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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Flora Mutahi, Kenya’s pioneering flavoured tea brand builder

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Flora-Mutahi-Collage-2.jpg

Flora Mutahi is the founder of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based family business that first began in 1995. Kenya’s first flavored teas were launched under the company’s renowned brand – Melvins Teas. Today, Melvins Teas serves millions of cups of tea a year. The product base has expanded to include not only flavored teas but herbal and fruit infusions.

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Flora Mutahi, Food & Drink
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Nicola Luther, a pioneer of South African eco-fashion

March 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nicola Luther, ceo and creative director, LUNAR (South Africa)

Nicola Luther, ceo and creative director, LUNAR (South Africa)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

At the latest Start-Up Night Africa London event in January, one eco-fashion brand got people talking, with its timeless luxury design combined with a strong sustainability story. LUNAR headed by CEO and Creative Director, Nicola Luther, launched its new SpringSummer2020 collection at the event, and is now promoting it to its global customer base.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, eco-innovators reviving Egypt’s weaving industry 

March 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem

Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Reform Studio was founded by Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, an internationally awarded lifestyle brand based in Cairo, Egypt. Directly after the 2011 revolution in Egypt, they were excited to be part of the great change around them, eager to make a stand and to make a difference, and this is how Reform Studio was born.

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In Cover Story Tags Egypt, Eco-preneur, Manufacturing
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Kerryne Krause, a game-changer in life sciences technology manufacturing in Africa

February 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kerryne Krause

Kerryne Krause

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Meet the Chief Excitement Officer at I-Slices Innovation.

Kerryne Krause, who calls herself "The Chief Excitement Officer", is the founder and CEO of I-Slices Innovations, a Top Technology 100 Company in South Africa. I-Slices® Technology is a first in the world, and is a unique Cryogel dermal delivery system with its applications in the cosmetics, veterinary & medical industries.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Healthcare
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Temie Giwa-Tubosun, a medical pioneer saving lives through innovation

February 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of Lifebank (Nigeria)

Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of Lifebank (Nigeria)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Every year in African hospitals, people die because health workers could not find the essential medical products needed on time and in the right condition. This problem affects pregnant women, children under the age of 5, victims of traumatic accidents, and people suffering from sickle cell anemia and other chronic conditions. For entrepreneur Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of Lifebank, these statistics needed to change. She did the math and found that over 14,965,000 people die annually in Africa from the shortage of essential medical products. Today, Temie’s business is working to harness the power of technology and innovation to find life-saving solutions.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Healthcare
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Eugenia Langa, a procurement game-changer in Mozambique

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eugenia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

Eugenia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Over the past few years, entrepreneur Eugenia Langa, founder of Nweba, has built a significant reputation for herself and her business, providing world-class services in the highly specialized fields of Procurement and Logistics for the sectors of Construction, Oil & Gas, Mining and Energy. Nweba is the first Mozambican company of its kind, with an experienced team holding CIPP (Certified International Procurement Professional) credentials and more than 10 years’ experience providing solutions to the specific challenges of these sectors in Mozambique. 

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In Cover Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Pumza Ndlotyeni, a powerhouse driving South Africa’s energy future

February 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Pumza-Ndlotyeni-Collage.jpg

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

One of the big challenges facing South Africa and the region is maintaining power supplies for business and consumers. To achieve that goal requires continual specialist engineering construction and maintenance services to be provided from highly professional and experienced businesses that have a track record in getting the job done. In South Africa, one such company bringing such specialist solutions to the table is Gebane Engineering Services. This fully integrated and innovative Black Woman Owned (BWO) engineering services company is headed up by entrepreneur Pumza Ndlotyeni, who is steering the company to new heights in the industry, continuously expanding its capabilities, knowledge, personnel and geographical footprint. 

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing & Engineering
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Suzie Wokabi, leading lady of Kenya's beauty industry

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lioness-Weekender-Cover-26-Jan-2020.jpg

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

The African continent represents a rapidly growing marketplace for the beauty and wellness industry. What is really exciting is the emergence of a generation of African women beauty brand-builders who are creating world-class beauty and skincare products that are specifically formulated to meet the needs of African women consumers. In Kenya, Suzie Wokabi is one such trailblazer with her SuzieBeauty brand that is winning legions of consumer fans, both at home and abroad. 

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Beauty & Wellness
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Africa’s high growth women entrepreneurs pitch to UK investors

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community took part in a special business event on 16 January in London designed to champion African women in business, ahead of the UK-Africa Investment Summit next week. Start-up Night Africa! London saw 11 women Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a room of UK investors, buyers, influencers and media as one of a number of focused events organized in the lead up to the summit.  

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In Cover Story, Events Tags London, Start-up Night! Africa
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UK Start-Up Night! Africa - London set to showcase 14 high-growth women entrepreneurs to investors

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
LW-Cover-Collage-12-Jan-2020.jpg

Cover Story

Getting access to global markets and access to finance are two of the biggest challenges facing Africa’s growth-focused women entrepreneurs. The 2nd UK Start-Up Night! Africa showcase event, taking place in London on 16 January 2020, looks to create a solution. The UK government, in partnership with Lionesses of Africa (a 1 million strong community of African women entrepreneurs), will be hosting this impact driven event.

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In Cover Story Tags Start-up Night! Africa
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Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, the ecopreneur saving Uganda’s gorillas with her high impact coffee brand

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

A new generation of environmentally conscious women entrepreneurs on the African continent, or ecopreneurs as they are better known, are making a real and tangible difference by building socially and environmentally conscious, impact driven businesses. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee in Uganda, is one such woman.

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In Cover Story Tags Uganda, Coffee
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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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…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™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…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™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found 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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
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

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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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