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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Prizing More

July 26, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Earlier this year, I made a deliberately planned stop in Oxford on my way to the Paris Marathon to spend a few days on the sidelines of the Skoll World Forum. I was curious to see how leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers are thinking about systems change today.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Business Growth: Processes That Enable SMEs to Scale Sustainably

July 26, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“You don’t build a business – you build processes, and the processes build the business.” – Anonymous

Scaling isn’t just about selling more—it’s about delivering more with consistency, efficiency, and control. Without scalable processes, growth quickly leads to chaos, service breakdowns, and overwhelmed teams. Sustainable growth requires SMEs to invest in processes that can grow with them.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Processes
Comment

From 34% to 10%? Why the Real Unemployment Question Is About Visibility, Not Just Stats

July 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sasha Knott

South Africa is having something of a statistical identity crisis. Recently, Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie questioned the country’s official unemployment rate of 32.9%, suggesting it might be closer to 10% if we included the informal sector – gig workers, informal traders, and side hustlers. Minister Parks Tau echoed the sentiment. Stats SA, however, held firm. While that debate sparks headlines, it may be missing the bigger picture. The real issue? We’re still not connecting the right people to the right jobs – fast enough or far enough. “Arguing whether unemployment is 34% or 10% misses the point,” says Sasha Knott, Global CEO of Job Crystal. “The real debate should be: how do we reduce unemployment? If 24% of our workforce is in the informal sector, why aren’t we building tools to help those businesses grow and hire more?”

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In Guest Blog Tags Sasha Knott, Artificial Intelligence (AI), People Management
Comment

Sisterhood Superpower: How collaboration can fuel an African woman’s entrepreneurial dreams

July 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, Founder & CEO, ZER Consulting Africa

"Our legacy is more than just our business. When we empower others, especially our fellow women, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate sphere."

Africa is alive with audacious dreams, bustling tech hubs, and villages brimming with innovation. And guess who's increasingly at the forefront, turning those visions into reality and disrupting industries? African women entrepreneurs! But here’s the honest truth: even the most brilliant idea, the most meticulously crafted strategy, can feel like a marathon without the right gear and running buddy.

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In Guest Blog Tags Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, Collaboration
Comment

Leadership Today: A Focus on Women

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Why Investing in Your Leadership Matters — A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at the introduction of a Women in Leadership course at WITS Business School. It got me thinking about a question I often hear: “Is a leadership course really worth it?”

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The power of social media screening in high-level recruitment

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Background — A leading recruiter in South Africa was tasked with filling a critical vacancy for a senior-level IT developer at a major fintech firm. The position had remained open for months due to a significant shortage of highly skilled IT professionals in the country. Pressure was mounting to secure a candidate with the right blend of expertise, leadership, and innovation.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Risk Management, People Management
Comment

Designing with Purpose: Creating an Inner Circle that Matches Your Mission

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

There are seasons in life when growth feels like acceleration. There are others when it feels like pruning. But in every season, one thing remains constant: who walks with you matters just as much as where you are going.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Mentoring
Comment

Performance Management: Measuring the ROI of Process Improvements

July 18, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"In business, every decision is an investment. ROI is how we learn if that investment was smart." – Melinda Emerson

Process improvements aren’t just about making workflows smoother or reducing frustration—they are business decisions meant to deliver real value. To understand the effectiveness of those improvements, it is a good practice to measure their return on investment (ROI). Doing so helps justify the change, builds confidence, and informs future decisions.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Quality
Comment

The Backbone of Great Leadership: Owning Your Role

July 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Leadership is not about titles, authority, or being in charge. It’s about taking ownership. At the heart of every successful team or business lies one powerful trait: accountability. When leaders lead by example and take full responsibility for their actions, their words carry weight and their teams thrive.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Leadership
Comment

The critical importance of verification - lessons from a high-profile qualification fraud

July 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today’s competitive and increasingly scrutinised hiring landscape, verifying a candidate’s qualifications isn’t just a formality, it’s a vital safeguard for organisations and the broader community. The recent case of Zholia Alemi serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences that can occur when due diligence is overlooked.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Risk Management
Comment

