Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

December 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"There is still a woeful lack of women in technology globally and Africa is unfortunately not any better. Development roles, leadership pipelines and leadership development all need attention. We need more role models for women in technology...."

- Nkemdilim Begho founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Binta Coudy Dé

December 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Binta Coudy Dé, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub — **Binta Coudy Dé**, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub

“It’s in the most difficult times that we discover our capabilities. When you are passionate, you do not give up.”

- Binta Coudy Dé co-founder Jjiguene Tech Hub (Senegal)

Quote of the Day by Maria Koutsoudakis

December 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Maira Koutsoudakis, Founder and CEO of LIFE Interiors I Architecture I Creative Strategy — **Maira Koutsoudakis**, Founder and CEO of LIFE Interiors I Architecture I Creative Strategy

“Do not be afraid to try, .... Fail. Fail again. Fail better. He who takes all the risks, takes all the rewards.”

- Maira Koutsoudakis founder and CEO of LIFE Group of Companies (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

December 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Margaret & Allan Hirsch, founders of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

“There are two important days in a person’s life. The first is the day they are born, and the second is the day they find out why. Your job is to find out why you are here and to list five most important personal goals, and your five business goals.”

- Margaret Hirsch co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Candice Johnson

December 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"If your heart is in what you are doing, then you will be supported by the universe."

- Candice Johnson, founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Bernice Dapaah

December 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative — **Bernice Dapaah**, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative

"I see entrepreneurship as a calling, not as a last resort for those who are looking for employment in the formal sector and not finding it."

- Bernice Dapaah co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

December 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

“Taking an idea that’s on paper or in your head and moving it forward into real, tangible action is the true spirit of entrepreneurship.”

- Njeri Rionge serial entrepreneur (Kenya/Canada)

Quote of the Day by Lorna Rutto

December 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I love my work. Each day when I go to work, I feel that I am serving my purpose in this world and working towards our goal to transform Africa’s waste into wealth. This renews my strength every day."

- Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)

Quote of the Day by Devotha Ntuke Minzi

December 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania) — **Devotha Ntuke Minzi**, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

"Keep Learning - there is so much I don’t know, so I am always open to new ideas and opportunities."

- Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder & CEO of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

December 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV — **Mo Abudu**, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV

“The key to success in anything is to be absolutely consistent over a prolonged period of time.”

- Mo Abudu, founder& Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Tara Fela-Durotoye

December 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"If you start to see more successful businesses that are playing on a global level, the story of Africa will begin to change"

- Tara Fela-Durotoye founder of House of Tara (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Njideka Harry

December 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I think the power of mentors cannot be overstated; women and girls in technology need women leaders working in the technology field, or running technology enterprises. They really need them as mentors. They need to see people in the industry and in the classroom that are pursuing tech careers that look like them."

- Njideka Harry, founder and chief executive of Youth for Technology Foundation (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Aisha Pandor

December 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Aisha Pandor & Alen Ribic, husband and wife co-founders of SweepSouth (South Africa — **Aisha Pandor** & Alen Ribic, husband and wife co-founders of SweepSouth (South Africa

“If we can help to include more women in the ecosystem, we will see a much broader range of solutions coming out of it, that address issues at all levels of our economy,”

- Aisha Pandor, co-founder & CEO of SweepSouth (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Mary Spio

November 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary Spio, founder of Next Galaxy Corp — **Mary Spio,** founder of Next Galaxy Corp

“Really make a mark. Thinking big, going big—we should do more audacious things.”

- Mary Spio founder & CEO of CEEK VR INC

Quote of the Day by Dr. Ola Brown

November 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Ola Brown, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria — **Dr. Ola Brown**, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

"True success is about a passion to create a better world, live a life that you can look back on and be truly proud of."

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Swaady Martin

November 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"The luxury industry is a great economic growth driver and can be a fantastic export champion... The luxury industry creates jobs and generates activities in a large variety of areas, including publishing, advertising, public relationship, tourism, real estate, culture and education."

- Swaady Martin, Founder and CEO of YSWARA

Quote of the Day by Tara Fela-Durotoye

November 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"What drives me is living purpose. I think my business is a vehicle to change lives."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye founder of House of Tara (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

November 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings and founder of My Republik Brand

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Quote of the Day by Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I eagerly look forward to the concept of Mentorship becoming not just a buzzword but a way of life across Africa. I look forward to that day when every successful African will willingly reach out to walk others through their path, and thereby work together to develop Africa and end poverty."

- Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye, founder of IMentorAfrica (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

November 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO — Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO

"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."

- Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

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

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

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.

"There is still a woeful lack of women in technology globally and Africa is unfortunately not any better. Development roles, leadership pipelines and leadership development all need attention. We need more role models for women in technology...."

“It’s in the most difficult times that we discover our capabilities. When you are passionate, you do not give up.”

“Do not be afraid to try, .... Fail. Fail again. Fail better. He who takes all the risks, takes all the rewards.”

“There are two important days in a person’s life. The first is the day they are born, and the second is the day they find out why. Your job is to find out why you are here and to list five most important personal goals, and your five business goals.”

"If your heart is in what you are doing, then you will be supported by the universe."

"I see entrepreneurship as a calling, not as a last resort for those who are looking for employment in the formal sector and not finding it."

“Taking an idea that’s on paper or in your head and moving it forward into real, tangible action is the true spirit of entrepreneurship.”

"I love my work. Each day when I go to work, I feel that I am serving my purpose in this world and working towards our goal to transform Africa’s waste into wealth. This renews my strength every day."

"Keep Learning - there is so much I don’t know, so I am always open to new ideas and opportunities."

“The key to success in anything is to be absolutely consistent over a prolonged period of time.”

"If you start to see more successful businesses that are playing on a global level, the story of Africa will begin to change"

“If we can help to include more women in the ecosystem, we will see a much broader range of solutions coming out of it, that address issues at all levels of our economy,”

“Really make a mark. Thinking big, going big—we should do more audacious things.”

"True success is about a passion to create a better world, live a life that you can look back on and be truly proud of."

"The luxury industry is a great economic growth driver and can be a fantastic export champion... The luxury industry creates jobs and generates activities in a large variety of areas, including publishing, advertising, public relationship, tourism, real estate, culture and education."

"What drives me is living purpose. I think my business is a vehicle to change lives."

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

"I eagerly look forward to the concept of Mentorship becoming not just a buzzword but a way of life across Africa. I look forward to that day when every successful African will willingly reach out to walk others through their path, and thereby work together to develop Africa and end poverty."

"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."

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