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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Lioness CoLab / New UNafraid limited edition rug collection launched to celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa

August 26, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Joy Ezeka and Rosie Bradshaw

Lioness CoLab

New UNafraid limited edition rug collection launched to celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa

A collaboration between South Africa’s ZURI and IMANI, a passion-driven surface and textile design studio, and decorative flooring specialist, Airloom Decor, has resulted in the launch of a limited edition rug collection. The 'UNafraid' limited edition rug collection is a collaboration between ZURI and IMANI founder, Joy Ezeka and the founders of Airloom Decor, Rosie and David Bradshaw. This collaboration was launched on 1 August 2022, in honour of South Africa Women's Month, a celebration of resilience - as communities, as individuals, and particularly as women.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Interior Design
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LIONESS COLAB / AMWA Designs X Allbirds team design a special edition of the Dasher trainer

August 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Lioness CoLAB

An exciting CoLab has just been announced between the talented textile designer, Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs, and Allbirds, the highly innovative and sustainable global footwear brand, well known for its trainers. Chrissa collaborated with the Allbirds team to design a special edition of the Dasher trainer - and the results were incredible.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags United Kingdom, Ghana, Fashion
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LIONESS COLAB / Two powerhouses of the entrepreneurial world in South Africa collaborate on a new approach to compliance and cyber security training

February 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi and Sharmantha Valjee

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi and Sharmantha Valjee

Lioness CoLAB

Growing awareness of the need to protect personal and corporate information in cyberspace has led to the need for expert training and development of staff in these knowledge areas. In South Africa, two companies - DesignTech Training Academy and Orizur Consulting Enterprise - have collaborated on a range of solutions to address this skills deficit.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Technology, Cybersecurity
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LIONESS COLAB / AAKS x NANDOS make big impact through the power of weaving

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Lioness CoLab

Entrepreneur and founder of luxury handmade accessory brand AAKS, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, is seeing a dream come true this month. Her high impact Weaving for Change project is seeing a collaboration with Nandos to create beautiful, woven pendant lamps in their London restaurants.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Ghana, Social Impact
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LIONESS COLAB: AAKS x United Arrows & Global Goods Partners & Bamford

June 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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This summer, the fabulous luxury handmade accessory brand from Ghana, AAKS, founded by entrepreneur Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, is collaborating with not one but three partners to launch an exciting new range of bags for the season. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Ghana, Handbags
Comment

LIONESS COLAB: Monalisa Productions x Dark Crown Productions

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Two women-founded production companies in South Africa and Namibia celebrating the power of collaborative storytelling

Today, everyone knows the phrase ‘Content is King’, but creating really world-class content that consumers want to take time out of their busy working and personal lives to enjoy is tough. However, two women entrepreneur-led businesses are proving that collaboration can make really powerful content happen, and at scale, by harnessing the power of traditional and digital screens to reach audiences. Monalisa Productions in South Africa and Dark Crown Productions in Namibia are two businesses who are proof positive of going further, together.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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LIONESS COLAB: Katannuta Diamonds X Chocoloza - Ruby X Ruby

February 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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It’s always exciting for women entrepreneurs to be able to partner up with fellow successful brands. So, following on from the excitement of Katannuta Diamonds’ chocolate diamond collaboration with leading South African artisan chocolate brand Chocoloza in June last year, the two brands came together once more to host another exciting evening in November. This time, the theme was Ruby X Ruby - a focused collaboration inspired by rubies - ruby chocolate and ruby jewellery. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa
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LIONESS COLAB: Benji + Moon X Little Pine Tree

February 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Continuing its collaborative approach to business, South African specialist pet accessory online store, Benji + Moon, recently undertook to bring another niche business into its curated luxury pet accessory gift boxes. This time, social entrepreneur business, Little Pine Tree, based in Johannesburg was the chosen collaborative partner. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa
Comment

LIONESS COLAB: Dounia Home X AphroChic

October 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Dounia Home & AphroChic wanted to bring something special to the world, a lighting collection that is a true marriage between form, function and craftsmanship. The Amur collection, inspired, designed and handcrafted in the ancient city of Amur Akush, today known as Marrakech.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Design, Artisans, Morocco
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LIONESS COLAB: Carrol Boyes x The Joinery

