Lioness Launch / South African upcycling business, plasticity, launches its latest new range of brandable products

October 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Tessa O’ Halloran, founder, plasticity (South Africa)

The need to find sustainable solutions to transforming discarded plastic waste into useful products has never been greater. Discarded plastic waste is a problem for the planet and for humankind as a whole. South African ecopreneur Tessa O’ Halloran, founder of plasticity, is playing her part in finding those solutions and has launched a new range of upcycled products in the form of brandable key tags and fridge magnets!

A new long-term strategic research partnership launched to address the gender data gap on Africa's high-growth women entrepreneurs

October 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Partnership agreement signing between Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO of Lionesses of Africa and Farshida Zafar, Director of Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship

On a mission to address the data gap that exists on better understanding high-growth women's entrepreneurship in Africa, particularly on access to funding, Lionesses of Africa BV (a 1.7 million strong network of women entrepreneurs in Africa) and Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship BV (ECE) have launched a new long-term strategic partnership. At an official signing ceremony on 28 September 2023 at the Rotterdam headquarters of ECE, the two partners announced the new partnership. It will kick off with a collaborative research project in the form of a quantitative and qualitative dashboard and report, highlighting the characteristics and drivers of Africa's high-growth women entrepreneurs and providing actionable insights to help bridge the gender gap, especially in the financial landscape.

Lioness Launch / The K3Y launches it’s new name and brand to offer customers human centric business solutions to unlock results

September 3, 2023 Melanie Hawken

The K3Y launches its new name and brand in Africa, with a unique customer offering that integrates cutting edge innovations with human centric business solutions to help individuals and organisations unlock results. A suite of powerful diagnostics tools, as well as solutions, underpinned with a cutting-edge technology platform, allows for tracking measuring and execution of strategy. The addition of The K3Y mind-setting interventions allow for the unlocking of potential for individuals and teams.

Lioness Launch / Botswana skincare brand, Organic Naturals Skincare, launches its Skincare Diaries event dedicated to holistic wellness and self-discovery

August 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

At Organic Naturals Skincare in Botswana, founder and passionate natural skincare advocate, Didintle Moreki, believes that true beauty comes from within, and self-care is an essential part of nurturing our well-being. Her business and brand is announcing this month the launch of Skincare Diaries, an empowering event dedicated to holistic wellness and self-discovery. The event will be held on 27 August 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana and will encourage attendees to delve deeper into the world of self-care, well-being, and natural beauty.

Lioness Launch / Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and social entrepreneur, visits South Africa to launch her new book

August 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

On the latest stop of her global book tour, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and also the co-founder of impact-driven social enterprise Gorilla Conservation Coffee, launches her new book Walking with Gorillas to South African audiences. Dr Gladys will be visiting the Exclusive Books bookstore in Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg on Monday 7 August, and it promises to be an inspirational evening of story and experience sharing.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s one-stop language shop, EditA Services, launches its new venture, Jomi Books

July 16, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Mignionette Fair, founder, EditA Services (South Africa)

South Africa’s EditA Services, a one-stop language shop for business, has announced the launch of its new product arm, Jomi Books! Founder Mignionette Fair says there is so much more to discover about her business under this new venture, with the first "discovery" being a children's ebook called ‘It's Time’. This colourful story is the perfect addition to bedtime and especially for families who are expanding. There are hopefully many more books to come from Jomi Books, so watch this space!

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Yellow Owl launches a first-of-its-kind in South Africa silent podcast for both deaf and hearing audiences

June 25, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Thuli Zikalala, founder, Yellow Owl (South Africa)

Regular attendees at Lionesses of Africa webinars will recognize the inspirational name and face of Yellow Owl founder, Thuli Zikalala, the pioneering entrepreneur creating inspiring digital content for both Deaf and Hearing audiences. Her latest innovation is the launch of a first-of-its-kind in South Africa silent 10 episode podcast series which captures the stories, experiences, culture and shared values within the Deaf community. Deaf presenters Lerato Maake ka Mncube & Daline 'Crazy D' Maasdorp engage with guests, both Deaf and hearing from different backgrounds, to shape a new narrative about the Deaf community. The name is a word play that invites audiences into the silent world seen through the eyes of Deaf people. Taking a spin on the audio nature of podcasts - ours is visual: the hands become a voice. Expect intimate, informative, inspirational and entertaining conversations shared by influential people within the Deaf community.

