Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

October 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“You’re not in a dynamic business if you’re not experiencing challenges.”

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Quote of the Day by Séfora Noor

September 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Everyone is still figuring it out. So our advice is to follow your instincts and take the risk."

Séfora Noor (R), co-founder of Kakawa Chocolates (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

September 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Any business is difficult to start initially, however, if you persevere you will ultimately make it if you have passion for what you are doing."

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Magatte Wade

September 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"To get to the finish line, Africans must create scalable businesses based on African culture, businesses that produce high quality products... And that’s what I’m doing."

Magatte Wade, founder of Tiossan (Senegal)

Quote of the Day by Tiguidanke Mounir Camara

September 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Start now. Do not postpone your dream to tomorrow, thinking that you are not experienced enough."

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI Mining Group TMG (Guinea)

Quote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani

September 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"You won't know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work.”

Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

Quote of the Day by Mariam Hazem

September 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started with a major issue in Egypt: waste.”

Mariam Hazem, co-founder of Reform Studio (Egypt)

Quote of the Day by Teta Isibo

September 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“I am doing something that I chose to do, something I am passionate about and naturally good at. To me, that’s a blessing because many people go through life with no idea of what they want to do, or if they have the idea, they simply do not have the courage to do it!"

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

September 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“With sheer determination and conviction nothing is impossible. We can all achieve the unimaginable.”

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

Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“It’s always the finances. I constantly had to find the balance between having enough money to expand, and not sinking into so much debt that I would not be able to sleep at night.”

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Ruka Sanusi

September 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Ladies, make your vision pop like pink champagne!"

Ruka Sanusi, founder and CEO of Alldens Lane (Ghana)

Quote of the Day by Melissa Bime

September 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“What’s my motivation? Put simply, it’s hunger. I am hungry to create change and make a difference. I have overcome so much but know that it is all worthwhile.”

Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

Quote of the Day by Mishingo Aaron

August 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Believe in your idea no matter how big or crazy it looks and work every day towards it.”

Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

Quote of the Day by Phindile Ndlovu

August 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"... we ought to remember that the way in which we do our business is important for the next entrepreneur who is in the same position as us. When we fail clients, we make an impression.”

Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

June 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"It is our responsibility as business women to touch as many lives as possible and leave behind a legacy of knowledge."

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

Quote of the Day by Mariana Agness Francisco Eria

June 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Entrepreneurship is like a destination that unlocks a new and more exciting journey.”

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder of House Of Agness (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Joy Ndungutse

June 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Giving women money won’t take them anywhere. Just give them knowledge and the rest will work out.”

Joy Ndungutse, co-founder Gahaya Links (Rwanda)

Quote of the Day by Bev Missing

June 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“It is a dream come true to see a tiny garage soap making business being given the opportunity to play on the global stage as an international brand.”

Bev Missing, founder of Rain Africa (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Back your dreams with action. Stand up for what you know is right and don’t let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.”

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

Quote of the Day by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

May 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“In Europe, everything has been done. We (African entrepreneurs) have something unique: a very different mindset to work, and raw ideas that haven't been explored.”

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

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.

“You’re not in a dynamic business if you’re not experiencing challenges.”

"Everyone is still figuring it out. So our advice is to follow your instincts and take the risk."

"Any business is difficult to start initially, however, if you persevere you will ultimately make it if you have passion for what you are doing."

"To get to the finish line, Africans must create scalable businesses based on African culture, businesses that produce high quality products... And that’s what I’m doing."

"Start now. Do not postpone your dream to tomorrow, thinking that you are not experienced enough."

"You won't know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work.”

“We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started with a major issue in Egypt: waste.”

“I am doing something that I chose to do, something I am passionate about and naturally good at. To me, that’s a blessing because many people go through life with no idea of what they want to do, or if they have the idea, they simply do not have the courage to do it!"

“With sheer determination and conviction nothing is impossible. We can all achieve the unimaginable.”

“It’s always the finances. I constantly had to find the balance between having enough money to expand, and not sinking into so much debt that I would not be able to sleep at night.”

"Ladies, make your vision pop like pink champagne!"

“What’s my motivation? Put simply, it’s hunger. I am hungry to create change and make a difference. I have overcome so much but know that it is all worthwhile.”

“Believe in your idea no matter how big or crazy it looks and work every day towards it.”

"... we ought to remember that the way in which we do our business is important for the next entrepreneur who is in the same position as us. When we fail clients, we make an impression.”

"It is our responsibility as business women to touch as many lives as possible and leave behind a legacy of knowledge."

“Entrepreneurship is like a destination that unlocks a new and more exciting journey.”

“Giving women money won’t take them anywhere. Just give them knowledge and the rest will work out.”

“It is a dream come true to see a tiny garage soap making business being given the opportunity to play on the global stage as an international brand.”

“Back your dreams with action. Stand up for what you know is right and don’t let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.”

“In Europe, everything has been done. We (African entrepreneurs) have something unique: a very different mindset to work, and raw ideas that haven't been explored.”

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