg during Women’s Month in August this year, is pleased to announce the first SHE by Spark Changemakers in the country.

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In Award Programme Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Only two days left to enter the Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards 2015

September 8, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Mobile, tech ventures and leading women in Africa have just two days left to submit their entries for the Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards 2015 to be held in Cape Town on 16 November. Make sure you've applied!

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In Award Programme Tags Women in Tech
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PODCAST: LoA speaks to Thato Kgatlhanye an inspiring young South African social entrepreneur and 2015 Cartier Women's Initiative Award nominee

August 21, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Thato Kgatlhanye's social enterprise produces up-cyled school bags with an integrated solar light that is changing the lives of school kids in South Africa

Thato Kgatlhanye's social enterprise produces up-cyled school bags with an integrated solar light that is changing the lives of school kids in South Africa

LoA had the pleasure of meeting with Thato Kgatlhanye at the Cartier Womens Initiative Awards finalists press conference recently in South Africa and spoke to her about the challenges for women entrepreneurs on the continent.

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In Award Programme, Podcast Tags Social Entrepreneur
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3 South African women selected to participate in the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge in Turkey

August 21, 2015 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Margaret Hirsch, Shona McDonald and Wendy Kemp

L-R: Margaret Hirsch, Shona McDonald and Wendy Kemp

Three South African women entrepreneurs who used adversity to create successful businesses are off to the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge which takes place in Turkey. They are Shona McDonald who manufactures wheelchairs for children with special needs, Margaret Hirsch who co-founded one of South Africa's leading appliance store chains, and Wendy Kemp who founded a leading a credit control company. 

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In Award Programme
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Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards announce Sub-Saharan finalists

August 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Thato Kgatlhanye, Chinwe Ohajuruka and Suzana Moreira

L-R: Thato Kgatlhanye, Chinwe Ohajuruka and Suzana Moreira

On 28 July at the Four Seasons Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards announced the selection of the 2015 finalists for Sub-Saharan Africa. The three finalists for Sub-Saharan Africa are Chinwe Ohajuruka, the founder of Comprehensive Design Services, Nigeria; Suzana Moreira, the founder of moWoza, Mozambique; and Thato Kgatlhanye, the founder of Rethaka, the creator of Repurpose Schoolbags, South Africa.

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In Award Programme
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration 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
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
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 / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
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
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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

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