The Mid-Year Mentor Check-In: Auditing Your Growth and Realigning for Impact

July 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

We are officially at the midpoint of the year — that sacred space between what was and what is yet to be. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years as a woman who builds, mentors, and leads — it’s that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design. Intentional design.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Mentoring
Comment

Performance Management: Setting Up Simple and Effective Quality Assurance Processes

July 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs

Quality assurance (QA) is often associated with complex systems or highly regulated industries—but every business, regardless of size, benefits from having simple and effective QA processes. Quality assurance isn't just about avoiding mistakes—it's about consistently meeting customer expectations, building trust, and improving outcomes.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Quality
Comment

Let’s rewrite the ‘good’ businesswoman narrative

June 29, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jeni-Anne Campbell

“It is time to remove the unconscious biases associated with being a “good businesswoman”.

I consider myself a good businesswoman, but defining what that means to other people isn't always easy. Out of curiosity, I turned to Google and was surprised to see the glaring and unsettling differences between its definition of a good businessman and a good businesswoman.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jeni-Anne Campbell
Comment

The Future Is Fast, But People Still Matter Most.

June 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Over the past four and a half  decades, I’ve watched retail evolve in ways we never imagined possible, from handwritten invoices and Sunday newspaper ads (as well as being on the back page of the local newspapers) to e-commerce, apps, social media, and AI. Its always been my belief that if something can make your life better, why not embrace it?  I remember getting the first ever cellphone in Durban which was the size of a brick and being so proud to show people that I could talk to the office from their homes! We have always tried to be ahead of the pack, way back from the time we introduced the microwave oven to peoples homes by starting the first independent microwave cookery school in South Africa.   Even now we run workshops in our Samsung stores for clients who want to get the most out of their new cellphones, nothing is too simple – I showed a 90 year old how to use Whatsapp to speak to his great-grandchildren in Australia on Facetime and he got such a kick out of it!!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Success, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Performance Management: The Role of Process Audits in Sustained Performance

June 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort." – John Ruskin

Aiming to maintain high performance and continuous improvement? Then let me suggest that process audits are not a luxury—they’re a necessity. A process audit systematically examines workflows, identifies inefficiencies, and ensures alignment with business goals. It helps organisations spot risks early, uncover hidden waste, and maintain a culture of accountability and excellence.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

How compliance and paperwork can assist you with funding readiness

June 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

A recent finfind report, in partnership with African Bank , titled “finfind South African MSME Access to finance report 2025”, the report states that accessing necessary capital has always been a tremendous obstacle for a small business looking to establish itself. I am sure this statement is true not only in the South African context, but across the world, and I am equally sure that most of you can relate with personal experiences, as you have been navigating your journey.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Teboho Seretlo, Governance, Management Advice
Comment

Misinformation and disinformation: a growing threat and its implications for employee screening

June 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Risks Report has ranked misinformation and disinformation as one of the top global threats, highlighting a challenge beyond social media and politics. This alarming ranking underscores how false or misleading information—whether accidental or deliberate—can destabilise societies, erode trust, and threaten organisational resilience.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Risk Management
Comment

On being a professional citizen: The strategic phase of SME CSR development

June 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

As business owners, leaders, and professionals, we often think of the work we do as simply part of the job. However, as I reflect on my experiences and studies on the evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly through the lens of the third phase of strategic CSR development, I believe that CSR is as much about citizenship as it is about business. A process of building business citizenship.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Performance Management: Linking data to processes for better decision-making

June 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Without data, you're just another person with an opinion.” – W. Edwards Deming

The ability to make informed decisions is a competitive advantage. Yet too often, data lives in one silo and processes in another. When businesses link data to their processes, decision-making becomes faster, smarter, and more aligned with strategic goals.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

You can’t microwave success: why the slow burn wins

June 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

In today’s fast-paced world of viral hacks, overnight influencers, and instant gratification, it’s easy to believe that success should come quickly. That if you're not "crushing it" within a few months, you're failing. But here’s the truth I’ve lived and learned: you can’t microwave success.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Success, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
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
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964 Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

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