Joycee Awojoodu - The startup story of an African luxury personal grooming brand fusing the continent’s beloved botanicals with scientific research

April 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria) — **Joycee Awojoodu**, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

As the fast developing world of personal grooming and skincare grows in Africa, so too does the desire to find products that harness the unique natural ingredients from the continent for their inspiration. One luxury brand, ORÍKÌ, is not only creating a range of products that truly celebrate Africa’s natural resources, but it also positively touches the lives of those who harvest those raw materials.

Frances Edwards - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur who quit the world of finance to create the finest handcrafted shoes and handbags

April 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Frances Edwards, founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa) — **Frances Edwards**, founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

They say one of the most successful ways of building a company and a brand is to follow a passion, and in the case of South African entrepreneur Frances Edwards, that has certainly been the inspiration for the launch of her business, House of Cinnamon. Today, Frances is creating a unique luxury footwear and accessories brand, that celebrates the art of fine craftsmanship in Africa.

Carine-Zoe Umutoni - The startup story of a Rwandan fashion entrepreneur bringing a great sense of style combined with big ambitions to a proudly Rwandan fashion brand

April 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, founder of ONYX (Rwanda)

Developing a distinctive fashion brand which celebrates African fabric and inspiration with contemporary design that reflects the uniqueness of Rwanda, is what makes ONYX stand out in the marketplace. Founder Carine-Zoe Umutoni has a passion for her country which is only matched by her talent for creating must-wear garments which the fashion conscious want to own.

Wunmi Amokeodo - The startup story of a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur celebrating the country’s traditional fabrics in contemporary design

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria) — **Wunmi Amokeodo**, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria)

For many entrepreneurs, their businesses start with a passion or a need to address a key challenge that exists in the marketplace - in the case of talented Nigerian fashion design entrepreneur, Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (DFL), it was both of these factors.

Bhavya Kalsi - The startup story of a Ugandan company and brand influenced by Indian roots

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

KONA, the name of a unique new accessories and homeware company in Uganda was inspired by a mixture of cultures, the word literally meaning CORNER in Swahili Luganda and Hindi. So, from a little corner in Africa, two women entrepreneurs, are creating an exciting new brand with a distinctive personality.

Bernadette Umunyana - The startup story of a Rwandan leather fashion accessories company committed to Fair Trade principles and the training of young people

March 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bernadette Umunyana, founder of Dokmai Rwanda — **Bernadette Umunyana**, founder of Dokmai Rwanda

A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for Made in Rwanda products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company and a brand that would celebrate the skills and raw materials of Rwanda. Today, her company is producing a range of high quality leather fashion accessories that are proudly made and designed in Rwanda, and custom tailored to meet the needs of the brand’s discerning customers.

Sonia Mugabo - The startup story of a fashion entrepreneur in Rwanda, building a strong men and womenswear brand that celebrates local artisan craftsmanship

March 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sonia Mugabo, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda — **Sonia Mugabo**, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda

Recognising the high potential of the Rwandan fashion scene, and having a passion for mainstream and bespoke clothing design, was the inspiration for Sonia Mugabo to make the move and establish a new and exciting fashion company in the country. Her label, Sonia Mugabo (SM) is winning legions of new fashion conscious fans along the way.

REVISITED - Thokozile Mangwiro - The startup story of a South African skin care entrepreneur, launching a new natural hair care company

March 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa) — **Thokozile Mangwiro**, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

In 2015, Lionesses of Africa featured a wonderful young startup company, Nyla Naturals, the brainchild of creative entrepreneur Thokozile Mangwiro. Today, one year on, so much has happened in the life of this great young company and entrepreneur, and a new natural hair care product line, Nilotiqua, has been launched which is just as exciting.

