LIONESS LAUNCH: South African financial advisory business, Simwealth, launches new financial literacy and coaching programmes for entrepreneurs and corporates

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Thandekile Moloko, founder of Simwealth (South Africa)

Managing personal and corporate finances for growth and creating generational wealth can be a challenge for any entrepreneur or business. But specialist advisory help is now at hand from South African finance expert and business coach, Thandekile Moloko, founder of Simwealth. This month sees the launch of a new series of financial literacy and coaching programmes for both individuals and corporates alike.

LIONESS LAUNCH: South African entrepreneur, Sizalobuhle Helen Dube, launches new skills development programmes for aspiring mechanics

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Skills development in the automotive and mechanics sectors in South Africa is greatly needed in order to create sustainable economic opportunities for people. The Knowledge is Your K.E.Y Academy, otherwise known as KiYK, founded by entrepreneur Sizalobuhle Helen Dube in Pretoria, South Africa, is launching some exciting new skills development and training programmes.

LIONESS LAUNCH: New brand of proudly South African traditional peanut butters launched by Eden All Natural Butters

July 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lovers of peanut butter in South Africa are in for a real treat this month as local company, Eden All Natural Butters, founded by entrepreneur Debbie Ncube, is extending beyond its traditional peanut butter and into an exciting new range of taste sensations.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Akojo Market, a new e-commerce platform championing independent designers from across Africa launches to much acclaim

June 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Buchler and Annie Rudnick, co-founders Akojo Market (UK)

Entrepreneur co-founders, Natasha Buchler and Annie Rudnick, have just launched Akojo Market, a new online platform dedicated to raising awareness of talented design talent from across the African continent, and connecting them to global buyers. Since going live on 1 April 2019, Akojo Market has built a community of incredibly talented designers and loyal customers, all committed to shopping ethically and supporting independent business promoting African culture and development. This entrepreneurial duo sell products from 19 designers, 17 are female founded businesses. The product ranges come from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, DRC, South Africa and Morocco.

LIONESS LAUNCH South African entrepreneur Jessica Alily and her family launch a uniquely African online comic book site

June 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Jessica Alily, founder of Vanimax Comix (South Africa) — **Jessica Alily**, founder of Vanimax Comix (South Africa)

Comic books are big business around the world, with millions of dedicated fans following their favourite heroes and heroines in illustrated stories each week. In South Africa, fans of comic books are now going to get their own uniquely African characters to engage with, thanks to Vanimax Comix. This new online comic book site, created by Jessica Alily and her family, is set to win a host of new fans across the African continent and globally.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Unaiza Suliman, founder of UniqBrows by Unaiza in South Africa launches a new growth serum to stimulate lash and brow growth

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken

For all those people who want great brows but suffer from thinning, weak or poorly defined brows and eyelashes, then specialist help is at hand. This month, South Africa’s renowned brow queen, Unaiza Suliman, founder of UniqBrows, has launched an exciting new growth serum specially formulated to make those brows and lashes grow.

LIONESS LAUNCH: New essential finance handbook for entrepreneurs launches this month

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Precious Mvulane, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc (South Africa) — **Precious Mvulane**, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc (South Africa)

Effectively managing your business finances and setting a strong foundation for growth is key to success, but many entrepreneurs struggle with this concept in practice. But help is at hand with the launch of a new edition of The Essential Finance Handbook for Entrepreneurs, authored by finance expert Precious Mvulane, founder of GAD Consulting Services Inc in South Africa. She is well known for providing specialist business training to entrepreneurs, focusing on financial literacy, but now is providing essential advice and guidance on implementing successful growth strategies in business.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Liberian entrepreneur Lena Marshall launches new specialist Food Safety training programme for the country’s street food sellers

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lena Marshall, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies (Liberia) — **Lena Marshall**, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies (Liberia)

Across Liberia’s cities, women who make their living as street food sellers are about to get the opportunity to access critical basic food hygiene training because they are selling foodstuffs for public consumption. Lena Marshall, founder of Marshall and Nimene Group of Companies in Liberia has developed specialist food hygiene training courses specifically aimed at training these women food sellers. The course is being offered as part of Lena’s Women Empowerment Program.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Renowned South African spa product brand, Elim Spa Products, launches new UV Spritzer to protect delicate hands

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa) — **Shantelle Booysen**, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

