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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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Monica Musonda - The startup story of a real food pioneer in Africa looking to provide affordable nutrition to the mass market

November 18, 2014 Melanie Hawken

The journey from advocate to entrepreneur has been an incredible one for Monica, who today is winning recognition around the world for her innovation and leadership in Zambia and beyond.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Monica Musonda, Manufacturing, Food & Drink, Zambia
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Janet Shaw - The startup story of a social entrepreneur and her Zulu Beadwork Project

November 18, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Janet Shaw, founder of the Zulu Beadwork Project

Janet Shaw, founder of the Zulu Beadwork Project

A social entrepreneur creates a Zulu beadwork collaboration that empowers, uplifts and celebrates the talents of South African craftswomen. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Janet Shaw, Social Entrepreneur, Social Impact, #ChooseArtisan, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Artisans, South Africa
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Khanyi Dhlomo - The startup story of a South African media mogul turned luxury brand retailer

November 18, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Following her highly successful journey in the world of television, media and magazine publishing, this leading South African entrepreneur has now launched her latest business venture in luxury retailing.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Khanyi Dhlomo, Media PR & Communications Month, Media PR & Communications, South Africa
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Wendren Setzer - The startup story of a woman crafting beautiful bags from recovered and repurposed materials

November 17, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Wendren Setzer, founder of The Wren Design

Wendren Setzer, founder of The Wren Design

This creative woman quit her job as a textile designer at a clothing factory to pursue a passion for creating beautiful and functional bags from discarded materials.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Eco-preneur, #ChooseArtisan, Artisans, South Africa
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Moria Kasher & Christine Tozer - The startup story of the creators of beautiful table linens good enough to wear

November 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Christine Tozer, co-founder of Toka Linen (Top left)

Christine Tozer, co-founder of Toka Linen (Top left)

Two South African women with a background in fashion are today using their unique design aesthetic and manufacturing experience to create beautiful table linens.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Home Accessories, South Africa
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Deola Sagoe - The startup story of this leading lady of the African haute couture fashion

November 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola fashion house

Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola fashion house

With top models, A-List celebrities and famous society personalities making up her clientele lists, Deola Sagoe, founder of haute couture fashion house Deola, is an entrepreneurial success story of note.

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In Startup Story Tags Deola Sagoe, Fashion, Nigeria
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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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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
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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
Comment

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.

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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. 

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Artisans, Ethiopia
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← Newer Posts Older Posts →

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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
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 / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka
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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c 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 / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka 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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution 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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