Lorna Rutto: Creating posts from plastic waste has earned her numerous awards for conservation

January 2, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost, Kenya — **Lorna Rutto**, founder of EcoPost, Kenya

Source: Standard Digital News Kenya | December 27, 2014 | by Faith Ronoh

Lorna Rutto, the founder of EcoPost Limited in Kenya, has despite her tender age already attained a remarkable list of achievements in environmental conservation that has seen her garner several international awards.

Read the article here.

50 Inspiring Quotes from Africa's leading women entrepreneurs to motivate you in 2015

December 31, 2014 Melanie Hawken

To kickstart 2015 off on a truly inspirational note, we are sharing our Top 50 Inspiring Quotes from some of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs. We found so much motivation and encouragement in their words and we hope they inspire you too as you continue on your own entrepreneurial journey to success in the year ahead.

Kofo Akinkugbe's SecureID teams up to advance financial inclusion in Nigeria

December 31, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd — Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd

SecureID Nigeria Limited, founded by Kofo Akinkugbe, a leading Nigerian digital solution provider certified by Visa, MasterCard, and Verve for Chip Embedding, Chip Encoding, Chip Personalization, Card Personalization, and Card Fulfillment, in partnership with Sterling Bank has provided a Biometric ID Card to enable ‘Financial Inclusion’.

Read the article here.

Lorna Rutto: Inspirational woman eco-preneur scoops 2014 Green Award

December 27, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Standard Digital | December 27, 2014

Lorna Rutto has won the 2014 Green Award by the Transform Kenya Awards, a joint initiative of the Standard Group and Deloitte in recognition of her work. Her company, EcoPost, has saved over 250 acres of forests and withdrawn over 1,000,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the environment.

Read the full article here.

Swaady Martin nominated an Emerging Leader by Aspen Institute France

December 17, 2014 Melanie Hawken

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A big LoA community congratulations to Swaady Martin-Leke, founder of Yswara the African luxury tea brand, who was recently nominated an Emerging Leader by the Aspen Institute France under the patronage of President François Hollande. Félicitations Swaady!

Swaady Martin: The importance of African luxury

December 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin-Leke, founder of Yswara — **Swaady Martin-Leke**, founder of Yswara

Source: City Press | by Sue Grant-Marshall | December 16, 2014

Swaady Martin-Leke wants to preserve and celebrate Africa’s rich culture and history. She tells Sue Grant-Marshall why tea is a good place to start.

Read the full article here.

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: For entrepreneurs to flourish there needs to be a clear and enforceable regime of intellectual property protection

December 9, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels, Ethiopia — **Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu**, founder of soleRebels, Ethiopia

Source: AllAfrica.com | by Tsadenna Gebru | December 7, 2014

When Bethelhem Tilahun, co-founder of global brand soleRebels, spoke at a recent entrepreneurship conference she highlighted the challenges entrepreneurs face when protecting their intellectual property in Africa.

Read the article here.

Julian Omalla - The startup story of a woman who against all odds became one of Uganda’s biggest business success stories

December 7, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Julian 'Mama Cheers' Omalla, founder of Delight Limited, Uganda — **Julian 'Mama Cheers' Omalla**, founder of Delight Limited, Uganda

This inspirational woman entrepreneur from Uganda shows the power of grit and determination to succeed in business, despite the many hurdles encountered, to build a highly respected, multi-million dollar drinks and foodstuff empire in Africa.

Deola Sagoe - Talks about the business side of fashion

December 7, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Deola Sagoe, founder of haute couture fashion house, Deola — **Deola Sagoe**, founder of haute couture fashion house, Deola

Source: This Day Live | December 7, 2014

The Business Side of Fashion (BSoF) forum in Nigeria brings together successful fashion designers every year to serve as an inspiration to the upcoming ones. This year's Forum featured Deola Sagoe who shared with the participants some of her hard earned business knowledge of the industry.

Read the article here.

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola founder of WeCyclers wins the 2014 Sustainia Award

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder of WeCyclers and winner of the 2014 Sustania Award — **Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola**, founder of WeCyclers and winner of the 2014 Sustania Award

Wecyclers, founded by Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, has won the 2014 Sustainia Award, chaired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, for a solution that enables low-income communities to make money from waste piling up in their streets. By deploying a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle unmanaged waste in Nigeria’s capital Lagos, Wecyclers lets families exchange garbage for consumer goods via an SMS-based point system.

