Lioness Launch / Top Malawian fashion label launches its new 100 Year Plan Collection

August 21, 2022 Melanie Hawken

The Lilly Alfonso fashion design label, created by its founder of the same name, has evolved over the years to become one of the top fashion labels in Malawi and is slowly becoming a global fashion brand. Building on its success to date, the Lilly Alfonso brand is introducing an exciting new clothing collection for men and women called the 100 Year Plan collection.

Lioness Launch / New motivational book launched in Botswana to inspire people in their daily lives

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

For those people who are looking for some daily motivation and inspiration in their lives, entrepreneur Gaolapelwe Badumedi Matsetse-Mpete, founder of Bonton Botswana (Pty) Ltd, is launching a new book which promises to deliver motivation a-plenty to readers. The book is titled, “In Her Own Voice”, and combines personal memoir with motivational quotes to live by each day.

Lioness Launch / New book launched to raise children’s awareness of differently-abled and deaf people and to celebrate sign language

July 24, 2022 Melanie Hawken

For children, the first day at a new school is always challenging, but even more so when you are deaf. Author and entrepreneur, Nancy Gaylard, founder of Not Just Consulting based in South Africa, has written a new book ‘Once Upon A Sign: Ayen’s First Day’, which aims to expose children, during their formative years, to differently abled and deaf people in particular. With this wonderful new book, she hopes it will start a conversation about what makes each of us different and how this difference should be celebrated.

Lioness Launch / Ethiopian ready-to-wear clothing brand, Kunjina, launches new concept collection

June 26, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kunjina Tesfaye, founder, Kunjina (Ethiopia)

Kunjina, a unique Ethiopian ready-to-wear clothing brand that mainly caters to women within the age range of 25-40 and founded by Kunjina Tesfaye, is launching its new concept collection this month. The collection named UDET, a Geez word meaning cycle, is Inspired by Kunjina's personal experience. The collection revolves around topics like fear, productivity guilt and growth. It shows the process of self-doubt, transformation and self-actualization using the metamorphosis cycle of a butterfly as a metaphor.

Lioness Launch / New online engagement ring design service launched in South Africa

June 12, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Preposal is a new online service founded by Lucinda Dabbs in South Africa that helps your partner surprise you with the engagement ring of your dreams. Her newly launched platform allows you to create a profile and you’ll be guided through a set of questions to help you narrow down the specifics of your perfect engagement ring. Then, when it’s time to propose, your partner simply logs in on their side and downloads your Preposal mood board. This single-page tool contains all the information and vocabulary they need to confidently make this life-changing purchase. Thanks to Preposal, you can say yes to them and to your dream piece of jewellery.

Lioness Launch / The pioneering telemedicine platform, Dr Moz, launches in Mozambique

May 28, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Dr.Moz, the pioneering telemedicine platform launched by Sabina Ali and Dr. Natacha Amin in Mozambique, is a digital platform that aims to assist any user and facilitate on services in the areas of health and well-being. One of the objectives is to reduce the distance the population has to travel to find a medical service in the country, but also to decongest some hospital services.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s integrated brand strategy consultancy, Maruapula Brand, launches new suite of tools for businesses looking to enhance their brand performance

May 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kelebogile Makwala, founder, Maruapula Brand (South Africa)

Maruapula Brand is an integrated brand strategy consultancy based in South Africa, and focused on working with business and brand leaders who are looking to invest in and enhance their internal and external brand position and performance. Founded by entrepreneur Kelebogile Makwala, Maruapula Brand helps businesses create meaningful connections that get their brands seen, heard and valued by customers. The latest launch by Kelebogile and her team is a suite of strategic frameworks and brand tools to help businesses looking to enhance their brand performance and customer connectivity.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Job Crystal launches new AI recruitment tool to support SMEs and job seekers

March 13, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kelly and Sasha, the owners of Job Crystal in South Africa, found that in their experience with starting businesses, the process of finding staff took far too long, and that this was often the breaking point for many businesses. After further research they found that for smaller companies, agencies were often too expensive and didn’t provide realistic payment plans. In short, there was no specific agency support tailored for SMEs. This led into the core drive of Job Crystal, their new AI recruitment tool to support SMEs and job seekers. They have a passion for helping people find jobs, combined with a focus on the SME market, with an agency who understands cash flow and an AI tool that understands time.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Black Beard Group prepares to launch its new online store

March 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Bontle Mmapela, founder, Black Beard Group (South Africa)

Black Beard Group is an interior design and decor boutique firm in South Africa, founded by entrepreneur Bontle Mmapela. In a drive to deliver innovative and practical solutions to its clients, Bontle and her team utilize their experience across the fields of interior design, decor and project management. The team are currently preparing to launch a new online store selling wallpapers, rugs, vases, sculptures, art pieces, candles, portraits, lamps and coffee tables.

Lioness Launch / Picnic lovers in Mozambique are in for a treat as Azura launches its specialist picnic hamper sales and rental service

February 13, 2022 Melanie Hawken

For all those people who love nothing more than getting outdoors into the fresh air with family, friends, and colleagues, then a picnic is the way to go, and in Mozambique, entrepreneurs Yolanda Matine and Sheila Loonat, cofounders of Azura, have just what you need. Their business specializes in selling and renting picnic hampers with the objective of offering unforgettable experiences for all occasions.

