Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Emeraldstone Events launches a one-stop-shop for wedding fashion and event design

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Khomotso Talane, founder of Emeraldstone Events (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

In South Africa, entrepreneur and creative design force, Khomotso Talane, founder of Emeraldstone Events, has launched a one-stop-shop to make the whole wedding outfit design and event planning experience so much easier for happy couples and their families.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s More Than Golf launches inaugural event to showcase talented caddies

February 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Great golfers need great caddies. Ask anyone who plays professionally and they will tell you that the role of the caddy is critical to their own performances. But they often don’t get the recognition or support they deserve. In Johannesburg, South Africa, a new golf event is being launched on 8 March 2020 to shine a spotlight on talented caddies who have a great game of their own.

Lioness Launch / Luxury jewellery meets conservation and sustainability in South Africa

February 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Meet Helen Viljoen, a luxury jewellery brandbuilder with a cause. — When you set out to build a niche jewellery business, underpinned by an ethos of legacy building through sustainable luxury, there is a golden thread that runs through the company and the brand. In the case of Nebü, founded by South African entrepreneur Helen Viljoen, that thread is the creation of beautiful, sustainable jewellery with a cause and a commitment to environmental and wild life conservation.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s LUNAR launches new eco-fashion collection in London

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Luther, CEO and Creative Director, LUNAR (South Africa) — Nicola Luther, CEO and Creative Director, LUNAR (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Adding to the entrepreneurial buzz of Start-Up Night Africa London which took place on 16 January in the heart of the West End of the City, South Africa’s leading eco-fashion brand, Lunar, launched its new SpringSummer2020 collection.

Lioness Launch / Nigerian bean-to-bar chocolate company, Loshes Chocolate, launches new ranges of chocolate bars and gift boxes

November 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Femi Oyedipe, founder of Loshes Chocolate (Nigeria)

Lioness Launch

The renowned and fast growing Loshes Chocolate, a bean-to-bar, single-origin, craft chocolate processing company in Lagos, Nigeria, is expanding its range to include some exciting new chocolate bars and gift boxes. Founded by entrepreneur, Femi Oyedipe, the company is building a reputation for its production of fine chocolates and baking products for both individual and commercial consumers.

LIONESS LAUNCH / New golf competition launches in South Africa to celebrate the end of a busy business year

November 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

South African entrepreneur, Didintle Motsuenyane, founder of More Than Golf (Pty) Ltd, has just announced the launch of an exciting new golfing event in the country’s economic capital, Gauteng, to mark what has been a hard, busy business year. Experienced golfers and corporate weekend golfing enthusiasts alike, are invited to participate as part of their wind down for the year. Founder, Didintle Motsuenyane, is keen to encourage women entrepreneur golfers to take part too.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Lunar launches its award-winning Autumn/Winter 2020 collection at SA Fashion Week

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Luther, owner of LUNAR (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

South African eco-fashion and lifestyle brand, LUNAR, led by owner and creative director, Nicola Luther, recently showcased its AutumnWinter2020 collection at SA Fashion Week as part of the Cape Wools & Mohair SA Designer Challenge. Lunar was also selected as winner of this challenge in the Ladies Wear category by an international panel of judges.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Award-winning South Africa speaker, Zanele Njapha, launches inspirational new training package for businesses

October 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

For all those businesses looking to gear up to thrive in an ever-changing economic climate, help is at hand, thanks to South African entrepreneur, Zanele Njapha. Her award-winning keynote and it's accompanying training package ‘Institutional Relevance in The 4th Industrial Revolution’, are providing a framework for acquiring the skills necessary to gear up for success.

