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Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer

May 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Mekdes Mesfin

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Demii Design, an Ethiopian clothing design and manufacturing business creating beautiful, high quality cotton garments

Mekdes Mesfin's story begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she was born and raised. Today, she stands as the founder and ceo of Demii Design, a clothing line that represents a significant chapter on her entrepreneurial journey, which also includes her involvement in two other ventures within the fashion sector. While her academic background is rooted in civil engineering and business management, disciplines she pursued at university, Ms. Mesfin's professional path diverged from the conventional corporate trajectory those degrees might suggest. She launched the business during the Covid pandemic in 2019.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion
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Samrawit Fikru, a visionary leader in transport transformation

March 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Samrawit Fikru

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hybrid Designs PLC (RIDE), a revolutionary business redefining urban transportation in Ethiopia

Samrawit Fikru is the visionary co-founder and ceo of RIDE Transport Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s electronic-transport unicorn startup. With more than a decade of transformative leadership in the mobility sector, she pioneered RIDE 11 years ago to redefine urban transportation through safe, reliable, and tech-driven solutions. Under her stewardship, RIDE has grown into a workforce of 400+ professionals and serves as a catalyst for regional connectivity, bridging gaps across Africa’s evolving transport landscape. Recognized among BBC’s 100 Women and WeAreTech.Africa’s 100 Global Tech Changemakers, Samrawit, combines strategic innovation with a steadfast commitment to economic empowerment, creating scalable opportunities for drivers and communities alike. Her forward-thinking approach continues to position RIDE at the forefront of Africa’s digital transportation revolution.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Travel Tech, Technology
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Selam Wondim Gebremedhin, a serial entrepreneur building a tech business that turns gaming into more than entertainment

March 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Selam Wondim Gebremedhin, founder, Gomida Solutions (Ethiopia)

Startup Story

Selam Wondim Gebremedhin is the founder of Gomida Solutions in Ethiopia, a gamified super-platform that seamlessly integrates gaming, brand engagement, and interactive experiences. The business, launched in 2024 and creating jobs for 11 people, develops hyper-casual games that entertain, educate, and reward players while providing brands, influencers, and developers with innovative ways to engage and grow their audiences. The platform transforms gameplay into impact—enabling users to play, learn, and earn within familiar social media and messaging ecosystems, eliminating the need for additional downloads.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Technology
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Genet Kebede, a pioneering Ethiopian fashion & textile brand builder

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Genet Kebede

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Paradise Fashion, a business celebrating Ethiopia’s proud hand-woven textile heritage and creating sustainable employment for local craftspeople

Genet Kebede, founder of Paradise Fashion, was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a young age, she loved fashion and the rich Ethiopian textiles she found in her own culture, yet she appreciated the inspiration coming from other countries and specifically the rich design heritage of Italy. In pursuit of her dreams, she took the opportunity to study fashion design and garment construction in Italy and then Argentina. However, Genet always knew she would return to her home. Living through the significant political disruptions that led to near famine for much of Ethiopia during her childhood, she believed she had an opportunity to contribute to her country. She wanted to help the many people, particularly women, she saw in difficult circumstances in her city. She also wanted to share the beauty of her country’s rich weaving traditions with the world.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion, Textiles
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Pan-African lifestyle brand, Afropian, launches its exciting new website

March 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Hortense Mbea

Lioness Launch

In March 2023, Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is launching its brand new website which is a window into everything Afropian: products, processes, artisans, and stories. The business is focused on showcasing 100%, proudly hand-made in Africa clothing, fashion accessories and home decor. The mission is to make you Wear Africa Proudly! 

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In Lioness Launch Tags Ethiopia
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Ararat Tamirat, an Ethiopian ethical lifestyle brand-builder creating jobs

October 30, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Ararat Tamirat

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Tuba by Ararat, an ethical Ethiopian lifestyle brand, specializing in hand-woven basket-ware for home accessories and textiles.