Lioness Launch / Specialist Nigerian baby product supply shop, Babies Essence, launches inspirational new kids book range

January 23, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Rainat Komolafe, founder, Babies Essence (Nigeria)

Babies Essence is a one-stop-shop selling baby, toddler and maternity items for parents in Nigeria, founded by entrepreneur Rainat Komolafe. She believes that at Babies Essence every step matters, and so is launching an inspirational series of two new books for kids between the ages of 5 to 12 years. The first book is the A-Z of Positive Affirmations for Kids, and this is accompanied by a Positive Affirmations Workbook, both written and produced by founder Rainat.

Lioness Launch / Uhuru Botanicals launches a new range of natural Chebe shampoo and conditioner bars

December 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder, Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom)

Natural and organic skincare brand, Uhuru Botanicals, founded by Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka in the UK, has launched its new 100% natural Chebe hair shampoo and Chebe hair conditioner bars. Neo decided to launch the shampoo and conditioner bars in order to reduce plastic use, wastage and to encourage customers to use more sustainable products. Millions of plastic shampoo bottles are destined for landfill each year, but these shampoo and conditioner bars from Uhuru Botanicals help to reduce wastage and cut down on the carbon footprint of the business.

Lioness Launch / Ostibel Africa launches new limited edition range of seasonal candles

December 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lebitso Ramphore, founder, Ostibel Africa (South Africa)

Holistic Beauty and Wellness brand, Ostibel Africa, founded by Lebitso Ramphore has launched a limited edition of seasonal candles made with 100% soy wax and essential oils. Ostibel Africa was founded with holistic wellness in mind, to nourish the mind, body, and soul and this new range falls under the brand’s home and wellness gifts category.

Lioness Launch / New Silent Podcast series launched by Yellow Owl for South Africa’s deaf community

December 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Thuli Zikalala, founder, Yellow Owl (South Africa)

An exciting new silent podcast series for South Africa’s deaf community has just been launched by Yellow Owl in South Africa, the company founded by Thuli Zikalala, and a recent Silver Award Winner at the New Gen Digital Awards. The series, which premiered on 18 November 2021 is called 'Signs & Stories: the silent podcast' and it’s a visual podcast using South African Sign Language (SASL). This 10-episode podcast series captures the stories, experiences, culture and shared values within South Africa’s Deaf community.

Lioness Launch / Botswana’s agri-processing brand, Lemon & Vinegar, launches its new chutney product

December 5, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lemon & Vinegar Pty Ltd, founded by entrepreneur Thato Angelina Gabaitse, is an agricultural production and processing company launched in 2014, in Botswana. The business has built a reputation for generating value by leveraging the creativity of partnering with local suppliers in its processes. The company produces a variety of products including beef biltong, fruit jam, and conveniently dried and packaged trail mix snacks. The latest product to be launched is a new Green Tomato Chutney - a must have for the fine dining experience and a great addition for the cheese board!

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s BWGL Group (Pty) Ltd, launches its new range of 100% Natural and Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

November 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Sibongile Mthimunye, founder, BWGL Group (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Both businesses and households know the importance of maintaining clean, safe and healthy environments for people to work and live in. That means ensuring they are cleaned regularly with effective products that are good at cleaning and disinfecting, and also kind to the environment. In South Africa, entrepreneur Sibongile Mthimunye, founder of BWGL Group (Pty) Ltd, is launching a range of powerful yet environmentally friendly cleaning products for every type of environment.

Lioness Launch / Award-winning South African upcycling design company, Lilly Loompa opens ‘first of its kind’ concept shop

November 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken

South African upcycling design company, Lilly Loompa, founded by the talented eco-designer Lizl Naude, opened its ‘first of its kind’ concept shop on 17 November 2021 in Paarl, Western Cape. Known for celebrating the possibilities of upcycling waste, Lilly Loompa is known far and wide for its quirky, upcycled décor items. But more than that, Lizl herself is known for her purposeful and environmentally-consciousness approach to design. A great example of this can be seen in the launch in 2020, during the pandemic, the “My Africa Lap Desk”, currently the brand’s most popular product and made with discarded, waste material.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Blazing Moon Corporate Training launches new Video and E-Learning programmes

November 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Brenda MacLaren, founder, Blazing Moon Corporate Training (South Africa)

These days, the need for virtual training and development services to supplement those that can be obtained by in-person programmes, has never been greater. In South Africa, Blazing Moon Corporate Training, founded by entrepreneur Brenda MacLaren, is a SETA accredited business that offers blended learning solutions. The company has developed a range of Video and eLearning programmes that are launching in the first quarter of 2022. The company has been a long standing training provider since 1999. It is accredited with the MICT SETA for its IT courses and the Services SETA for all its soft skills training courses, as well as being a registered training provider with COMENSA (Coach and Mentors of South Africa). The company offers both short skills programmes and learnerships that can be conducted in live online sessions and also facilitated in classroom sessions.

Lioness Launch / Africa’s luxury jewellery brand, Adele Dejak, launches its new Malaika Collection

October 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Adele Dejak, the brand, is an authentic jewellery and fashion accessories brand that offers a direct access to the true premium African experience. Founder Adele Dejak has built a powerful brand over the years, globally renowned for creating a wide variety of lovingly designed and handcrafted pieces including bracelets, earrings, necklaces and handbags. Every piece tells a story and is inspired by African textiles, cultures and traditions, with everything being produced directly in the Adele Dejak studio in Kenya or through collaboration with an established network of partners. On 5 November 2021, Adele launches the inspirational new Malaika Collection, a new capsule collection of jewellery and accessories for the modern warrior man and woman.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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