• Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Celebrating Africa’s Women Entrepreneur Changemakers in South Africa to commemorate International Women’s Day

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2019-03-17 at 2.06.20 PM.jpg

As International Women’s Day celebrations finally came to a close, Lionesses of Africa and Facebook collaborated on a very special Changemakers Breakfast event in Hyde Park, Johannesburg on the morning of 11 March. The event brought together around 100 leading women entrepreneurs from the city to network and to hear from inspirational fellow women business and brand builders. The highlight of the morning was hearing from Carolyn Everson, Facebook’s Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions, who flew into the city as a very special guest speaker for the morning. It was a truly inspirational, change-making morning for everyone there.

Read more
In Events Tags Partner Events
Comment

Four events, two cities, and hundreds of women networking as Lionesses of Africa celebrates International Women’s Day

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2019-03-10 at 5.02.22 PM.png

This year, the Lionesses of Africa community celebrated International Women’s Day in real style, with not just one event, but four - each one with a different audience, geographic location, and objective. If you didn’t manage to attend one of them, here are some of the highlights.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, International Women's Day
Comment

Women entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora set to celebrate International Women’s Day at a special Lioness Lean In event in London

March 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
LOA-Lean-In-Ad-Cards.001.png

On the morning of Friday 8 March, in celebration of International Women’s Day,  women entrepreneurs from Africa and the Diaspora will gather together in London for the first Lioness Lean In event of the year in the UK. The event, which promises to be an inspirational morning of sharing, inspiring and connecting, is being cohosted by Hogan Lovells at their spectacular Holborn offices in the city. It is the latest in the series of popular Lioness Lean In networking events which have been hosted by Lionesses of Africa for the past four years across the African continent, linking women entrepreneurs with important new markets. And it promises to be another great occasion!

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, United Kingdom, London
Comment

Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs kickstart 2019 with a powerful Lean In in Sandton

February 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lean-In-Sandton-Feb-2018-Collage.jpg

What better way to start the year than with a great Lioness Lean In event for women entrepreneurs, and the first event in what will be an exciting programme for 2019 took place in Johannesburg on Friday 8 February. Over 100 women business builders came together to share, inspire and connect at the impact partner host venue for the event, the Volkswagen SA headquarters in Sandton.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, South Africa
Comment

Lionesses of Africa invited to showcase Africa’s women entrepreneurs at the Companies to Inspire Africa 2019 launch in London

January 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken
PicMonkey Collage-95.jpg

On 16th January 2019, London Stock Exchange Group launched the second edition of its ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ report, identifying and celebrating some of Africa’s most dynamic growth businesses. Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, was a guest speaker at the high profile event in London, invited to showcase some of Africa’s most inspirational women-led growth businesses who were included in this year’s report. 

Read more
In Events Tags Companies to Inspire Africa, London
Comment

Cote d’Ivoire’s women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect at the second Lioness Lean In event in the country

December 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-12-05 at 2.16.18 PM.jpg

Cote d’Ivoire’s women entrepreneurs who are looking to take their businesses to the next level gathered in the city of Abidjan on the morning of Thursday 29th November for the second Lioness Lean In event in the country. The much-anticipated event was again hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Ambassade du Royaume des Pays-Bas. It promised to be a morning of inspiration and great business networking, and it lived up to that promise.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Cote d'Ivoire
Comment

Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs gather for the country’s final Lioness Lean In event of the year in Maputo

December 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-12-02 at 3.38.00 PM.jpg

What a year, and what a final gathering in Maputo, as around 100 women entrepreneurs got together for the last Lioness Lean In event in the country for 2018. On a blustery, rather chilly morning outside, the atmosphere was much warmer and more inspirational inside the Standard Bank Incubadora, once again the host venue for the event. 

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Mozambique
Comment

Namibia’s women entrepreneurs connect for greater business success at the first Lioness Lean In event in Windhoek

November 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-11-22 at 4.45.47 PM.jpg

Namibia’s women entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level gathered in Windhoek on the morning of Tuesday 20th November for the first Lioness Lean In event in the country. The much-anticipated event was hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Nedbank Namibia - and it lived up to its  promise of being a morning of inspiration and great business networking. 

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Namibia
Comment

Lesotho’s women entrepreneurs showcase their strong business building spirit

November 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
4801eee5-5066-4248-a2fd-80d19d0a7e0e-3.JPG

On a beautiful and warm morning in Maseru, Lesotho on Friday 16th November, 60 leading women entrepreneurs gathered together at the Avani Hotel and Leisure Resort for a morning of inspiration and business networking at the final Lioness Lean in event of the year in the country. And what a morning it was! Co-hosted by Lionesses of Africa and Standard Lesotho Bank, the event aimed to inspire and connect women entrepreneurs from Maseru for greater business success. 

