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Lionesses of Africa

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Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Tapiwa Matsinde / Let your creativity flow

May 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tapiwa Matsinde, founder, Atelier 55 (UK)

Tapiwa Matsinde, founder, Atelier 55 (UK)

Let your creativity flow…

“In times of uncertainty, stress and anxiety levels increase. Make looking after your health and well-being a priority. I encourage you to let your creativity flow and do more of what brings you joy and what you can do safely to soothe your soul and take your mind off all the turmoil.”

Tapiwa Matsinde, founder, Atelier 55 (UK)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Health & Wellbeing
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Entrepreneur Advice from Laura Camacho / Take a calculated risk

May 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Laura Camacho, founder, Mixonian Institute (USA)

Laura Camacho, founder, Mixonian Institute (USA)

Take a calculated risk…

“When you get things wrong, you learn. Be sure to congratulate yourself on trying something, on getting out of your comfort zone and taking the calculated risk. Not everyone does that and your failure is testament to your personal courage.”

Laura Camacho, founder, Mixonian Institute (USA)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure
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Entrepreneur Advice from Kulani Shiluvane / Embrace change

May 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kulani Shiluvane, founder, Shiluvah (South Africa)

Kulani Shiluvane, founder, Shiluvah (South Africa)

Embrace change…

“As an entrepreneur, change needs to be one of your board members. It is in the ability to embrace change or having a change mindset that allows us to find new solutions for the challenges we’ll face.”

Kulani Shiluvane, founder, Shiluvah (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Damaris Nyabuti / Show your customers you care

May 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Damaris Nyabuti, founder, Dharkemmy Corporate Communications Limited (Kenya)

Damaris Nyabuti, founder, Dharkemmy Corporate Communications Limited (Kenya)

Show your customers you care…

“Don’t stop providing services because of the pandemic, adapt to cater for the public’s needs. Show them you care and want to serve them, just with better precautions and the same efficiency.”

Damaris Nyabuti, founder, Dharkemmy Corporate Communications Limited (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Customer Experience
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mariam Lawani / Don’t get easily discouraged

May 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

Don’t get easily discouraged…

“I would say do not see the limitations, they are there deliberately to discourage you. Engage in sufficient research, ensure your solution meets a need, and just do it!”

Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Celine Uwineza / Find people to support your dream

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

Find people to support your dream…

“Start! Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams and support you.”

Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur advice from Antoinette Stoltz / Take time to reflect and improve

May 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Antoinette Stoltz, founder, Bobby Yarn, South Africa

Antoinette Stoltz, founder, Bobby Yarn, South Africa

Take time to reflect and improve…

“Take this time to reflect and see where you can improve, change or help in your business or even personally. This is the time for CHANGE!”

Antoinette Stoltz, founder, Bobby Yarn, South Africa

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Annette Cassy / You must like what you do

May 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Annette Cassy, founder, Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil, Mozambique

Annette Cassy, founder, Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil, Mozambique

You must like what you do…

“Do something that you really enjoy doing and preferably in your area of expertise.”

Annette Cassy, founder, Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started, Passion
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Entrepreneur Advice from Abiola Olaonipekun / Do something that will outlive you

May 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Abiola Olaonipekun, Founder, BanahGrace Nigeria Limited

Abiola Olaonipekun, Founder, BanahGrace Nigeria Limited

Do something that will outlive you…

“If you love it so much, go for it! Be ready to do something that will outlive you. Be excellent”

Abiola Olaonipekun, Founder, BanahGrace Nigeria Limited

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Tadziripa Madzima / Start with whatever you have

May 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Start with whatever you have…

“Start with whatever you have, and with commitment and perseverance, you will see your business grow and expand tremendously.”

Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Keep your goals in sight

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Keep your goals in sight…

“Being a social entrepreneur is often a journey of hills and valleys, and very fulfilling if you always keep your goals in sight.”

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals, Social Entrepreneur
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Entrepreneur Advice from Denise Umunyana / Listen to your heart

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Listen to your heart…

“Listen to your heart, find what you care most about, and don’t be afraid of making a decision to follow your passion.”

Denise Umunyana, co-founder and managing partner, Right Seat, Rwanda

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Start with what you have

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

Start with what you have…

“Start with what you have, who you know, and where you are. The hardest thing in life is actually to start”

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Adele Dejak / Have a clear strategic plan

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya

Have a clear strategic plan…

“Don’t start a business without doing proper market research, having clear strategic plans, and adequate capital.”

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started, Adele Dejak
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Build teams and partnerships…

“I would advise other women to build teams, partnerships, and also find a mentor. Going it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup”

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Team building
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Entrepreneur Advice from Georgina Angélica / Have a clear vision

April 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Have a clear vision…

“I strongly believe that you need to have a clear vision and mission to drive all your steps, so you don’t get lost when challenges come. I feel that a mentor to guide you is also a great asset to success.”

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Femi Oyedipe / Have big goals

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Have big goals…

“Show up every day, no matter what. Have the BIG goals but break them down into smaller ones that you can execute day-to-day.”

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Farida Yahya / Lead with empathy

April 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals, Nigeria

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals, Nigeria

Lead with empathy…

“As a female founder, you should never feel pressured to lead like the boys. There is nothing wrong in leading with empathy.”

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals, Nigeria

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Leadership
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Faith Dzwinamurungu / Push yourself

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

Push yourself…

“To any woman out there with a passion for anything, I say to you the sky is the limit. Push yourself, do not procrastinate, just be a go-getter and everything will work out, only if you push, push, push!”

Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Eki Okubanjo / Focus on your strengths

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

Focus on your strengths…

“Information is power, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge needed to grow your brand. Develop yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses - focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.”

Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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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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