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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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Diana Dwamena, a telehealth and digital transformation company creating access to quality healthcare in Ghana and UK

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Diana Dwamena, founder and CEO, Mahiri-Telehealth Limited (Ghana/UK)

Startup Story

Diana Dwamena is the founder and CEO of Mahiri-Telehealth Limited, a telehealth and digital transformation company founded in 2014, employing 11 people, and headquartered in the UK. She was an original board member of the Healthcare Federation of Ghana (2017 – 2022) and part of the Telehealth Stakeholder Group setup by Ghana Health Services (GHS) in 2015. Diana is a trailblazing strategist and tech-savvy innovator who has been shaping the digital transformation landscape for over two decades. With her impressive track record of pioneering impactful technology solutions. In August 2023, Diana was featured in a Lionesses of Africa’ Startup Story for another of her companies in the digital learning and EdTech space, The Learning Nuggets Company Limited.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, United Kingdom, Healthtech
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Dentaa Amoateng, a social enterprise builder dedicated to the advancement of Diaspora Africans

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President and Founder, Grow Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Enterprise (Ghana/UK)

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.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, United Kingdom, Social Entrepreneur, Community & Social Networks
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Ade Hassan, a lingerie visionary for women of colour

July 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Ade Hassan

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Nubian Skin, the first brand to make inclusive, skin-tone undergarments catered to women of colour.

Ade Hassan is the Nigerian/British founder of Nubian Skin, the first brand to make inclusive, skin-tone undergarments catered to women of colour. The business also makes skin-tone softies (post-surgery prosthetics for mastectomy patients). Launched in 2014, and headquartered in London, Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and looks forward to growing the company’s offering and expanding its reach.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, United Kingdom, Fashion
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Sasha Knott & Kelly Louw, pioneers showcasing Africa’s people talent using AI

June 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sasha Knott and Kelly Louw

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Job Crystal, growing small to medium business by giving them the ability to hire in seconds, by using AI, while helping the cash flow!

Sasha Knott, the CEO of Job Crystal, started her career in IT and moved quickly in her career finding her passion for entrepreneurship and combining this with technology that works for the customer and often disrupts industries. Kelly Louw, the COO of Job Crystal, started her career in Recruitment and has become a well-known professional in the Recruitment space. Their current plan is to grow small to medium business by giving them the ability to hire in seconds, by using AI, while helping the cash flow! The vision is to make a dent in unemployment in Africa, while working on the SDG goal 8 of Decent work and Economic Growth worldwide. The business started in 2009, but Sasha and Kelly bought it in 2015, and today it has created jobs for 18 people.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, United Kingdom, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Recruitment Services
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Lioness Launch / Uhuru Botanicals launches a new range of natural Chebe shampoo and conditioner bars

December 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder, Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom)

Lioness Launch

Natural and organic skincare brand, Uhuru Botanicals, founded by Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka in the UK, has launched its new 100% natural Chebe hair shampoo and Chebe hair conditioner bars. Neo decided to launch the shampoo and conditioner bars in order to reduce plastic use, wastage and to encourage customers to use more sustainable products. Millions of plastic shampoo bottles are destined for landfill each year, but these shampoo and conditioner bars from Uhuru Botanicals help to reduce wastage and cut down on the carbon footprint of the business.

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In Lioness Launch Tags United Kingdom, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
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Mimi Shodeinde, a British Nigerian artist and designer pushing creative boundaries

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mimi Shodeinde

Mimi Shodeinde

Miminat Designs, a groundbreaking interior architecture and design business reimagining form and function

Mimi Shodeinde is a British Nigerian artist, designer and entrepreneur, born and raised in London, Mimi’s passion for art was developed at a young age. Winning awards for her artwork she went on to complete her degree in Interior Architecture at Edinburgh. She has worked and collaborated on a wide range of projects both nationally and internationally, from interior architectural projects, furniture design, lighting and product design spanning The UK, Europe, The Middle East and West Africa. Mimi’s drafting and painting skills together with her artist’s eye allow her to break down the relationship between form and function where art and design intersect. She draws on her diverse influences and background to manipulate the use of space through both form and placement defying categorization. Her style is fluid, sophisticated and functional but seeks to imbue each project with a personality of its own.

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In Cover Story Tags Design, United Kingdom, Nigeria
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Nicoline Bole, an entrepreneur from Cameroon crafting beautiful shoes for women with larger feet

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Startup Story

As any woman who has larger feet will tell you, it can be a real challenge trying to find shoes that not only look beautiful, but are also well crafted and comfortable to wear. Entrepreneur Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd based in London, has the solution. Her uniquely created designs are appealing to all those discerning women customers who want luxury shoes that actually fit larger feet.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Fashion, Footwear, Cameroon
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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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Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, an entrepreneur introducing the world to natural and organic skincare from Africa

July 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Startup Story

More and more consumers are becoming conscious of the products they put onto their skins, and are demanding more natural and organic products that are kinder to both skin and the environment. Uhuru Botanicals, founded by entrepreneur Neo Chatyoka, is a brand that celebrates Africa’s natural raw ingredients and turns them into skincare products that are both ethical and sustainable.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, a creative designer with a passion for silk

June 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder and creative director of EKI

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder and creative director of EKI

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans is the founder and creative director of EKI, a luxury women’s fashion brand based in London designing ready to wear and bespoke pieces. Lionesses of Africa chatted to Hazel this month to learn more about this unique luxury brand that is winning fans from around the world with its celebration of silk and African heritage.

