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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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    • Events Homepage & Booking
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    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
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  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

2 African Women Social Entrepreneurs recognised by the Schwab Foundation

May 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tracey Chambers (L) and Yasmina Filali (R)

Tracey Chambers (L) and Yasmina Filali (R)

The 2016 Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurs of the Year awards have just been announced, and 2 women from Africa are amongst the winners this year - Tracey Chambers of the Clothing Bank in South Africa and Yasmina Filali of Fondation Orient Occident in Morocco. The awards acknowledge the work and contribution made by 12 outstanding social entrepreneurs from 11 organizations operating in more than 70 countries that are pioneering solutions for social and environmental challenges, from child labour to women's empowerment to climate change and more.

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In Award Winner, Features Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Africa's creative Women Jewellery Designers celebrated throughout the month of May

May 9, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This month (May), we are turning our attention to the incredibly creative women jewellery designers of Africa, who are turning the precious metals, gems and semi-precious stones found here on the continent into beautiful decorative pieces for the world to wear. These African women jewellery designers are putting the continent on the global map through their uniquely African-inspired designs and technical brilliance.

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In Features, In Focus Tags Jewellery Designer Month
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Meet 12 sole sisters wowing the world with their African shoe brands

April 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

For decades, the world’s discerning shoe lovers have turned to European and US design labels to satisfy their desires for beautiful, handcrafted shoes - but now, Africa is staking a claim on the global footwear map, thanks to a new generation of trendy and creative designers from the continent. Their bold and innovative designs are grabbing attention and winning new fans.

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In Features Tags Fashion
1 Comment

Women funding women and the rise of gender-lens micro-finance in Africa

April 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Dr Jennifer Riria, Essma Ben Hamida, Dr Victoria Kisyombe

L-R: Dr Jennifer Riria, Essma Ben Hamida, Dr Victoria Kisyombe

The rise of gender-lens and social impact investing could be a real game changer in Africa where traditionally, access to finance still remains a key challenge for women in business. There’s a great quote by Melinda Gates, Co-Chair, of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the USA. She says: “If you invest in a girl or a woman, you are investing in everybody else.” That is certainly the case in Africa where women feel a sense of inherent responsibility to give back to and uplift their communities. 

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In Features Tags Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Meet 20 women entrepreneurs who are spearheading a new entrepreneurial spirit in Rwanda

April 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rwanda has recently been ranked the Best Place to be a Woman in Africa, according to the Global Gender Gap Report, and ranked 6th overall in the world in terms of closing gender gaps. It is also one of the most encouraging and supportive places to be a woman entrepreneur in Africa. Rwanda is highly progressive in seeing entrepreneurship as a key driver for transformation, economic development and business growth in the country, particularly for women. Here are 20 of the inspirational women entrepreneurs in the country who have captured our attention.

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In Features Tags Rwanda
1 Comment

April is Focus on Women Fashionpreneurs Month

April 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Africa’s creative women fashionpreneurs are putting the continent on the global map through their unique designs and approach to entrepreneurship and all this month Lionesses of Africa is celebrating the continent’s leading women in the business of fashion.

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In Features Tags Fashionpreneur Month, Fashion
Comment

Meet 28 African Women Entrepreneurs Changing the Face of the Beauty and Wellness Industry

March 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

In the world of beauty and wellness, there is a huge interest right now in products and services that celebrate the essence of Africa’s unique natural resources and ingredients, whilst at the same time harnessing traditional skills and up-to-the-minute knowledge of leading women innovators in the industry. These game-changers are changing the face of the beauty and wellness industry in Africa, and creating fabulous new, proudly African products and brands in the process that the world wants to buy and use. Some of the names and brands are well-known - others are new to the scene - but all of them are capturing the imaginations of consumers across the continent, and indeed the world.

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In Features Tags Beauty & Wellness, Beauty & Wellness Month
6 Comments

Meet 20 African women EcoWarriors building companies and community projects to save the planet

February 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken

The world is facing more environmental challenges today than ever before, and Africa is feeling the harsh impact of many of these problems, from environmental degradation and deforestation, to shrinking water supplies, threats to biodiversity, lack of affordable green housing, and waste management issues. Innovative and effective solutions are needed and increasing attention is now being paid to the role that women entrepreneurs are playing on the continent in helping to provide possible solutions to many of these environmental problems, whilst at the same time creating jobs and opportunities for communities to thrive. 

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In Features Tags Eco-preneur
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Valentine's Day celebrated in true #WomanMadeinAfrica style

February 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Every lioness needs a little love in their lives, and also to share a little love, so this Valentine's Day weekend, we are celebrating the power of romance and suggesting a few fabulous gift ideas, created by the talented women entrepreneurs and artisans in the Lionesses of Africa community. From the smallest of gifts in the form of handmade confectionery, to the extravagant gestures of love expressed in jewellery, our fabulous women entrepreneurs have something for everyone.

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In Features Tags #WomanMadeinAfrica
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Meet 22 women entrepreneurs redefining African luxury and exciting the world with Afroluxe brands

February 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Africa’s women entrepreneurs and luxury brand builders are turning their attention to the growing global appetite for luxury products that also have a strong back-story. They are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. These women are putting Africa on the global map with their exquisitely made and proudly Afroluxe products that are winning legions of new fans.

