Quote of the Day by Michele Adelman

April 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I often say, everyone can be entrepreneurial, but not everyone can be an entrepreneur.”

Michele Adelman, founder, Accite Holdings (Botswana)

Quote of the Day by Fatuma Abdullah

April 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!"

Fatuma Abdullah, founder of Akiki Dolls (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Debra Mwodza

April 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Surround yourself with people that challenge you, encourage you and hold you accountable.”

Debra Mwodza, founder of Quest Support Solutions (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Maria Natália João

April 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Every day is always a new challenge, one more goal to fulfill, more surprises, some mishaps, but with persistence, focus and determination, I can overcome any difficulty and go on.”

Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Brigette Mashile

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“… you are definitely here for a reason. Find it; and do it.”

Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Bernie de Le Cuona

March 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Know in your heart there is always a way to succeed. There is always a way to make things work.”

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Quote of the Day by Nercia Celeste Mazive

March 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"What inspired me to open the company is the knowledge that through this business I would have the opportunity to positively impact people's lives…”

Nercia Celeste Mazive, founder of Premier Human Capital Corporation (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Lynette Hundermark

March 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“In the current competitive landscape, marketers need to optimize around the shift to mobile in order to increase sales.”

Lynette Hundermark, managing director of Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Bhavya Kalsi

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda) — **Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath**, founders of KONA (Uganda)

"Don’t let anybody else define what you can or cannot do!"

Bhavya Kalsi, founder of KONA (Uganda)

Quote of the Day by Lizl Naude

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“In my experience, the most potent killer of creative thinking is fear! It can absolutely choke creativity…”

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Selassie Atadika

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The real sign of an entrepreneur is falling to the ground and being able to get yourself up, time after time. It can be a bitter sweet journey.”

Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Quote of the Day by Karen Wessels

March 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"As entrepreneurs we have chosen the toughest journey… Make it through this and you’ll make it through anything!"

Karen Wessels co-founder of VA Connect & SnappSales (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Anicha Abdul

March 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“My team is the fuel of the business, they put their hearts and soul into what they do.”

Anicha Abdul, founder of EP Management & Consultancy Services (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Swaady Martin

March 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Being a female entrepreneur in Africa is especially challenging, it’s not for the faint-hearted.”

Swaady Martin, founder of YSWARA

Quote of the Day by Narcissi Madisha

March 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“If you plan to go into business, choose something that you are absolutely passionate about.”

Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Thabisa Mjo

March 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“When we don't view each other as competition, but rather as potential partners, I think we have the ability to create beautiful compelling work that benefits us all.”

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Filipa Carreira

March 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"There will always be a million reasons not to do it, so just start."

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Dana Mroueh

March 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I would advise you to keep in mind that perseverance and patience will be greatly needed.”

Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

March 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Business success is built on the shoulders of those who have walked before us, and it’s important, in my view, to offer that to the next generation of entrepreneurs who follow.”

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

Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

March 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“… the needle I am constantly attempting to thread: building exciting brands around our unique cultures, brands that become ubiquitous and impactful.”

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

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.

“I often say, everyone can be entrepreneurial, but not everyone can be an entrepreneur.”

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!"

"Surround yourself with people that challenge you, encourage you and hold you accountable.”

"Every day is always a new challenge, one more goal to fulfill, more surprises, some mishaps, but with persistence, focus and determination, I can overcome any difficulty and go on.”

“… you are definitely here for a reason. Find it; and do it.”

"Know in your heart there is always a way to succeed. There is always a way to make things work.”

"What inspired me to open the company is the knowledge that through this business I would have the opportunity to positively impact people's lives…”

“In the current competitive landscape, marketers need to optimize around the shift to mobile in order to increase sales.”

"Don’t let anybody else define what you can or cannot do!"

“In my experience, the most potent killer of creative thinking is fear! It can absolutely choke creativity…”

“The real sign of an entrepreneur is falling to the ground and being able to get yourself up, time after time. It can be a bitter sweet journey.”

"As entrepreneurs we have chosen the toughest journey… Make it through this and you’ll make it through anything!"

“My team is the fuel of the business, they put their hearts and soul into what they do.”

“Being a female entrepreneur in Africa is especially challenging, it’s not for the faint-hearted.”

“If you plan to go into business, choose something that you are absolutely passionate about.”

“When we don't view each other as competition, but rather as potential partners, I think we have the ability to create beautiful compelling work that benefits us all.”

"There will always be a million reasons not to do it, so just start."

“I would advise you to keep in mind that perseverance and patience will be greatly needed.”

“Business success is built on the shoulders of those who have walked before us, and it’s important, in my view, to offer that to the next generation of entrepreneurs who follow.”

“… the needle I am constantly attempting to thread: building exciting brands around our unique cultures, brands that become ubiquitous and impactful.”

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