Ararat Tamirat is an architect and basket weaver, and the founder and ceo of Tuba by Ararat in Ethiopia. She established her business in April 2020, but has already won recognition by the Female in Business Acceleration Program 2022. The focus of the business is on improving the lives of the local women by using their skills and establishing a viable, high quality basket production industry in Ethiopia. Ararat has already created sustainable job opportunities for almost 40 women in rural areas, and has a big vision to employ up to 500 women by the year 2030.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Artisan Enterprise, Home Accessories
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Yoadan Tilahun, an entrepreneur turning eventing passion into profit

August 21, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Yoadan Tilahun

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Flawless Events, an award-winning market-leader transforming Ethiopia’s events industry

Yoadan Tilahun is the founder and CEO of Flawless Events in Ethiopia, a company specializing in conceptualizing, organizing, and executing corporate and government events. Yoadan is a seasoned entrepreneur and award-winning business leader who has transformed Ethiopia's events industry. She founded the business in Ethiopia in 2008, turning her passion that was ignited in 2004 in Washington, DC into a successful business on the continent. Flawless Events employs 14 staff with the majority of young women. Yoadan has an MBA in International Business, is fluent in three languages, is married to a supportive husband, and is raising three sons.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Event Management
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Lioness Launch / Ethiopian ready-to-wear clothing brand, Kunjina, launches new concept collection

June 26, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kunjina Tesfaye, founder, Kunjina (Ethiopia)

Lioness Launch

Kunjina, a unique Ethiopian ready-to-wear clothing brand that mainly caters to women within the age range of 25-40 and founded by Kunjina Tesfaye, is launching its new concept collection this month. The collection named UDET, a Geez word meaning cycle, is Inspired by Kunjina's personal experience. The collection revolves around topics like fear, productivity guilt and growth. It shows the process of self-doubt, transformation and self-actualization using the metamorphosis cycle of a butterfly as a metaphor.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Ethiopia, Fashion
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Tigist Kebede, a passionate media entrepreneur showcasing great Ethiopian content

February 20, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tigist Kebede

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

habeshaview Technology and Multimedia, a fast-growing entertainment and multimedia business in Ethiopia

Tigist Kebede, co-founder of habeshaview Technology and Multimedia, is an experienced entrepreneur specializing in the media, entertainment and telecommunications sectors. Throughout her career she has been driven by a passion for the Arts and Culture and combining this with emerging technologies and the best possible user experience for customers. Tigist is responsible for leading habeshaview, one of the fastest growing entertainment services in Ethiopia and with the Ethiopian diaspora community worldwide focusing on promoting and developing the culture and skills of Ethiopian content creators and bringing them to the global community.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Tigist Kebede, Multimedia, Art-preneur
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Betelhem Abebe, an Ethiopian entrepreneur building a high street fashion brand 

January 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Betelhem Abebe, founder, ZEWD Design (Ethiopia)

Startup Story

Betelhem Abebe is the founder and creative director of ZEWD Design based in Ethiopia, a growing high street fashion brand. She studied electrical engineering at Addis Ababa University and also fashion design at SITAM Fashion and Design School in Addis Ababa to sharpen her skills in fashion design after having partially developed the ZEWD concept in her final year at the university.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion
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Kunjina Tesfaye, an Ethiopian creative entrepreneur building a proud ready-to-wear fashion brand

August 8, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kunjina-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Kunjina Tesfaye is the founder and creative director of Kunjina, a fashion brand established in 2017 in Ethiopia while she was a university student studying construction technology and management. The brand mainly caters to women and also makes some unisex items. Kunjina’s main sales outlet is the physical store located in Addis Ababa, and the business is also on its way to launching an e-commerce site soon. Kunjina currently has five employees working for the brand.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion
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Abai Schulze, Africa’s champion of economic empowerment for artisans

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze

Abai Schulze

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

ZAAF, a luxury handcrafted leather and accessories brand creating economic opportunities for Africa’s artisans

Abai Schulze is the Founder and Creative Director of ZAAF, a collection of premium leather goods and accessories handcrafted by artisans across Africa. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States and the rest of the world. Abai is committed to using her academic background in economics and fine arts from her alma mater George Washington University to create unique and practical expressions of beauty. Abai founded ZAAF in 2014 with the goal of creating economic empowerment to African artisans and a new perspective and standard of global luxury. Her vision is to create unique products people love and want to buy, as this is the most sustainable of approaching economic development.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion, Artisan Enterprise, Handbags
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Bitania Amare, an entrepreneur in Ethiopia helping her clients to keep their businesses and finances in good order

