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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Mara Cancune / Invest in yourself

July 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mara Cancune, Founder, CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação (Mozambique)

Mara Cancune, Founder, CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação (Mozambique)

Invest in yourself!…

“All women must follow their instincts, no person is able to decide the course of our lives other than us. We must invest in ourselves, make that internal investment. We must change our ways of being, acting, thinking and, yes, it will change our lives.”

Mara Cancune, Founder, CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self-development
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Carine Zoe Umutoni

July 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Carine-Zoe Umutoni, Founder, ONYX (Rwanda)

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, Founder, ONYX (Rwanda)

Know your purpose!…

“Knowing your purpose is key as it brings satisfaction to the soul. Fulfill your purpose ladies and shine. This is our time. Nobody can believe in you if you do not believe in yourself. Believing in you is the first step.”

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, Founder, ONYX (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission, Purpose
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Be consistent

July 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bukky Asehinde, Founder, Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Bukky Asehinde, Founder, Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Be consistent!…

“Don’t be in a rush to “make it” - the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Being consistent gives room for growth and gets you to the successful end goal.”

Bukky Asehinde, Founder, Bellafricana (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Andrade / Believe in your dreams

July 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Believe in your dreams!…

“Believe in your dreams and never give up. Go ahead and face the challenges and you will have success.”

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Cátia Mondlane / Stay loyal to your vision

July 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Cátia Mondlane, Founder, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Cátia Mondlane, Founder, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Stay loyal to your vision…

“Unfortunately staying loyal to ones’ vision regardless of the tough times is a quality held by few and it is already time for people to understand that there is no such thing as an easy business”

Cátia Mondlane, Founder, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Khumbanyiwa / Don’t be afraid to ask for advice

July 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Linda Khumbanyiwa, Founder, Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Linda Khumbanyiwa, Founder, Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice…

“Start where you are and start with what you have. Also do not be afraid to ask for advice because every successful business was a start-up at one point and it's only by sharing our knowledge and stories that we can flourish.”

Linda Khumbanyiwa, Founder, Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Advice & Assistance
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Mariana Agness Francisco Eria / Invest in your skills development

July 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

Invest in your skills development...

“Be curious and invest in your own skills development and that of your team. Your brand is only as good as the people behind it.”

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Skills Training & Development
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Ijeoma Ndekwu / Be consistent

July 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ijeoma Ndekwu, Founder, Redrick PR (Nigeria)

Ijeoma Ndekwu, Founder, Redrick PR (Nigeria)

Be consistent…

“Start with what you can adequately manage to ensure the optimum delivery in client or consumer experience; and be consistent.”

Ijeoma Ndekwu, Founder, Redrick PR (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bernadette Umunyana / Get good investment advice

July 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bernadette Umunyana, founder, Dokmai (Rwanda)

Bernadette Umunyana, founder, Dokmai (Rwanda)

Get good investment advice!…

“Be careful when considering long-term loans for investments. The interest rates are high and the benefit margins are small.”

Bernadette Umunyana, founder, Dokmai (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Financial Management
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Amanda Aminah Masire / Stay in your own field

July 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Aminah Masire, founder, Greenhouse Technologies (Botswana)

Amanda Aminah Masire, founder, Greenhouse Technologies (Botswana)

Stay in your own field!…

“Be focused, stay in your own field. Don’t run away from your problems, don’t hide them under the carpet, they will grow - ask for help if you need it.”

Amanda Aminah Masire, founder, Greenhouse Technologies (Botswana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset, Focus
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Amália Ngoca / Start with what you have!

July 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Amália Ngoca, founder, Malita Investimentos (Mozambique)

Amália Ngoca, founder, Malita Investimentos (Mozambique)

Start with what you have!…

“Women do not be afraid of challenges, and just start with what little you have - by just starting you won’t want to stop because you will enjoy what you do.”

Amália Ngoca, founder, Malita Investimentos (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Sophia Richter / Do not give up!

July 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

Do not give up!…

“It is not an easy journey, and can be a very lonely one at times, however do not give up. It is all SO worth it at the end.”

Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Gisele Shabani / Execute your plan, step by step

July 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Screenshot 2020-07-09 at 17.44.36.jpg

Execute your plan, step by step!…

“Do not be scared to take risks to start your own enterprise. Business comes from an idea, but you must take the next step which is execution of the plan, step-by-step. From there, prepare to be confident, work hard, and communicate your passion with an open mind.”

Gisele Shabani, founder, Giselle Q Accessories (Burundi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Farida Yahya / Work hard and work smart!

July 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Work hard and work smart!…

“Work hard and smart enough to have those doors open for you. When you do succeed, look back and lift up others - mentorship and support is crucial for female founders.”

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Emily Kandanga / Step into your greatness!

July 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Step into your greatness!…

“Free yourself from all those excuses that are keeping you from stepping into your greatness, fear tends to paralyze more than inspire.”

Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day, Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Deyzes Pereira / Challenge yourself

July 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

Challenge yourself!…

“The human being has the ability to develop various skills, so don't just stay in your comfort zone for one skill! Explore, investigate, be curious, experiment, and above all challenge yourself!”

Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Ngozi Opara / What’s your why?

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

What’s your why?…

“You should figure out your “why?” first. It’s probably the most important aspect of your business because, as you scale, things get tougher and tougher and your reason for beginning your entrepreneurial journey is something you will always come back to.”

Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Snoekie Mabena-Saleh / Believe in yourself!

July 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

Believe in yourself!…

“Know where to focus based on your capabilities and strengths, hold yourself responsible and accountable in acts in your business. Never fear to ask for assistance from your stakeholders (banks and associations related to your industry). Never be afraid to fail for failure exposes you to learning. Believe in yourself.”

Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Thiitu Karega / Start small, but start now!

June 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Start small but start now!…

“There is never going to be a perfect time to go after your goals. Start small but start now. I fail more times than I’m willing to admit but at least I’ve tried.”

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Cofie / Have a teachable spirit!

June 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Have a teachable spirit!…

“Having a teachable spirit is important, because you don't know everything. You have to be willing to allow others to teach you what you don't know so that you can be successful.”

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Eunice Cofie, Mentoring, 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
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
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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 / Dokmai Rwanda Made in Rwanda Accessories…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a comp
Image of the Day / MonChoco Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Rokus London Sculpted statement jewellery…If you want to make a statement with your accessories, then these uniquely crafted pieces by Rokus London, a fine jewellery brand founded by Marie-Paule Tano, are just for you. Roku
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike Vibrant interior design…The striking new interior designs 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 i
Image of the Day / Kunjina Statement designer fashion…We are big fans of Kunjina in Ethiopia, the fashion brand founded by the talented Kunjina Tesfaye in 2017. She launched the brand while she was a university student studying construction t
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 / FiveStars Africa African Cycling Style…Who says cycling and style don’t go together? If you are a cycling enthusiast and you want to look and feel good whilst you are are on the road, then take a look at the seriously
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 / The House of Agness An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Abiola Olusola Minimalism x artisan craftsmanship…If you are looking for a contemporary women’s ready-to-wear and bespoke fashion brand interweaving minimalism with artisan craftsmanship, then look no further than Abi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda Made in Rwanda Accessories…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a comp Image of the Day / MonChoco Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Rokus London Sculpted statement jewellery…If you want to make a statement with your accessories, then these uniquely crafted pieces by Rokus London, a fine jewellery brand founded by Marie-Paule Tano, are just for you. Roku Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike Vibrant interior design…The striking new interior designs 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 i Image of the Day / Kunjina Statement designer fashion…We are big fans of Kunjina in Ethiopia, the fashion brand founded by the talented Kunjina Tesfaye in 2017. She launched the brand while she was a university student studying construction t 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 / FiveStars Africa African Cycling Style…Who says cycling and style don’t go together? If you are a cycling enthusiast and you want to look and feel good whilst you are are on the road, then take a look at the seriously 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 / The House of Agness An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Abiola Olusola Minimalism x artisan craftsmanship…If you are looking for a contemporary women’s ready-to-wear and bespoke fashion brand interweaving minimalism with artisan craftsmanship, then look no further than Abi

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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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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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