Customers who regularly use UV lights in salons will have a new product to help them protect the delicate skin on their hands during these sessions, thanks to a great new UV spritzer being launched by Elim Spa Products in South Africa. Founder Shantelle Booysen is not only creating greater awareness amongst women of the need to protect their skin when using UV lamps in salons, but is also now creating a specialist skincare solution with the launch of her new UV spritzer.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Chabana Farms launches Botswana’s first honey processing factory

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Serial entrepreneur Mavis Nduchwa, founder of the successful agribusiness Chabana Farms in Botswana, is making news again this month with her launch of the first honey processing factory in the country. Her new business venture will be processing and packaging various types of honey including the rare white honey, yellow honey, as well as the black honey. Currently, the business is supplying honey to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia.

LIONESS LAUNCH: An exciting new natural skincare brand launches in Mozambique this month

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

In Mozambique this month, there is an exciting buzz in the air as a new natural skincare brand gets set to help customers to have great looking skin whilst at the same time taking care of the planet. Muthiana Orera is a specialist Mozambican skincare brand specialising in the production of natural cosmetics for the skin. The aim of the company and its founder, Marla Taquidir, is to encourage people to stop using chemicals on their skin and instead choose natural ones. For the customer, this means cheaper products, but above all, better quality products, helping them to avoid skin diseases and allergies, etc.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Gugu Intimates introduces the first skin coloured underwear brand in Africa

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Gugu Nkabinde, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa) — **Gugu Nkabinde**, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa)

Gugu Intimates introduces the FIRST skin coloured underwear brand in Africa specialising in affordable luxury undergarments to match your skin tone (across 5 shades). Founded by entrepreneur Gugu Nkabinde, Gugu Intimates aims to create beautiful underwear in nude shades more representative of the African skin palette.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Star Reflexion launches its new range of bespoke leather boots

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken

South African leather accessory manufacturing brand, Star Reflexion, founded by entrepreneur Olaotse Disipi, launches its new range of bespoke leather knee-high boots this month, made to fit the shape and size of any customer’s legs.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Atelier Fifty Five launches an exciting new digital space to support the development of the African design industry

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Launching this month is Atelier Fifty Five, an exciting new digital space that supports the development of the African design industry and brings the work of talented designers, makers, and creatives from the continent and its diaspora to the attention of local and global audiences.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Sapelle launches a new value-added service for design focused SMEs to connect with global consumers

March 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Sapelle, the global fashion and lifestyle brand that empowers African creative producers and manufacturers to access global retail and wholesale markets, is making real waves this month. It is launching a new value-added wholesale service that will provide great opportunities for design focused SMEs to get their products to the right consumers in the right markets.

LIONESS LAUNCH: The Confident Creative Academy launches in South Africa

February 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Abigail Klopper, The Confidence Crusader

For all those female creatives out there who are in need of a real source of confidence boosting advice, information and support, help is at hand. South African entrepreneur Abigail Klopper, better known as The Confidence Crusader, is launching her new online platform, The Confident Creative Academy this month.

LIONESS LAUNCH: AAKS showcases its new Spring/Summer19 collection at Maison et Objet in Paris

January 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

The month of January saw award-winning Ghanaian accessory brand AAKS, founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, launching the company’s exciting new Spring/Summer19 Collection at the prestigious annual MaisonetObject show in Paris. Akosua also took the opportunity to showcase the company’s new impact-driven home decor line of products, including some cutting edge lighting designs, created in collaboration with UNHCR.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Mozambican fashion company, Amorambique, launches its latest capulana-inspired collection

January 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Patricia Vasco, founder of Amorambique (Mozambique) — **Patricia Vasco**, founder of Amorambique (Mozambique)

A new fashion collection launches this month, designed by the wonderfully creative Patricia Vasco, founder of growing Mozambican fashion brand, Amorambique. A celebration of the world-renowned and loved capulana fabric, this latest collection is going to win over new and loyal fans alike.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Sukha Yogi Retreats announce a special launch event on 20 March 2019

January 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Sukha Yogi Retreats will be hosting a special launch event on 20 March 2019 - an all-inclusive Yoga Retreat at Victoria Falls (Session I) Mar 20, 2019 – Mar 24, 2019. Join an exciting, yet relaxing yoga retreat at the breath-taking, all-inclusive Zambezi Sands Resort, an ecotourist destination, which is a part of the Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe, Africa.

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

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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 / 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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