Sarah Nakisanze - The startup story of an entrepreneur in Uganda celebrating traditional barkcloth fabric and reinventing it in great new design pieces

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Nakisanze, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda) — **Sarah Nakisanze**, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda)

The world is becoming increasingly more enamoured by the wonderful traditional designs and fabrics of Africa, particularly when they are incorporated into contemporary fashion and decor pieces. Entrepreneur Sarah Nakisanze and her business Easy Afric Design, is harnessing the inspiration of the wonderful Ugandan traditional fabric of Barkcloth for her collections of fashion and art.

Irisha Luhanga - The startup story of an entrepreneur with a passion for helping organisations and people to reach their potential

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Irisha Luhanga, founder Redefine Human Capital (South Africa)

In today’s increasingly competitive world, companies and organisations are becoming more focused on empowering their people in order to help them fulfil their full potential in their careers and in the workplace generally. Irisha Luhanga is one entrepreneur with a passion for human capital and with her company, Redefine Human Capital, she is redefining the way people view their work and helping them to align it to their true purpose.

Olubukola Asafa - The startup story of a Nigerian entrepreneur with a passion for fine craftsmanship and building a bespoke luxury leathergoods brand

March 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria) — **Olubukola Asafa**, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria)

There is a growing interest right now in AfroLuxe, bespoke finely crafted luxury items all proudly designed and created here in Africa. Oba Couture, the brand created by Nigerian entrepreneur Olubukola Asafa, is a new name in the world of luxury leather accessory brands emerging from the African continent, to add to the list of those brands currently winning legions of fans around the world with their high-end, luxury products.

Ysolde Shimwe and Kevine Kagirimpundu- The startup story of two fashion design entrepreneurs creating beautiful handcrafted shoes with a unique Rwandan aesthetic

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Ysolde Shimwe and Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founders of Azuri K&Y (Rwanda)

The art of fine shoe-making is a specific design discipline and one that excites the team of entrepreneurs behind the Rwandan shoe brand, UZURI K&Y. Ysolde Shimwe (CFO & Co-Creative designer) and Kevine Kagirimpundu (CEO & Co-Creative designer), are combining their substantial design talents to create some of the hottest shoes on the continent.

Samantha Skyring - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur bringing the unique desert salt of the Kalahari to the world’s kitchens

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt (South Africa)

With the world looking to source more sustainable, ethically produced and renewable sources of foodstuffs, one South African business venture, Oryx Desert Salt, founded by entrepreneur Samantha Skyring, is looking to bring an exceptional source of salt to enrich both the flavour of food and also promote good health.

Shereen Makhanye - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur harnessing Africa’s organic and exotic indigenous crops to create an exciting natural hair-care brand

February 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Shereen Makhanye, founder of Nubian Nature (South Africa)

Nubian Nature (Pty) Ltd is the entrepreneurial creation of founder Shereen Makhanye, whose journey to find products that are not harmful to use on African hair led her to harness the power of the continent’s natural ingredients to find a solution. Her company and its products are the showcase for her genuine passion for Africa, science, hair and all things natural and it's been her life dream to share the experience and richness of Africa with Africans and the rest of world.

Evashnee Naidu - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help SMMEs to realise increased profitability and improved lead generation

February 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Evashnee Naidu, founder of EnablED (South Africa) — **Evashnee Naidu**, founder of EnablED (South Africa)

In an increasingly competitive market environment, making companies stand out in the marketplace and helping them to maximise the enterprise development opportunities that exist is key. EnablED, the brainchild of South African entrepreneur, Evashnee Naidu, is one such company that is playing a key role in managing enterprise and supplier development solutions for SMMEs.

Natacha Nduwimana - The startup story of an entrepreneur taking world-class event production to new heights in Rwanda and Burundi

February 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Natacha Nduwimana, founder of Jelim Premier Events — **Natacha Nduwimana**, founder of Jelim Premier Events

In the highly competitive world of event production, understanding the experiential brand and marketing needs of customers is key, and if there is one company that understands this fact it is Jelim Premier Events. Founder Natacha Nduwimana is an entrepreneur with a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of the power of brand positioning through event activation, delivering innovative and high quality event experiences in the countries she works in.

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.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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.

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