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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In South Africa, the iconic South African homeware design brand, Carrol Boyes, and sustainable lifestyle brand, The Joinery, have launched a new collaborative community collection. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Eco-preneur, Carrol Boyes
Comment

LIONESS COLAB: Gone Rural Swaziland X Dokter and Misses

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Innovative South African design company, Dokter and Misses have teamed up with artisan weavers Gone Rural Swaziland, a high impact social enterprise in rural eSwatini, to develop the modular Soldier Screens system. The screens are made of a slender steel frame with inserts woven from a combination of sustainably harvested sisal and indigenous Lutindzi grass, which grows wild on rocky outcrops in the Swazi mountains.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Furniture, Interior Design, Artisans
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LIONESS CoLAB: Mash T Design Studio X Karingana wa Karingana Textiles

August 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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A shared love of cutting edge design and contemporary African textiles led to a recent collaboration between multi-award winning South African design entrepreneur, Thabisa  Mjo, founder of Mash T Design Studio, and creative Mozambican textile designer, Wacy Zacarias, founder of Karingana wa Karingana Textiles. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa, Mozambique, Design
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LIONESS CoLAB: Benji + Moon X Solid Concrete

July 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Two South African companies recently brought their collective skills together for a collaboration aimed at taking a luxury design approach to the world of pet accessories. Benji and Moon, an online specialist pet accessory store and Solid Concrete, a company specializing in creating beautiful sculptural and textural concrete products, created a new range of practical yet aesthetically pleasing food bowls for pets. 

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags South Africa
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LIONESS CoLAB: AAKS X UNHCR

July 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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AAKS in Ghana and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees joined forces for a home décor project titled ‘Weaving for Change’. The collaboration to produce a range of beautifully handcrafted lamps and light fittings reflects the preservation of a time honoured Malian weaving technique of the Tuareg community from Northern Mali, who are living as refugees in Burkina Faso. Behind every handcrafted lamp you will find a cultural identity of the Tuareg.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Ghana
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LIONESS CoLAB: Katannuta Diamonds X Chocoloza

June 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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A collaboration between a bespoke diamond jewellery brand and a handmade luxury chocolate company might at first glance not be the most obvious. But for two South African women entrepreneurs who are passionate about luxury and a bespoke approach to their businesses, it’s a creative match made in heaven. Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds and Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza, have just launched an exciting new collaboration, and its all on the theme of chocolate.

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In Lioness CoLAB
Comment

LIONESS CoLAB: Frazer Parfum X Nandipha Mntambo

June 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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FRAZER PARFUM X NANDIPHA MNTAMBO

DISSONANCE --- AN ARTFUL FRAGRANCE  BORN OUT OF COLLABORATION

Dissonance is a intriguing new perfume project born out of a co-lab between a talented local artist and a well known perfumer. Cape Town-based perfumer Tammy Frazer and Johannesburg-based artist Nandipha Mntambo have teamed up to create Dissonance, a bespoke fragrance that's sold with a pair of unique gold leafed lithographic prints.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Swaady Martin, Fée Halsted
Comment

LIONESS CoLAB: YSWARA X ARDMORE for Orange Babies

May 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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The ever creative Swaady Martin, founder of YSWARA has joined forces with the very beautiful and soulful brand ARDMORE to create the umSisi Collectors' Tea canister to support ORANGE BABIES, a charity whose ultimate aim is to achieve an HIV-free generation in Africa.

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In Lioness CoLAB Tags Swaady Martin, Fée Halsted
Comment

Lights, Camera, Action as Africa’s luxury brands collaborate for a unique photoshoot at Start-Up Night! Africa in London

April 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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The Start-Up Night! Africa event in London was the perfect occasion for a unique collaboration amongst the women entrepreneurs being showcased on the night - a joint fashion photoshoot featuring all the creations and products on show from each of the women pitching their businesses. 

Read more
In Events, Features, Lioness CoLAB Tags Start-up Night! Africa, London
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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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
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
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

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