• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • 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
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • 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

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, a South African agri-processor with a taste for chillies

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Chilli relishes and sauces have long been a favourite with food lovers, and no more so than in South Africa where they often the accompaniment of choice at mealtimes. For entrepreneur Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics, this love of the chilli presented an exciting business opportunity. Today, her brand and much loved range of chilli sauces, chutneys and mayos are exciting palettes around the country.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, Food & Drink
Comment

Pitsi Ledwaba, a South African entrepreneur building a natural, organic beauty brand  

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Pitsi Ledwaba is from Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and the founder of Bonolo Naturals, a growing natural, organic beauty brand. For the past 12 years she has been in the retail industry managing both local and international brands. It is where she fell in love with beauty, fashion and everything that makes people look and feel good.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, absa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
Comment

Charlene Shapiro, a South African entrepreneur supplying the hospitality industry with quality food products

January 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Charlene Shapiro is the founder and Managing Member of CNC Products in South Africa. She is an all-rounder entrepreneur and has 29 years’ business experience working in the hospitality industry. Charlene's business is focused on providing high quality service and affordable food products to the hospitality industry, corporates and home users at large. Her experience in sales and marketing come from her years spent in the newspaper industry. She is proudly continuing a family legacy of service and is proud to have her daughter, Kerry, continuing with the same passion at CNC Products.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa
Comment

Lucia Molefe, a South African entrepreneur baking her way to success

December 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Lucia Molefe is the founder of Mokgalaka Creations. She was always good with her hands and had a passion for making cakes and cooking, as she would make the occasional cake and platter for friends and family. In 2006, Lucia embraced this skillset and registered Mokgalaka Creations as a business. Immediately, she began taking cake designing and decoration classes after working hours to sharpen her God-given talent. During this time, she began growing her home-based business part-time. In 2008, Mokgalaka Creations had begun taking off. It was in this year that she resigned after 15 years of service with the Department of Social Development to focus full-time on her passion and her business.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

Babalwa Fatyi, a South African entrepreneur providing solutions for the sustainable development value chain 

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Babalwa Fatyi, founder of Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Babalwa Fatyi, founder of Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In South Africa, the need to help developers to run projects that are sustainable, whilst at the same time protecting the environment, is key. Myezo Environmental Management Services (Pty) Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Babalwa Fatyi, advises developers on how to remain profitable and respect the socio-economic environment in which they operate. The company provides a range of specialist environmental advisory services to developers across a variety of sectors.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, Business Services
Comment

Siwinile Khumalo, a South African engineering professional creating access to clean and healthy water

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In South Africa, many people still do not have access to clean and healthy water supplies each day. For entrepreneur Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd, addressing this challenge was the inspiration for her business building journey. Today she is a water solutions and services provider, changing lives and communities.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Manufacturing
Comment

Lesego Mathate, a South African entrepreneur empowering women and girls with hygienic sanitary pads 

December 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lesego Mathate, founder of Nena (South Africa)

Lesego Mathate, founder of Nena (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

The problem of absenteeism of girls in South Africa’s schools due to the lack of sanitary pads is still a real challenge in the country. It is a challenge that inspired entrepreneur Lesego Mathate to start her business Nena in order to address. Her brand of hygienic and affordable sanitary pads is now retailing through major supermarket chains in the country, empowering women and girls to take control of their menstrual health and hygiene.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa
Comment

Get your business ready for the shopping season

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
facebook-banner.jpg

Boost With Facebook x Lionesses of Africa / Virtual Masterclass Series

With the busy season now just around the corner, and those all important sales to try and achieve, it could be time to brush up on those skills and tools you need to turn your online connections into customers. Lionesses of Africa has partnered with Boost With Facebook to show you how!