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Lesotho
Comment

South Africa’s women entrepreneurs get a high-powered start to the Lioness Lean In event in Centurion

November 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-11-06 at 9.06.14 AM.jpg

At the final Lioness Lean In event of the year for South Africa, women entrepreneurs were given a unique opportunity to let off some steam and experience the thrill of adrenaline pumping, high-speed advanced driving, courtesy of impact partners Volkswagen. It was a great way of starting the morning’s programme with something a little different.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, South Africa
Comment

Botswana’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered to inspire and connect at the Lioness Lean In event in Gaborone

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-10-21 at 4.11.12 PM.jpg

As part of the year-long rollout of Lionesses of Africa’s tour of the African continent with its Lioness Lean In Breakfast events, October 19th saw the latest event coming to Gaborone. Co-hosted by Stanbic Bank, this unique event aimed to showcase the game-changing women entrepreneurs who have built some of the country’s most successful businesses, and to inspire a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Botswana, Gaborone
Comment

Harare’s women entrepreneurs gather to share, inspire and connect for business success at the Lioness Lean In event

October 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
PicMonkey Collage-90.jpg

On the morning of Tuesday 9 October, Zimbabwe’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered together in Harare at The Venue to be inspired and to connect with their fellow women business and brand builders at the inaugural Lioness Lean In breakfast event in the country. And it lived up to its promise of a great occasion! The event was cohosted by Lionesses of Africa and Nedbank.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Zimbabwe, Harare
Comment

Lusaka inspires and connects the city’s women entrepreneurs at the latest Lioness Lean In event

October 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lusaka-Lean-In-Collage.jpg

On the morning of Wednesday 3 October, leading women entrepreneurs from Lusaka in Zambia gathered together at the Radisson Blu Hotel to be inspired and to connect with their fellow women business and brand builders at the latest Lioness Lean In breakfast event in the country. And it lived up to its promise of a  great occasion! The event was cohosted by Lionesses of Africa and NATSAVE (National Savings and Credit Bank). 

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Lusaka, Zambia
Comment

Lionesses of Africa shares its vision at the International Day for Universal Access to Information in Namibia

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
UNESCO-NAMIBIA-Collage.jpg

This week, on 28 September, the topic of Operationalizing Access to Information and  Enhancing Access to Opportunities for Women and Girls was the focus of attention at the 3rd International Day for Universal Access to Information Commemoration Southern African Regional IPDCtalks, held in Windhoek, Namibia. Lionesses of Africa CEO and Founder, Melanie Hawken, was invited to give a keynote speech on how the organisation is fulfilling its vision to empower 1 million women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness on Tour
Comment

Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect at the latest Lioness Lean In event in Maputo

September 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
LOA-Lean-In-Maputo-Collage.jpg

On the morning of Thursday 20 September, women entrepreneurs from across Maputo gathered together at the Standard Bank Business Incubator for latest of the popular Lioness Lean In networking events in the country. And what an occasion it proved to be, with the biggest turnout yet!

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Mozambique
Comment

Abidjan inspires and connects women entrepreneurs at its first Lioness Lean In event

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Abidjan-Collage.jpg

On the morning of Thursday 13 September, 120 women entrepreneurs from across Abidjan gathered together to be inspired and to connect with their fellow women business and brand builders at the first Lioness Lean In breakfast event in the country. And it was a great occasion!

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Comment

South Africa’s women-owned brands shine at the Lioness Lean In Johannesburg event

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lean-In-Jhb-Collage.jpg

Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs were treated to a Lioness Lean In event with a difference on Friday 7 September. Gathering together in the rooftop venue of the Volkswagen SA offices in Sandton, the event impact partners for the morning, attendees were treated to not only a great view of the city as they enjoyed breakfast networking, but also a fabulous wine and chocolate pairing session.  

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, South Africa
Comment

Pioneering African women entrepreneurs showcase their businesses to UK influencers

September 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
SA-UK-Business-Forum.jpg

The visit of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to South Africa on Tuesday 28 August as part of her delegation’s tour of three African countries (South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya), provided an unprecedented opportunity to showcase pioneering women’s entrepreneurship on the continent. The prestigious South Africa-UK Business Forum, held in the beautiful city of Cape Town, brought together an audience of captains of industry and leading government officials, for a day of business conversation and networking. Lionesses of Africa together with Future CEOs co-hosted a panel discussion featuring four inspirational women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community representing Swaziland, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

Read more
In Events Tags International Trade Delegation, United Kingdom
Comment

Johannesburg's women entrepreneurs gather to go further together in business

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lean-In-Jhb-2Aug-Banner.jpg

Further, Together! That was the main message coming from the latest Lioness Lean In Breakfast event for women entrepreneurs held in Johannesburg on Thursday 2 August. Over 100 women entrepreneurs gathered in the wonderful surroundings of the new Hogan Lovells building in Sandton, as the company joined Lionesses of Africa as its latest impact partner to co-host the event for the morning.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In
Comment

Lesotho’s leading women entrepreneurs gather to share, inspire and connect at the Lioness Lean In Event Maseru

July 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
LOA-LEAN-IN-Maseru-July-2018.jpg

On Thursday 12 July, despite the cold outside temperature on a crisp winter’s day, Lesotho’s leading women entrepreneurs made their way to the impressive Mathabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru for a morning of networking, inspiration and motivation at the Lioness Lean In event in the city. 

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


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

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.