Lioness Launch / South African surface and textile design studio, ZURI and IMANI, launches two new clothing collections

June 11, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Joy Ezeka, founder, ZURI and IMANI (South Africa)

ZURI and IMANI is a South African surface and textile design studio founded by talented entrepreneur, Joy Ezeka, on a mission to 'change the narrative of the ‘African print’'. It weaves modern stories inspired by the richness of Africa, to create its own authentic Africanity fabric prints made up of bold pattern designs and colour palettes. This exciting, growing brand has just launched its new 'le MANTEAU-trois' and 'la VESTE-un' collection of trans-seasonal coats and jackets, all made from ZURI and IMANI’s eye-catching, custom fabric prints.

Lioness Launch / South African lifestyle brand, Ledikana, launches unique new golf wear range

May 21, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Popular South African lifestyle brand, Ledikana, founded by entrepreneur Mapholo Ratau and based in Johannesburg, has built a great reputation for offering relevant, quality and unique contemporary ready-to-wear African clothing and gifting. This month sees the launch of the exciting new Ledikana golf wear range. It consists of cute African inspired dresses, skorts and pants for ladies and gents that could be worn on and off the course. The range also includes some great new gifting accessories. This collection of unique timeless golf and lifestyle outfits empower women and gents to play confidently by looking and feeling their best. As with all Ledikana products, the new range is handcrafted and culturally inspired.

Lioness Launch / South African eco-fashion and lifestyle brand LUNAR launches new collection at SA Fashion Week

May 14, 2023 Melanie Hawken

South African eco-fashion and lifestyle brand LUNAR, led by owner Nicola Luther and her talented creative team, has launched its latest collection at SA Fashion Week. LUNAR has firmly established itself as one of the country's leading design labels over the past 25 years, and has built a reputation for creating understated, sophisticated clothing using only the finest, most sustainable natural fabrics.

Award-winning Rio Largo Olive Estate launches its Tree to Table event on 14 May

May 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

If you are a fan of great olive oil and you want an unforgettable experience, then the place to be on 14 May (Mother’s Day) is the special Tree to Table event at the Rio Largo Olive Estate in South Africa’s Scherpenheuwel Valley, Breede River, Western Cape. Co-owners Brenda and Nick Wilkinson are celebrating their olive harvest and the growth of their multi-award winning brand of olive oil. This will be an event to remember, providing the chance for guests to experience the picking and processing of olives from the Rio Largo Olive Estate, and then a tasting of FRESH olive oil, together with a celebratory meal incorporating the finest Rio Largo Olive Oil. As Brenda says, you never forget the day you taste FRESH olive oil...ever!

Pichulik celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary with the launch of an iconic Silver Jewellery Collection

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Pichulik is an ethical jewellery atelier based in Cape Town, South Africa and founded by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, and is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary in style - with the launch of a new Silver Collection featuring five of its most iconic jewellery pieces. Inspired by ancient cultures and mythology, Pichulik uses the language of African artistry and ornamentation to create sculptural accessories that celebrate empowering feminine narratives. Each piece is a talisman, handcrafted from its signature rope, combined with cast-brass elements, precious stones and unexpected organic materials, to create distinctive and unique forms.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Pan-African lifestyle brand, Afropian, launches its exciting new website

March 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

In March 2023, Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is launching its brand new website which is a window into everything Afropian: products, processes, artisans, and stories. The business is focused on showcasing 100%, proudly hand-made in Africa clothing, fashion accessories and home decor. The mission is to make you Wear Africa Proudly!

