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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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Smart Capital, Stronger Futures: What Defines an Effective Agent of Change in Financing Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs?

April 4, 2026 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Dr Jemimah Njuki, Pascalle Grotenhuis, Melanie Hawken, Melissa Basque-Roux

WSME Investment Roundtable | The Hague

At a high-level roundtable convened in The Hague on 31 March 2026, Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa, delivered a compelling call to action for a shift in how capital is deployed to support women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) across the African continent. Framing the discussion around the theme of smart inclusive investment, she challenged stakeholders to move beyond intent and towards practical, scalable solutions that can unlock sustainable economic growth.

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In Events Tags WSME Investment Roundtable in The Hague 2026, Start-Up Night Africa 2025
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From Conversation to Action: Key Takeaways from the WSME Investment Roundtable in The Hague

April 1, 2026 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Melissa Basque-Roux, Pascalle Grotenhuis, Melanie Hawken, Dr Jemimah Njuki, Bintou Diallo

WSME Investment Roundtable | The Hague

On 31 March 2026, Lionesses of Africa convened the Start-Up Night Africa WSME Investment Roundtable in The Hague, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The gathering set out to examine one of the most pressing questions in African enterprise development today: what will it take to unlock smarter, more inclusive investment for women-led small and medium enterprises?

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In Events Tags WSME Investment Roundtable in The Hague 2026, Start-Up Night Africa 2025
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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

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 / Ruff ’n’ Tumble Trendy kids fashion…Finding stylish, relaxed clothing that is a hit with both parents and kids alike is no longer a challenge thanks to Ruff 'n' Tumble, an indigenous premium brand for quality ch
Image of the Day / Timabee Evening shoe luxury…We love the glamour of these fabulous evening shoe designs by Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee in Nigeria. Fatima has created an accessory brand that “redefines luxury in Africa and beyo
Image of the Day / Food Lounge Mz Glamorous chocolate gifting…For all those lovers of great hand-made chocolates, look no further than Food Lounge Mz in Mozambique, founded by Kátia Agy. Previously known as a singer and TV presenter, K
Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co
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 / Miss Knitwear Luxury feathers…If you want to stand out from the crowd, then these fabulous mohair and ostrich feather designer tops from Miss Knitwear, a luxury knitwear brand established in 2013 by Candice Johnson in South
Image of the Day / Pichulik Statement jewellery… Introducing Ousia earrings and Satya necklace by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and wom
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 / 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 Messenger Bag from The Wren Design, founded by Wendren Setze
Image of the Day / Bush Princess Ethical luxury accessories…We think this Bibi bag from the creative Charlotte Lefebvre, founder of Bush Princess in Kenya, is perfect for any occasion. Bush Princess is an ethical fashion brand, committed to s
Image of the Day / Ruff ’n’ Tumble Trendy kids fashion…Finding stylish, relaxed clothing that is a hit with both parents and kids alike is no longer a challenge thanks to Ruff 'n' Tumble, an indigenous premium brand for quality ch Image of the Day / Timabee Evening shoe luxury…We love the glamour of these fabulous evening shoe designs by Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee in Nigeria. Fatima has created an accessory brand that “redefines luxury in Africa and beyo Image of the Day / Food Lounge Mz Glamorous chocolate gifting…For all those lovers of great hand-made chocolates, look no further than Food Lounge Mz in Mozambique, founded by Kátia Agy. Previously known as a singer and TV presenter, K Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co 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 / Miss Knitwear Luxury feathers…If you want to stand out from the crowd, then these fabulous mohair and ostrich feather designer tops from Miss Knitwear, a luxury knitwear brand established in 2013 by Candice Johnson in South Image of the Day / Pichulik Statement jewellery… Introducing Ousia earrings and Satya necklace by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and wom 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 / 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 Messenger Bag from The Wren Design, founded by Wendren Setze Image of the Day / Bush Princess Ethical luxury accessories…We think this Bibi bag from the creative Charlotte Lefebvre, founder of Bush Princess in Kenya, is perfect for any occasion. Bush Princess is an ethical fashion brand, committed to s

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
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
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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
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
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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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