LIONESS LAUNCH / South African entrepreneur Adele Cutten launches new mohair craft gift packs

October 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

In the Eastern Cape of South Africa, entrepreneur Adele Cutten, founder of the renowned Adele’s Mohair, launches a series of Magic Mohair Gift Packs for creative crafter customers.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Ivorian chocolatier Mon Choco launches its exciting new Mendiant flavour

September 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Calling all chocolate lovers! In Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, artisan chocolate company, Mon Choco, founded by the inspirational entrepreneur and talented chocolatier, Dana Mroueh, is launching an exciting new flavour in its delicious raw chocolate bar range this month. Mendiant is a new product which incorporates nuts and candied fruits into its world-class raw chocolate bars.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Luxury South African handmade shoe and accessory design brand, House of Cinnamon, launches its new SS20 Collection this month

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Frances Edwards, Founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Lovers of the finest quality, handcrafted, luxury shoes and accessories will be excited to learn that South African brand, House of Cinnamon, is launching its new Spring/Summer 20 Collection this month. Founder and ceo, Frances Edwards, is once again exciting the marketplace with her distinctive new range of Afro-European-designed and handcrafted footwear and accessories.

LIONESS LAUNCH / South Africa’s Orizur Consulting launches two new Cyber Law and Cyber Security initiatives for business and government

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder of Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

With the 4th Industrial Revolution comes the need to address the growth of cyber threats in business and government, which have the potential to cause disruption and damage. The need to stay on top of cyber law and cyber security issues has never been greater. In South Africa, specialist cyber law enterpreneur, Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder of Orizur Consulting Enterprise, is launching two new initiatives to help clients to navigate their way through cyber threats and cyber law.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Leading Mozambican accessory brand, Amorambique, launches new and distinctive handbag range

September 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Creating unique accessories that resonate with customers looking for something that stands out from the crowd is what drives Patricia Vasco, founder of Mozambican brand Amorambique. This month sees her launching another beautiful collection of bags that are both eye-catching and original. Lionesses of Africa spoke to Patricia to find out more about this latest launch.

LIONESS LAUNCH / South African sustainable fashion design house, Lunar, celebrates its journey with a unique photo exhibition and clothing showcase

August 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Luther, CEO of Lunar (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Fashion consumers are becoming more aware of where their clothing is made, who is making it, and its impact on the environment. For eco-friendly designers, Nicola Luther, CEO of Lunar, and Sonja Stanislaus-Kaw Di-Aping, this is where their inspiration comes from. On the evening of Friday 24 August, Lunar invited their clients to a special celebration of their journey to creating an authentic, earth conscious fashion line in South Africa. The event was hosted at their atelier at 44 Stanley Avenue in Johannesburg.

Lioness Launch: African Dermal Science launches its exciting Uso Skincare range in South Africa

August 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Dr Theo Mothoa-Frendo, founder of African Dermal Science (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

This month sees South African specialist skincare company, African Dermal Science, launching its exciting Uso Skincare range. It is an advanced anti-ageing, doctor-developed skincare range that has been locally formulated to address the specific skincare needs of Africans.

LIONESS LAUNCH: New Pregnancy App and Mobile Solution launched for African women

August 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Jacqueline Rogers, founder of My Pregnancy Journey (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

This month sees successful South African serial entrepreneur, Jacqueline Rogers, launching a new educational pregnancy app and mobile solution, My Pregnancy Journey, for Africa’s women.

LIONESS LAUNCH: South African textile and design studio, Zuri and Imani, launches its new season LeManteau-Une collection of ladies coats

August 11, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Joy Ezeka, founder of Zuri and Imani (South Africa)

LIONESS LAUNCH

Zuri and Imani, founded by textile designer entrepreneur, Joy Ezeka, has built a reputation for its uniquely beautiful cotton coat designs, produced using its own studio designed textiles. This month sees the brand launching its brand new collection of the LeManteau coats which made it so popular with its customers. The new collection celebrates the best of its original print designs and colour ranges, but in new and exciting silhouettes to suit any wearer.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Nalydia Foods launches in South Africa to produce a natural food solution for the young, elderly and sick consumer

August 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme, co-founder of Nalydia Foods (South Africa)

In South Africa, a new natural food product specifically formulated to meet the needs of young babies and children, and also the elderly and sick, has been launched by serial entrepreneur, Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme and her co-founders. Nalydia Foods is addressing a gap in the market for nutritious, easy to digest, completely natural and health food for the young, elderly and sick consumer.

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

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

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

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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