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Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro / Pace your business journey

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Pace your business journey…

"Pace your business and don’t run ahead of yourself either due to peer pressure or ill-informed advice. Don’t drive more miles than your business is capable of handling."

Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Achenyo Idachaba, Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Marta Roff / Think about what is important

September 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maputo_Relocation_Collage.jpg

Think about what is important!…

“We have been given the gift of time to stop and think what is important ... take advantage.”

Marta Roff, co-founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Productivity Time & Energy
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Natacha Nduwimana / Natacha Nduwimana

September 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

Keep focused on your vision!…

“The big deal is not that you failed, it’s whether you stayed there and faced your journey towards your vision.”

Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Shabana Habibo / Believe in yourself

August 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shabana Habibo, founder, Enviro Green Lda (Mozambique)

Shabana Habibo, founder, Enviro Green Lda (Mozambique)

Believe in yourself!…

“Just don’t give up. There will be days that we can't seem to handle, but believe in yourself and take that leap of faith that things will happen!”

Shabana Habibo, founder, Enviro Green Lda (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Afia Bobia Amanfo / Be prepared to work hard for your success

August 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Be prepared to work hard for your success!…

“Don't expect overnight success but rather, be prepared to put in the long hours of work to make your idea a success.”

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nametso Matlhaga / Listen to your instincts

August 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Listen to your instincts!…

“Don't wait for someone to tell you when to start. The right time is now! Listen to your instincts.”

Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Kathy Mann / Remember why you started your business

August 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

Remember why you started your business!…

“Connecting with the reason you started the business is a great method to kickstart your enthusiasm in times of struggle.”

Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Elohor Thomas / Success is all about execution

August 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

Success is all about execution!…

“Remember, a business only becomes what you want it to become with the right execution.”

Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Execution
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Maria Baryamujura / Harness your talent

August 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maria Baryamujura, Founder and CEO of COBATI (Uganda)

Maria Baryamujura, Founder and CEO of COBATI (Uganda)

Harness your talent!…

“Every person was created with a talent within them, strive to discover and harness your talent to soar.”

Maria Baryamujura, Founder and CEO of COBATI (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Tlangelani Mathebula / Stay true to yourself

August 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tlangelani Nkuna, founder, Placement Junxion (South Africa)

Tlangelani Nkuna, founder, Placement Junxion (South Africa)

Stay true to yourself!…

“Stay true to yourself, some people won’t understand why you are doing what you do and that's fine. Take the first step and start.”

Tlangelani Nkuna, founder, Placement Junxion (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete / Differentiate yourself from your competitors

August 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, Founder, Dali Banga Eventos and Mulandi (Mozambique)

Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, Founder, Dali Banga Eventos and Mulandi (Mozambique)

Differentiate yourself from your competitors!…

“Even if we provide the same services, our essence will differentiate us from one another. The market has space and customers for everyone!”

Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, Founder, Dali Banga Eventos and Mulandi (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Marketing
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Prudence Seya / Do not be afraid to dare

August 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Do not be afraid to dare!…

“If you are looking for someone who can help you realize your dreams, look in the mirror. Do not be afraid to dare.”

Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nontobeko Bee Mbuyane / Be a problem solver

August 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nontobeko Mbuyane, Founder, Bees Beauty Haven (Eswatini)

Nontobeko Mbuyane, Founder, Bees Beauty Haven (Eswatini)

Be a problem solver!…

“Never expect gains as reward in the first years of your business, just fall in love with seeing the solution to the problem that your business is solving.”

Nontobeko Mbuyane, Founder, Bees Beauty Haven (Eswatini)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Lethumusa Kulube / Navigate your detours

August 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lethumusa Kulube, Founder, Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

Lethumusa Kulube, Founder, Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

Navigate your detours!…

“You may hit a detour along your entrepreneurial journey, but understand why and use that time to rebuild that which made you take the detour.”

Lethumusa Kulube, Founder, Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Mounir Camara / Spend time learning

August 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Spend time learning!…

“Learn on the ground, and spend as much time as possible in the field.”

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Personal Development
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel / Get customer feedback

August 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder, Welila Cantelier, (Angola)

Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder, Welila Cantelier, (Angola)

Get customer feedback!…

“Nothing tastes so good as hearing feedback from a client.”

Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder, Welila Cantelier, (Angola)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Customer Experience
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Lori Milner / Manage your mindset

August 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lori Milner, Author, Entrepreneur, Thought Leader and Founder of Beyond the Dress (South Africa)

Lori Milner, Author, Entrepreneur, Thought Leader and Founder of Beyond the Dress (South Africa)

Manage your mindset!…

“Choose to focus on what you do have, not what you are scared you may lose.”

Lori Milner, Author, Entrepreneur, Thought Leader and Founder of Beyond the Dress (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Djamila Machava De Sousa & Wacy Zacarias / Be well prepared

August 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Djamila Machava De Sousa & Wacy Zacarias, co-founders, Karingana Wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Djamila Machava De Sousa & Wacy Zacarias, co-founders, Karingana Wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Be well prepared!…

“Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually before going on the entrepreneurial journey. That way you’ll face your challenges better prepared.”

Djamila Machava De Sousa & Wacy Zacarias, co-founders, Karingana Wa Karingana (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nondumiso Zendile / Keep moving forward

August 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Zendile, founder, Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Nondumiso Zendile, founder, Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Keep moving forward!…

“When you fall get up, pick up the pieces and move forward. It is like trial and error.”

Nondumiso Zendile, founder, Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Petrina Auino-Mwandingi / Have patience and reap the rewards

July 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, Founder, KOVA (Namibia)

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, Founder, KOVA (Namibia)

Have patience and reap the rewards!…

“They tell you it's hard to start a business, but often you don't hear about just how long it takes. It can take time, a long time, to really see your business thrive and it takes real patience to keep waiting to finally reap the fruits of your labour.”

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, Founder, KOVA (Namibia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey, Perseverance
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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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