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Boost With Facebook x Lionesses of Africa, Virtual Masterclass
Comment

Tailored Group Life Cover for SMEs. At the speed of Life

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
gettyimages1142243811-5eb1bae6ee695.jpg

Impact Partner Content: Absa

Absa acknowledges the vital role that your employees play in the success of your business, particularly if you are a small and medium enterprise (SME). In the event of tragedy, businesses and employers often feel morally obliged, and rightly so, to support their employees’ and their families, which can put a financial and emotional strain on the business. By covering your employees for unforeseen events, you are not only insuring their financial futures if something happens but you are also covering your business too. As such, Absa developed the Employee Care Plan, an extremely affordable group life insurance offering for SME’s to address this need and is available only to Absa customers.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, People Management
Comment

Tanja Robinson, a wine industry entrepreneur growing the South African wine footprint globally

November 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair (South Africa)

Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content: Absa

For many of the smaller boutique wineries in South Africa, getting their wines distributed into global markets can be a challenge. Tanja Robinson, founder of Robinson & Sinclair, is taking her passion for South African wine and helping producers to manage their international sales, growing their global footprints.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa, Wine
Comment

Micro-insurance opportunity for the funeral industry

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1199.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa

The professionalization of the funeral industry is long overdue to rid itself from unscrupulous dealers who have tarnished its reputation. The industry is now in a transformational phase due to regulations that are being phased in.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa
Comment

The 5 R's to achieve business agility

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1159.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager, WIMI Distribution, Absa RBB

Today we operate in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA), therefore personal and business agility is increasingly important. Business agility refers to a business owner’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment that demands constant adaptation.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Resilience
Comment

The COVID Currency Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs and SMEs

October 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1139.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa / Absa Forex

Keep your business in balance with these foreign exchange (FX) strategies for COVID-19 and beyond. Right now, the only thing that’s certain is uncertainty. As any entrepreneur will tell you, the COVID-19 pandemic – with its lockdowns and downturns – has brought confusion and volatility to almost every aspect of doing business.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Finances
Comment

The COVID-19 Currency Survival Guide for Individuals

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1118.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa / Absa Forex

Whether you’re sending or receiving money cross-border, investing offshore or planning a trip (post-lockdown, of course), here are the facts you need to know about foreign exchange (FX).

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags absa, BU Finances
Comment

Donna McCulloch - From would-be desktop publisher to dealer principal

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Donna McCulloch

Donna McCulloch

Impact Partner Content: Absa

About two decades have passed since automotive maven Donna McCulloch plunged headfirst into an illustrious career that started out as a fortuitous by-product rather than by design.

After completing her university studies, Donna McCulloch initially planned to venture into desktop publishing, but with almost zero experience, few employers were willing to give her an opportunity and without a fancy computer and the necessary software – which seemed to be requiring constant upgrades – it was difficult to get a foot in the door.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa
Comment

Franchising - a formula for success

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2020-10-04 at 9.02.29 AM.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa

Absa recognizes the vital role that entrepreneurs play in creating wealth and opportunities in the economy and is deeply committed to supporting them to foster growth and prosperity in South Africa and across the continent.

Franchising is a feasible option for the entrepreneur starting a new business, as potential pitfalls can be avoided with a proven business formula. Franchising is in the national interest as it is a business model that makes a meaningful contribution towards solving one of South Africa’s most pressing problems - job creation.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Franchising
Comment

Why is my utility bill so high?

September 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1079.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Vishay Rabbipal, Head of Renewable Energy, Absa

As the Covid-19 crisis spread around the world, many people started working from home which required embracing life in a ‘new normal’ overnight. If you are working from home, it is important to feel comfortable in your space. It is natural that working from home means that you will be using more energy.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
Comment

How can you create wealth through residential property investment?

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-441.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Matthew Edwards

The idea of investing in residential property is considered so intimidating by some, it’s often avoided entirely as a vehicle for wealth creation. The thought of finding the perfect property, applying for a sizable loan, navigating taxes and transfer duties, and finding an acceptable tenant, is enough to make any aspiring new investor turn to easier options – with far lower barriers to entry and less commitment.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Wealth Management
Comment

Changing the future of the energy sector

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-421.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In his fourth and final article, Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, shares his views on the technologies that are changing the future of the energy sector, allowing for even greater adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
Comment

Unpacking renewable energy technologies - Part 3 Wind Energy

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-392.png

Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In article three of a four-part series by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, he will unpack Wind with next weeks final articles unpacking the technologies which are changing the future state of the industry. South Africa will see a large investment into generation from wind farms in the coming decade, with this source of energy equating to 23% of the total generation capacity by 2030. In other words, this will be the fastest growing energy source in South Africa in the coming decade. While this is promising you won’t be able to install a huge tower and wind turbine at your business premises. In this article, wind turbine solutions for households and businesses will be explored and although many of us would love to have a wind turbine producing energy at home, the practical implications are explored below.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

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
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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 / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / 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 / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



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
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
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf

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

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