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In Cover Story Tags United Kingdom, Fashion
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Eva Sonaike, a luxury interior and lifestyle brand builder with a vibrant West-African aesthetic

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eva Sonaike

Eva Sonaike

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

There is a growing global interest in African design, textiles and products, and talented Nigerian interior designer and lifestyle brand creator, Eva Sonaike, is taking the world by storm on the back of this trend. Her aim is to position the 'African' aesthetic in the global textiles and interior industry as part of her bigger brand-building picture.

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In Cover Story Tags United Kingdom, Interior Design
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UK-Africa Investment Summit announces UK’s ambition to be investment partner of choice for Africa

February 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
49415323972_a85300f289_c.jpg

Event Report

The UK-Africa Investment Summit on 20 January 2020 laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. Billions of pounds of new commercial deals were announced highlighting the strength of the UK’s offer and existing relationship with Africa. The UK also announced new initiatives and funding which will: strengthen the joint trading relationship, support African countries in their ambition to transform their economies, launch a major new partnership with the city of London, turbo-charge infrastructure financing, and enable Africa’s clean energy potential. Women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship was also high on the agenda. The UK’s ambition is to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and ensuring the mutual prosperity of all our nations.

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In Events Tags United Kingdom, UK DIT
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Akojo Market, a new e-commerce platform championing independent designers from across Africa launches to much acclaim

June 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Natasha Buchler and Annie Rudnick, co-founders Akojo Market (UK)

Natasha Buchler and Annie Rudnick, co-founders Akojo Market (UK)

Entrepreneur co-founders, Natasha Buchler and Annie Rudnick, have just launched Akojo Market, a new online platform dedicated to raising awareness of talented design talent from across the African continent, and connecting them to global buyers. Since going live on 1 April 2019, Akojo Market has built a community of incredibly talented designers and loyal customers, all committed to shopping ethically and supporting independent business promoting African culture and development. This entrepreneurial duo sell products from 19 designers, 17 are female founded businesses. The product ranges come from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, DRC, South Africa and Morocco.

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In Lioness Launch Tags United Kingdom, E-commerce, Fashion
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Jacqueline Shaw, an entrepreneur from Ghana on a mission to showcase African fashion and textiles to the world

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide

Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide

There are people in the world who are driven to make a difference and an impact in their chosen business sector, and entrepreneur Jacqueline Shaw is one of those who is making a big difference in Africa’s fashion and textile industry. With her Africa Fashion Guide, she is bringing the continent’s talented fashion and textile designers to the attention of global markets and buyers.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Online Service, United Kingdom, Ghana
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Ifeoma Dike, a Nigerian entrepreneur connecting African contemporary art and artists with the global marketplace

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Anyone working in the fine art sector, particularly in Africa, knows only too well how difficult it is to find the right platforms to showcase work and connect with potential buyers, both private and corporate. That’s where passionate art entrepreneur, Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD comes in. Her specialist art agency identifies talented artists and showcases their work to the right people in the right places.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Art-preneur
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Chrissa Amuah, a talented design entrepreneur inspired by Ghana’s Adrinka symbols, reinterpreted in a contemporary way

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Creating African inspired design solutions that are relevant for today’s sophisticated marketplace, and for clients who want to put a uniquely evocative stamp on their personal and work interiors, is what drives entrepreneur and founder of AMWA Designs, Chrissa Amuah. Her work reflects her design ethos and passion for celebrating her own African heritage, but with a contemporary flair that is her own.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Interior Design
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Atelier Fifty Five launches an exciting new digital space to support the development of the African design industry

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Atelier-fifty-5-Collage.jpg

Launching this month is Atelier Fifty Five, an exciting new digital space that supports the development of the African design industry and brings the work of talented designers, makers, and creatives from the continent and its diaspora to the attention of local and global audiences. 

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In Lioness Launch Tags United Kingdom, Media PR & Communications
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Women entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora set to celebrate International Women’s Day at a special Lioness Lean In event in London

March 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
LOA-Lean-In-Ad-Cards.001.png

On the morning of Friday 8 March, in celebration of International Women’s Day,  women entrepreneurs from Africa and the Diaspora will gather together in London for the first Lioness Lean In event of the year in the UK. The event, which promises to be an inspirational morning of sharing, inspiring and connecting, is being cohosted by Hogan Lovells at their spectacular Holborn offices in the city. It is the latest in the series of popular Lioness Lean In networking events which have been hosted by Lionesses of Africa for the past four years across the African continent, linking women entrepreneurs with important new markets. And it promises to be another great occasion!

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, United Kingdom, London
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Sapelle launches a new value-added service for design focused SMEs to connect with global consumers

March 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Daphne Kasambala, founder of Sapelle

Daphne Kasambala, founder of Sapelle

Sapelle, the global fashion and lifestyle brand that empowers African creative producers and manufacturers to access global retail and wholesale markets, is making real waves this month. It is launching a new value-added wholesale service that will provide great opportunities for design focused SMEs to get their products to the right consumers in the right markets.

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In Lioness Launch Tags United Kingdom, Fashion
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Rumbi Serima-Fowler, a Zimbabwean organic skincare entrepreneur building a global ethical beauty brand

February 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics Ltd (UK/Zimbabwe)

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics Ltd (UK/Zimbabwe)

Consumers are becoming more aware and interested in the ethical production of the cosmetics and beauty products they use. And Mimi’s Organics Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Rumbi Serima-Fowler, is one company that is passionate about creating world class products that have a soft touch on the environment and on the people who use them. 

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Beauty & Wellness
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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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