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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Wendy Ackerman- The start up story of a retail doyen and a committed philanthropist

November 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Wendy Ackerman, co-founder and executive director, Pick n Pay

Wendy Ackerman, co-founder and executive director, Pick n Pay

This incredible woman not only contributed to building Pick n Pay Group as a socially responsible retail empire, but has also devoted her life to making a difference to others in South Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Wendy Ackerman
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Adenike Ogunlesi - The startup story of a market leader in designer children’s clothing in West Africa

November 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Adenike Ogunlesi, founder and ceo of Ruff'n Tumble

Adenike Ogunlesi, founder and ceo of Ruff'n Tumble

This highly successful Nigerian designer went from selling clothes from the boot of her car to becoming a world class children’s clothing brand.

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In Startup Story Tags Adenike Ogunlesi, Nigeria, Children's Clothing
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Kofo Akinkugbe - The startup story of a Nigerian innovator and technology market leader

November 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Kofo Akinkugbe, founder of Secure ID

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder of Secure ID

This remarkable Nigerian woman founded a company that is recognised globally as a market leader in Africa's smart card technology and digital security industry.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kofo Akinkugbe, Technology, Manufacturing, Nigeria
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Caroline McCann - The startup story of a butcher with a passion for ethically reared meat

November 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This lawyer turned butcher is passionate about the 100% certified free-range, grass-fed and ethically reared meat she sources from farmers she gets to know and trust.

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In Startup Story Tags Caroline McCann, Food & Drink Month, Food & Drink, South Africa
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Sarah Taylor - the startup story behind the Bee Balmy range of skin balms

November 14, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Taylor, founder of Bee Balmy

Sarah Taylor, founder of Bee Balmy

A journalist-turned-natural skincare product entrepreneur works with nature to create a range of soothing and healing skin balms, bringing relief for allergy sufferers.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Sarah Taylor, Beauty & Wellness, Beauty & Wellness Month, Artisans
1 Comment

Jeanette Phasha - The startup story of this Limpopo-based clothing and textile manufacturer

November 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Jeanette Phasha and sister Charlotte, the creative duo behind Baroka Fashions

Jeanette Phasha and sister Charlotte, the creative duo behind Baroka Fashions

This South African, Limpopo-based clothing and textile manufacturer is successfully carving a niche for herself producing ladies clothing, bags, accessories and printed fabrics.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Fashion, South Africa
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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.

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In Startup Story, Lionesses Tags Food & Drink Month, African Luxury, Swaady Martin, South Africa
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Lorna Rutto - The startup story of an ecopreneur who is making a difference in the urban slums of Kenya through plastic waste recycling

October 17, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This leading woman eco-preneur is recycling the vast amount of waste plastic in Kenya and turning it into an environmentally friendly alternative to wooden fencing products.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Lorna Rutto, Eco-preneur
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Dorcas Muthoni - The startup story of this leading Kenyan techpreneur

October 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This leading Kenyan entrepreneur, computer scientist and inductee of the Internet Hall of Fame founded her tech company at the age of 24.

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In Startup Story Tags Dorcas Muthoni, Women in Tech, Technology, Kenya
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Tabitha Karanja - The startup story a Kenyan beer brewer who started small and built an empire

October 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This mould-breaking Kenyan woman has battled monopolies, gender-descrimination, industry sceptics and other challenges to create a Kenyan business success story that is internationally admired.

Read more
In Startup Story, Lionesses Tags Tabitha Karanja, Food & Drink Month
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Pam Golding - The startup story of an inspirational woman who became the icon of the property world in Africa and beyond

September 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This iconic woman opened the doors to her property business in the 1970's and went on to become one of the most admired and respected female entrepreneurs in the world. 

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In Startup Story Tags Pam Golding
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Margaret Hirsch - The startup story of one of South Africa’s leading entrepreneurs who fearlessly built a retail power house

August 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This inspirational woman has risen from difficult beginnings in life to build along with her husband a major retail success story.

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In Startup Story Tags Margaret Hirsch, Retail, South Africa
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Carrol Boyes – The startup story of an iconic South African designer who built a global homeware brand

August 18, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Carrol Boyes, founder and ceo of Carrol Boyes

Carrol Boyes, founder and ceo of Carrol Boyes

This incredibly creative designer with a sculptural flair and an eye for the unusual has taken the global homeware market by storm with her distinctive designs and must-have tableware pieces.

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In Startup Story Tags Carrol Boyes, South Africa, Design, Home Accessories
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Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu - The startup story of the woman behind a global footwear brand with a social conscience

August 15, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels

This inspirational Ethiopian woman entrepreneur founded the world's fastest-growing African footwear brand and the only Fair Trade-certified footwear company in the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Artisans, Ethiopia
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Njeri Rionge: The startup story of this celebrated Kenyan serial entrepreneur

July 27, 2014 Melanie Hawken

This is the startup story of Njeri Rionge one of Kenya's most celebrated serial entrepreneurs. Njeri is truly passionate about growing businesses and igniting potential and believes in Africa being the next economic frontier.

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In Startup Story Tags Njeri Rionge, Technology, Canada
1 Comment

Sibongile Sambo - The startup story of South Africa's pioneering female aviation entrepreneur

May 28, 2014 Melanie Hawken
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The startup of the pioneering founder of the first 100% Black-Female-Owned Aviation Company in South Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Sibongile Sambo, Transport Logistics & Mobility, South Africa
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Uche Pedro - The startup story of this Nigerian online media sensation

October 8, 2013 Melanie Hawken
Uche Pedro, founder of new media sensations BellaNaija and BellaNaija.com - Nigeria

Uche Pedro, founder of new media sensations BellaNaija and BellaNaija.com - Nigeria

This Nigerian new media queen has created an enormous buzz and loyal following with Africa's fashionistas and celebrity watchers.

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In Startup Story Tags Uche Pedro, Media PR & Communications Month, Media PR & Communications, Nigeria
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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 / 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 / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
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
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 / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o 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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business 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
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
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

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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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