House of Tara: Nigerian beauty brand founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye launches in Kenya

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Tara Fela-Durotoye (centre) at the Kenyan launch of House of Tara — **Tara Fela-Durotoye** (centre) at the Kenyan launch of House of Tara

Source: Capital FM Kenya | December 2, 2014

House of Tara International, a Nigerian beauty and cosmetics brand founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye launched its products in the Kenyan market as part of its continental expansion strategy. House of Tara has developed makeup products with international standards that are tailor made for the African woman by an African woman.

Swaady Martin: Trium graduate symbolises an entrepreneurial generation

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Financial Times | October 19, 2014

The fledgling business in Parkhurst, one of Johannesburg’s affluent northern suburbs, is the brainchild of Martin-Leke, who forged ahead with the project in spite of initial scepticism among her friends and peers. “I did my research, but no one believed in it,” she says, sipping a new blend she is testing at the elegant townhouse that has been transformed into a chic store....

Divine Ndhlukula wins Exceptional Entrepreneur Category at the 2014 EY Southern Africa Chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards

December 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

This year's Exceptional Entrepreneur Award at the 2014 EY Africa Chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards has been awarded to the inspirational Zimbabwean woman entrepreneur, Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico.

Divine Ndhlukula - Top businesswoman shares secrets of success

November 26, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder and managing director of Securico — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder and managing director of Securico

Source: The Zimbabwean | by Nelson Sibanda | November 11, 2014

Dynamic Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Divine Ndhlukula has been honoured by the United Nations for her success in business. She was runner-up in this year's UNCTAD’s Empretec Women in Business Awards and received her award from Tarja Halonen, the former President of Finland at a ceremony held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. Here, she shares some of the secrets to her success.

Monica Musonda - The startup story of a tenacious food manufacturer that is looking to bring better nutrition to Zambia

November 26, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and ceo of Java Foods, Zambia — **Monica Musonda**, founder and ceo of Java Foods, Zambia

This inspirational and award-winning entrepreneur is a testimony to hard work, perseverance and a can-do attitude to building a major food brand, Java Foods, and also improving the nutrition of a country and a continent.

Tabitha Karanja on humble beginnings, challenges, success and family

November 24, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Tabitha Karanja, founder and ceo of Keroche Breweries, Kenya — **Tabitha Karanja**, founder and ceo of Keroche Breweries, Kenya

Source: Capital FM Kenya | published on November 23, 2014 | written by Margaret Wahito

The Founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries Limited Tabitha Karanja is one woman whom I can say has gone to ‘hell and back’ to be where she is now. She has had to withstand a myriad of challenges for her business to be worth the billions of shillings it is worth at the moment....

Dr Victoria Kisyombe: Perspectives on Women's Entrepreneurship Day

November 19, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Victoria Kisyombe, founder of SELFINA (Tanzania) — **Dr. Victoria Kisyombe**, founder of SELFINA (Tanzania)

Source: Vital Voices | by Dr. Victoria Kisyombe | 19 November 2014

Since I founded my company SELFINA 20 years ago, I have seen the enormous impact a small investment can make in the life of a woman. And it doesn’t stop there — from one modest lease, a woman can create dozens of jobs, touching the lives of dozens more.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker honours women entrepreneurs in Marrakesh, Morocco

November 19, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce — **Penny Pritzker**, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Marrakesh, Morocco, November 19, 2014 --- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to approximately 300 women entrepreneurs to kick off Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Marrakesh, Morocco. Secretary Pritzker discussed America’s leadership in empowering entrepreneurs at home and abroad, addressed the importance of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) which she chairs, and touted how a strong entrepreneurial society can lead to greater economic growth, stability and security, and a rising middle class.

Swaady Martin - The startup story of this stylish purveyor of African Luxury

November 6, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin-Leke, founder and CEO of Yswara — **Swaady Martin-Leke**, founder and CEO of Yswara

The story of an Afropolitan entrepreneur building a unique global luxury brand by creating elegant, high-end products using the continent’s finest natural resources.

Africa's Top 100 Young Business Leaders List Features 7 Women Entrepreneurs

November 5, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This month, the Choiseul Institute of France has just published its inaugural list of Africa’s 100 Most Promising Young Business Leaders Under the Age of 40, and making the rankings are seven women entrepreneurs, our Lionesses of Africa.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

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

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured

Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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