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In Features Tags African Luxury
2 Comments

Meet 8 women building Africa's trendiest baby and children's clothing brands

January 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken

If you’re in the market for trendy, quality-assured clothing and accessory products for your children, be sure to look out for these amazing female entrepreneurs and their equally impressive clothing lines. With a unified ethos focused on bolstering African design, production and employment, you’re guaranteed to have your little one strutting around the playground in some pretty slick and ethical threads.

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In Features Tags Children's Clothing, Fashion
1 Comment

The 50 best pieces of advice we featured in 2015 from some of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs

January 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

We have all been there at some point in our entrepreneurial lives. That pivotal point when we need sound advice or reassurance from another woman entrepreneur who has been there, done it, got the T Shirt, and experienced all the business challenges and hurdles, emerging with the essential wisdom and experience we need to share. Learn, be inspired, and take comfort from those women who have blazed an entrepreneurial trail before you.

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In Features
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Meet 17 inspiring US women social entrepreneurs who have built game changing enterprises impacting Africa positively

January 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Socent_Feature_Collage.jpg

As part of Lionesses of Africa's month-long celebration of social entrepreneurs who are making a real difference in Africa, we are profiling some of the women social entrepreneurs from the US who have stood out for us over the last year. Their passion for the continent, combined with their desire to solve some of the biggest challenges in Africa, can be seen in the real impact that these women social entrepreneurs are making. Often collaborating with inspirational women on the ground in countries across the African continent, they are creating new and exciting business opportunities for women artisans, stimulating micro-entrepreneurship ventures that empower women in local communities, and improving and uplifting people's lives. We salute all these inspirational social change-makers and the women they collaborate with!

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In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month, Social Impact
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Meet 38 Women Social Entrepreneurs who made a major impact in Africa in 2015

January 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Social entrepreneurs are making a tangible difference to improving the lives and economic prospects of Africa’s most needy people and communities. To celebrate the inspirational work of Africa’s leading women social entrepreneurs, during the month of January we will be sharing the remarkable stories of some of those making a real impact and looking back at those women social entrepreneurs whose contribution made such a difference in 2015. 

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In Features
3 Comments

48 Wonderful holiday season gift ideas, handcrafted and ‘Woman-Made in Africa’

December 15, 2015 Melanie Hawken

To celebrate this holiday season in true entrepreneurial style, we have compiled a list of some of our favourite gift ideas, all beautifully and proudly Woman-Made in Africa, and many of them featured by Lionesses of Africa over the past year. From inspirational award-winning accessories; to some of the world's finest decor items; to jewellery crafted by talented women artisans; to beauty products and perfumes that are inspired by the natural beauty of our continent; and finally to food and drink gifting ideas that would grace any table. We love them all, and the great news is that they are all available to buy online.

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In Features Tags Artisans
Comment

This December, Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s inspiring Healthpreneurs

December 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken

December is Focus on Africa’s Women Healthpreneurs. Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This month (December), we are turning our attention to the women who are tackling the continent's significant health challenges through their businesses, their innovations, and their social health enterprises.

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In Features Tags Healthpreneur Month
Comment

This November, Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s creative food and drink entrepreneurs and brand builders

November 5, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This November we are turning our attention to the women who are changing the face of the food and drink industry in Africa, and creating new products, building new brands, and launching exciting food and drink retail concepts in the process.

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In Features
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It's All About Dignity: 'Now I Have My Own Toilet'

November 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken
20150728 IMG_2049 copy.jpg

"Now I have my own toilet!" That was the incredulous reply Gift Dick-Tom gave Megan Chapman, when asked what she liked most about her new home. Her family of seven had recently moved from Marine Base "waterside" settlement in Port Harcourt to the Passive House Prototypes (PHPs).

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In Features Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Social enterprise Abury announces the release of its first ADEX Winner Accessories Collection, created by talented Zimbabwean designer, Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri

November 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, founder Vanhu Vamwe

Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, founder Vanhu Vamwe

On 28 October in Berlin, social enterprise Abury, and creator of the first global contest in search of the best accessories design talent worldwide, the ABURY Design Experience, announced the first collection of handmade handbags made by artisans in Ecuador and designed by the winner of the 2015 contest, Zimbabwean designer, PamSamasuwo-Nyawiri.

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In Features Tags Fashion
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October 2015 Image of the Day Gallery: FREE e-Book celebrating Lionesses of Africa through the power of images

October 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The October 2015 edition of the Image of the Day Gallery e-book is out today!  They say that a picture says a thousand words, and we couldn't agree more. At Lionesses of Africa, we love the powerful images that conjure up the spirit of women-owned businesses and the products and services they create. These images give us an insight into the unique creativity that exists here in Africa and that is capturing the imagination of the world.

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In Features, e-Book Tags Image of the Day Gallery
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Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link


Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Read more →
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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

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Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

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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.

Featured
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

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

Read more →

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

Read more →
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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Read more →
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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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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

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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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

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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