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Dorcas Muthoni inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame

April 18, 2014 Melanie Hawken
IHF_logo.jpg

Dorcas Muthoni, a leading African woman entrepreneur and computer scientist and CEO and founder of OPENWORLD LTD has been inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame.

Dorcas founded the software company OPENWORLD at the age of 24 and is now a leading e-Government and Business Software Services firm in the Eastern Africa region.

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This Is Juliana Rotich & She Might Just Change the World Through Tech!

April 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Rotich, co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi

Juliana Rotich, co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi

Source: Konnect Africa, April 16, 2014 by Jennifer Nkem-Eneanya

This article covers Juliana Rotich's business background and the many companies and projects that this energetic and multi-talented social and tech-preneur is engaged with.

Read the full article here.

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Nkendilim Begho listed by Forbes as one of '10 Female Tech Founders To Watch In Africa'

March 25, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Forbes.com | published 3/25/2014

In Africa’s burgeoning, male-dominated tech scene, women remain largely underrepresented. Yet there is a tiny handful of incredible women who are launching and building successful, innovative tech companies that are upending industries, setting new standards and earning their place at the cool table. These women create and innovate, exploiting ideas, products and services to produce dynamic businesses. Nkendilim Begho is listed as one of these pioneering women.

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Interview: Deola Sagoe at New York Fashion Week celebrates 25 years in fashion

March 21, 2014 Melanie Hawken
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Source: Okay Africa, published March 2014

If you were to ask people in the know to name their top fashion designers of African descent, we know for fact that Deola Sagoe would come up. Originally from Nigeria, Sagoe has been in the industry for the past 25 years and keep shining in the international fashion limelight. A true visionary, she stands out with her strong signature designs, elegance and attitude. Last Sunday, Deola Sagoe unveiled new pieces  from her Fall/Winter 14 collection in a bright, beautiful set-up at New York Fashion Week.  We caught up with her a day prior to the show, during casting, to have a chat with her ....

Read the full article here.

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In Lionesses Tags Deola Sagoe
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Juliana Rotich features on Fortune's list of 'World's 50 Greatest Leaders'

March 20, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Rotich, co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi

Juliana Rotich, co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi

Source: Fortune Magazine, March 20, 2014

In an era that feels starved for leadership, Fortune Magazine has developed a list of men and women who will inspire you — some famous, others little known, all of them energizing their followers and making the world better place. Juliana Rotich is included on the list.

Read the full Fortune 'World's 50 Greatest Leaders List' here.

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To support Africa's rise, support Africa's women

March 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Devex | By Susan Mashibe | 13 March 2014

From government officials to corporate leaders to philanthropists, the hot topic on everyone’s mind today is supporting the rise of Africa. But as we pour over population projections and examine different drivers of economic growth, too often, we neglect 50 percent of Africa’s population. How can we expect to support the rise of all of Africa, when we’re only supporting half the population?

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Julian Omalla nominated as a finalist in the 2014 EY Eastern Africa Entrepreneur of the Year Award

March 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken
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Source: TechMoran | March 13, 2014

EY today announced the finalists of the Eastern Africa Chapter of the Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards (EOYA). The Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards recognize entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas of entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, community or global impact, innovation and personal integrity. Julian Omalla has been nominated in the Emerging Entrepreneur Category.

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Vogue Italia interview with the leading lady of Nigerian fashion - 25 years of Dealo Sagoe

March 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Vogue Italia, published 02/03/2014

She was the first black woman to present a collection at Alta Roma back in 2004 and has been in the Nigerian fashion game since 1989. In a quarter decade of time, Lagos-based designer Deola Sagoe has established herself as the leading lady of Nigerian fashion, armed with a clientèle that ranges from Africa's first ladies, to society girls like Lydia Hearst and top model Alek Wek....

Read the full article here.

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Aissa Dione: Bridging the Gap in Senegalese Textile Culture

February 24, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Maison D' Exception | Posted on February 24, 2014 by Pascal Gautrand

For twenty years, textile designer Aïssa Dione has been directing one of the few enterprises in Senegal that weave fabrics with locally-grown cotton according to ancestral know-how. Her mission of building a production chain that is truly, 100% 'Made in Senegal' is outside of the norm in a country where exporting raw materials is the primary activity.