Lioness Launch / South African upcycling business, plasticity, launches its new Work Tote, an upcycled tote bag for working people

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Discarded plastic waste is a problem for the planet and for humankind as a whole, and the need to find sustainable solutions to transforming that waste into useful products has never been greater. In South Africa, ecopreneur Tessa O’ Halloran, founder of plasticity. is playing her part in finding those solutions. She is launching a great new Work Tote as part of her business range of upcycled products.

Lioness Launch / Mozambican luxury accessory design house, Atelier Taíla Carrilho, launches its eye-catching new R.I.S.E. collection

January 29, 2023 Melanie Hawken

For style conscious people who want their accessories to stand out from the crowd, the newly launched R.I.S.E. collection from Mozambican luxury accessory design house, Atelier Taíla Carrilho is a must-have this year. Founder and designer, Taíla Carrilho, creates handmade, truly eye-catching fashion accessories for women and men, utilizing local materials and labour. The new R.I.S.E. collection is inspired by the act of being reborn after a fall.

Lioness Launch / Mozambican people management consulting business, Mbira Advisory, launches new employee wellbeing service

January 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

People management consulting specialist, Shádia Gafur Chachine, founder of Mbira Advisory in Mozambique, is passionate about contributing to the wellbeing of employees. Her business is launching a new service which makes a diagnosis to understand the bottlenecks related to behavioral and inter-personal skills of the company's employees. Thereafter, it creates programs and activities aimed at mental, physical and psychological health. Namely 15 mins of yoga, breathing exercises, simple postures; anti-stress exercises, conversations about different themes such as healthy habits and nutrition, experiences, blockages, fears and beliefs, etc.

Lioness Launch / South African award-winning upcycling business, Lilly Loompa, introduces recycled plastic desk to range

December 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Cape Town Designer and founder of Lilly Loompa, Lizl Naude (from Paarl), is known far and wide for her quirky, upcycled décor items. But more than that, she is known for her purposeful and environmentally-consciousness approach to design. In 2020, during the pandemic, she launched her “My Africa Lap Desk” made with discarded, waste material. It is currently their most popular product. In November 2022, Lizl decided to make the evolution from wood to recycled plastic for the next generation of the desk and launched it to market.

Lioness Launch / Organic Naturals Skincare in Botswana launches its new ‘one-stop’ toning serum for balanced skin tone

October 30, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Organic Naturals Skincare, the Botswana-based business and brand founded by entrepreneur Didintle Leatile Moreki, is launching its new Niacinamide Brightening Botanical Serum in October 2022. The scientific potency of the Niacinamide Brightening Botanical Serum is proven to brighten and clear the skin by reducing hyperpigmentation; reduce fine lines by improving skin roughness, colour and elasticity by strengthening the skin barrier; reduce severe acne by fighting acne-causing bacteria and reducing sebum production; and hydrate the skin.

Lioness Launch / New event venue launched in Ghana focused on customer relaxation needs

October 2, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Patience Maame Mensah, founder, Self Indulgence Company Limited (Ghana)

For customers looking for an event venue in Accra, Ghana for that special occasion, then Patience Maame Mensah, founder of Self Indulgence Company Limited, the multi-faceted home maintenance and property management agency with specialist nanny services and events offerings, has launched an exciting new venue.

Lioness Launch / Lifestyle brand, Africana Woman, launches its first international retreat for women

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Chulu Chansa, founder, Africana Woman (Zambia)

Africana Woman is a lifestyle brand, founded by Chulu Chansa in Zambia, that helps women of African descent connect, collaborate and celebrate. Chulu believes in pursuing holistic health in order to attract true wealth. The brand’s range of products support women in their mental, emotional and spiritual health, with Retreats, Workshops, Courses, and Community on offer. This month sees the announcement of the first International Retreat to Marrakech, Morocco. The Retreat is slated for 2-7 July, 2023 and will take the women through a signature program called KNOW your Roots, Grow your Purpose. This is a guided, deep self-reflection where women will rest, reflect and reconnect with themselves.

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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

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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