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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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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
Comment

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
Comment

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
Comment

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
Comment

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
Comment

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
Comment

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

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
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Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
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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
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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

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.

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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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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
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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
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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