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Monica Musonda’s Guide to an eeZee Business

February 20, 2014 Melanie Hawken

TechTrends, the Zambian web-based Technology Publication recently  attended the Bongohive Insaka in Lusaka who hosted as their guest speaker Monica Musonda, the founder and CEO of Java Foods, a Zambian based food processing company known for it’s highly affordable ‘eeZee’ brand of noodles.

Read their interesting article in which Monica shares some of the best ways for any start-up business to progress and stresses the need for one to have passion in whatever business you want to start. 

Find the TechTrends article here.

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Uche Pedro is named one of the '30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa in 2014' by Forbes

February 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Uche Pedro is named one of the '30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa in 2014' by Forbes.

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Kofo Akinkugbe: Innovation is key to SME success

January 27, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Business Day, January 27, 2014

Kofo Akinkugbe, chief executive, Secure ID, a relatively young firm creating MasterCard and Visa, operating in 16 African countries, is an example of a chief executive that is succeeding based on innovation. Speaking at a forum recently on innovation on the CEO’s agenda, Akinkugbe urged business owners to build capacity that will sustain the creativity, that is, developing the capacity of employees....

Read the full article here.

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The Queen Of African Luxury: Swaady Martin, Founder Of YSWARA

January 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Swaady Martin-Leke 9.jpg
Swaady Martin-Leke 17.jpg

Source: Forbes | 2 January, 2014

Swaady Martin-Leke, an Ivorian entrepreneur, prides herself as a custodian of Africa’s rich culture and history. And she preserves it with style. After an eventful, highflying 11-year career at GE, where she held leadership positions in several divisions across the world (including acting as the Director for Sub-Saharan Africa of GE Transportation and acting-CEO for GE South Africa Technologies), she decided to follow her passion for African culture & heritage and founded YSWARA, a growing home-grown African global luxury brand.

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Wits Business School Journal features Wendy Ackerman as one of South Africa's 30 Wonder Women

December 14, 2013 Melanie Hawken

Wits Business School Journal has recognised Wendy Ackerman in its feature 'South Africa's 30 Wonder Women'.

Wendy Ackerman’s husband Raymond may have made a success of Pick n Pay, but she didn’t establish her name in business by hanging on his coat-tails. She was instrumental in developing the brand, particularly its social responsibility ethic.

Read the full article here.

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The Beauty In Hard Work

December 5, 2013 Melanie Hawken

Source: Entrepreneur Magazine | Posted December 5, 2013

Jenna Clifford is featured in Entrepreneur Magazine's 'Success Stories', interviewed by Juliet Pitman.

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Monica Musonda included in Forbes list 'The 20 Young Power Women In Africa 2013'

December 4, 2013 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

Check out the Forbes list featuring Monica Musonda.

- Monica Musonda, is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Java Foods in Zambia.

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Dr. Ola Orekunrin: Nigeria's air ambulance pioneer

November 9, 2013 Melanie Hawken

Source: African Review | November 9, 2013

While the idea of flying doctors and air ambulances in East Africa is almost taken for granted, in West Africa the concept has only just taken off thanks to the work of the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and Dr Ola Orekunrin, who Stephen Williams met with recently to find out more about her life in the air...

Read the full article here.

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Uche Pedro wins the International Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year’ award for 2013

October 21, 2013 Melanie Hawken

The Future Awards Africa and the British Council have announced Uche Pedro as the winner of the 2013 International Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year’ award.

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Jenna Clifford: Stilling the whirlwind of business

October 6, 2013 Melanie Hawken

Source: Ventures Africa | October 6, 2013

Jenna Clifford is a highly successful jewellery designer who worked her way up from almost nothing to achieve the high profile that has resulted in her handcrafted designs being worn by celebrities including Celine Dion and Venus and Serena Williams. Her business has two flagship retail boutiques and one showroom, Clifford preferring to maintain her exclusivity in the market.

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Deola Sagoe redefines Nigerian fashion for the world

September 26, 2013 Melanie Hawken

Source: Daily Newswatch September 26, 2013

"Deola Sagoe is my role model’. I’m really impressed with her. For someone, I mean a Nigerian to dazzle so marvellously in the fashion world is not an easy task and has been able to succeed regardless of hurdles. This is not all about money. It is about having the zeal, passion and the brilliancy to churn out quality works. And she is on top of the game. For me, she’s my role model."....

Read the full article here.

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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

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
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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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
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
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: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
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
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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