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Every successful business needs great advice and support in order to be sustainable and to grow. In Ethiopia, that’s where specialist consulting firm Orbit Consulting PLC, founded by local entrepreneur Bitania Amare, comes in.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Ethiopia
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Abai Schulze, founder of a new generation artisan enterprise taking Ethiopia's luxury leather craft heritage to the world

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

The world’s fashion conscious buyers are increasingly interested in knowing where the luxury goods they purchase are made, and by whom. For entrepreneur Abai Schulze, founder of growing brand ZAAF, her company’s strong backstory and ethos is resonating with these buyers, who are rapidly becoming fans and brand ambassadors with each purchase they make.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Artisans, Artisan Enterprise
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Bitania Amare, an Ethiopian entrepreneur building an online platform to help customers in Addis Ababa order their food online

April 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of WeDeliver (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of WeDeliver (Ethiopia)

If you have ever experienced that feeling of being in the work environment and feeling hungry, but not being able to leave the office or workspace because things are just too busy, then WeDeliver, a startup business founded by entrepreneur Bitania Amare has the answer. Her new online ordering platform is making it easy for consumers to get their purchases delivered directly to them. 

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In Startup Story Tags Online Service, Ethiopia
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SoleRebels founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu demonstrates the power of thinking big with her new Garden of Coffee venture

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
GardenofCoffee_Launch.jpg

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the pioneering and enterprising creator of the inspirational SoleRebels ethical footwear brand, and Republic of Leather, her business venture that puts Ethiopia’s handcrafted leatherwear and accessories on the global map, believes the future of a truly sustainable specialty coffee market can be found in coffee’s birthplace, her native Ethiopia. After more than a decade of building SoleRebels into a global footwear and leather goods brand that combines traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship and materials with fresh new designs while also paying top dollar throughout the supply chain, Alemu late last year launched an equally ambitious new coffee venture called Garden of Coffee.

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In 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Ethiopia
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Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu - The startup story of the woman behind a global footwear brand with a social conscience

August 15, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels

This inspirational Ethiopian woman entrepreneur founded the world's fastest-growing African footwear brand and the only Fair Trade-certified footwear company in the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Artisans, Ethiopia
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This is your opportunity as a woman tech (co)founder in Africa to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, mentorship and visibility to accelerate your business growth.

Applications close at midnight CAT on 30 September 2025. APPLY HERE.


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
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
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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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 / Melvin’s Tea

Memorable afternoon cuppa…We are big tea drinkers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love the wonderful Melvin’s Tea brand of flavoured teas for all occasions created by Flora Mutahi, founder of Melvin M
Image of the Day / Naturals Beauty

All Natural Skincare…If you want to get closer to nature with your skincare, then look no further than Naturals Beauty, a South African company born out of a love and curiosity for natural beauty and body pr
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 / Khokho Collection

If you want to capture the essence of summer all year long, then the Palm Picnic Basket from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilakati in eSw
Image of the Day / The Wren Design

Sustainability with Style…Calling all eco and design-conscious consumers who love products that are both sustainable and beautiful, check out this Paper Back Pack from The Wren Design, founded by Wendren Set
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 / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Taeillo

Stylish seating…We love these stylish statement stools created by Jumoke Dada, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Taeillo, an e-commerce furniture and lifestyle brand based in Lagos Nigeria and Nairobi
Image of the Day / KONA

Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju
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 / Melvin’s Tea

Memorable afternoon cuppa…We are big tea drinkers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love the wonderful Melvin’s Tea brand of flavoured teas for all occasions created by Flora Mutahi, founder of Melvin M Image of the Day / Naturals Beauty

All Natural Skincare…If you want to get closer to nature with your skincare, then look no further than Naturals Beauty, a South African company born out of a love and curiosity for natural beauty and body pr 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 / Khokho Collection

If you want to capture the essence of summer all year long, then the Palm Picnic Basket from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilakati in eSw Image of the Day / The Wren Design

Sustainability with Style…Calling all eco and design-conscious consumers who love products that are both sustainable and beautiful, check out this Paper Back Pack from The Wren Design, founded by Wendren Set 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 / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Taeillo

Stylish seating…We love these stylish statement stools created by Jumoke Dada, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Taeillo, an e-commerce furniture and lifestyle brand based in Lagos Nigeria and Nairobi Image of the Day / KONA

Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
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

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
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

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