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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Lionesses of Africa launches it’s new Portuguese portal for women entrepreneurs in Africa and the Diaspora

October 16, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

We have some exciting news to share with you!

Lionesses of Africa has launched its new, dedicated Portuguese portal for women entrepreneurs in Africa and the Diaspora. The new portal gives Portuguese speaking women entrepreneurs on the African continent the opportunity to raise their voices and create visibility for themselves, their businesses and brands, connecting them to one another and to new markets.

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In Newly Launched Tags PT
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The Lioness Radio Show launches giving voice to Africa’s women entrepreneurs

November 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lioness-Radio-Show-Launch.jpg

November sees the launch of an exciting new communication platform for women entrepreneurs across the Lionesses of Africa network, both on the continent and in the Diaspora. The Lioness Radio Show aims to inspire, inform and give voice to Africa's women entrepreneurs. This premier, weekly magazine show features the best of women's entrepreneurship on the African continent, hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa, and powered by Standard Bank. 

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In Newly Launched Tags Lioness Radio
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Celebrating the fine art of custom shirt making with five8ths in Johannesburg

April 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Liz Kading, founder of five8ths (South Africa)

Liz Kading, founder of five8ths (South Africa)

The fine art of custom shirt making is being celebrated once again thanks to a talented woman entrepreneur who is bringing her love of tailoring and passion for slow fashion and traditional craftsmanship to Johannesburg, South Africa. 

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In Newly Launched Tags Artisans, Fashion
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Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, renowned veterinarian, conservationist and social entrepreneur launches new coffee brand to save gorillas

March 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

With her entrepreneurial spirit, the renowned wildlife conservationist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, was determined to find a solution that could help coffee farmers on the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, while improving their attitudes towards conservation. The result: Gorilla Conservation Coffee—a social enterprise created through a partnership between Conservation Through Public Health and Worldwide Fund for Nature Switzerland. 

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In Newly Launched, Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Uganda, Food & Drink
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NEWLY LAUNCHED: Tanzanian edupreneur, Faraja Nyalandu, founder of Shule Direct, introduces a new learning frontier in the country

April 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Shule Direct, a Tanzanian edtech startup producing world-class digital learning content, has just launched its newest product, MAKINI SMS, to the public. It is an SMS learning and revision platform for Secondary School students in Tanzania accessible via all types of phones, feature phones and smartphones. 

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In Newly Launched Tags Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur
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AKRAFO, a new socially responsible gourmet brand launched by the SWAADY Group

April 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Swaady Martin, founder of AKRAFO

Swaady Martin, founder of AKRAFO

A new and lovingly created, socially responsible gourmet brand, AKRAFO, has just been launched by one of the leading AfroLuxe exponents on the continent, the SWAADY Group, headed by inspirational founder, Swaady Martin. AKRAFO offers a wide range of organic and natural products with wellness properties including teas & herbal teas, honey, jams, mineral water, oils, spices & condiments.

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In Newly Launched, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Swaady Martin
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Namibian entrepreneur Tammy Nott launches crowdfunding campaign to bring greater economic opportunity to the Himba women

February 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tamarind Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare and Kaveuruamo Mupurua, one of the community project harvesters. (Namibia)

Tamarind Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare and Kaveuruamo Mupurua, one of the community project harvesters. (Namibia)

Tamarind Nott is an inspirational young Namibian entrepreneur on a mission. She launched her company Mbiri Natural Skincare in April 2015, but this is no ordinary skincare company and brand - it has an incredible back-story, inspired by the Himba women of Kaokoland in her country. To write the next chapter of the company’s history, and to help to realise its ambitious goals, Tamarind is launching a global crowdfunding campaign to fund the expansion of the project and to make an even greater impact on the lives of these incredible women. 

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In Newly Launched
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Making News: A.T.L Events and Promotions launches new South African fashion showcase event for young designers working in lingerie, swimwear and sleepwear

January 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thandiwe Makhanya, founder of A.T.L Events and Promotions (South Africa)

Thandiwe Makhanya, founder of A.T.L Events and Promotions (South Africa)

The challenge for any young woman fashion designer just starting out is finding effective ways of getting their brands and their creations out into the marketplace and connecting with customers. South African entrepreneur, Thandiwe Makhanya, and her company A.T.L Events and Promotions, which specialises in creating, managing and executing brand awareness events, campaigns as well as promotions, has found a solution, and is launching a new event platform this February.

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In Newly Launched
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Two South African women entrepreneurs take on retail in Africa with their new online portal

December 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Driven by a desire to see the growth of Black-owned brands in their country, South Africa, combined with a deep affinity to their continent, two women entrepreneurs, Nobuntu Webster and Sibahle Malunga, have launched “My African Buy”, a new online marketplace offering products owned and manufactured by African entrepreneurs.

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In Newly Launched Tags E-commerce
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New Gemboree end of year campaign launched

November 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Janet Pulford, founder of Gemboree

Janet Pulford, founder of Gemboree

South African gem-based accessory company, Gemboree, has just launched its new online newsletter and its end of year sales campaign, with some great new discounts for online shoppers. Gemboree has built a reputation for hand-crafting exquisite accessories from a range of beautiful semi-precious stones.

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In Newly Launched Tags Jewellery Design
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AAKS in Ghana launches its new handbag collection and its new online store

November 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana

One of our favourite Afroluxe handbag designers, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of Ghanaian brand A A K S, has just launched her much-anticipated Spring/Summer 2016 collection, and its great new online store - www.aaksonline.com - and both were well worth the wait! The new online store has been beautifully designed and is as eye-catching as all the AAKS handbag designs are. The beautiful and refreshing new collection itself reunites Akosua’s impeccable eye for detail, with superb craftsmanship and a raw visceral energy of new shapes.

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In Newly Launched Tags Artisans
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A new venture launches in Ethiopia aimed at empowering young African girls to celebrate their diverse beauty and identity

November 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Africa’s young girls need to develop a proud and strong sense of identity through their formative early years, giving them the confidence they need to become independent women in their later lives. Two women entrepreneurs, born and raised in Africa, are giving these girls a wonderful new way of celebrating their African identity through their It’s Me African Paper Dolls.

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In Newly Launched
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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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