Amanda Sibiya - The startup story of a passionate South African entrepreneur on a mission to get the world talking and reading about Africa’s creatives

July 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Amanda Sibiya, co-founder of Conté Magazine (South Africa) — **Amanda Sibiya**, co-founder of Conté Magazine (South Africa)

Creatives and their work need to be seen to be appreciated, and often finding the right outlets and platforms to achieve that visibility is tough, particularly in Africa. One entrepreneur, Amanda Sibiya, co-founder of Conté Magazine is looking to change that, by creating a high quality, content rich publication and accompanying exhibition event that aims to put the continent’s creatives on the map.

Mary Njoki - The startup story of a tenacious Kenyan entrepreneur helping the continent’s brands become newsmakers

July 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Mary Njoki, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya) — **Mary Njoki**, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya)

The world of public relations and brand positioning is a highly competitive one, particularly on the African continent, but Mary Njoki, the founder of successful Kenyan PR firm Glass House PR, is determined to be an industry leader by building a foundation of innovation and creativity.

Robertinah Nzula - The startup story of a Kenyan entrepreneur transforming the image of the modelling and talent industry

July 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Robertinah Nzula, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya) — **Robertinah Nzula**, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya)

Changing perceptions and creating opportunities are objectives at the heart of The Tianar Models, an organisation created by Robertinah Nzula, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to make a difference to the lives of others. She is not only changing an industry sector for the better, but she is empowering young people to follow their unique career and life paths.

Thiitu Karega - The startup story of a natural beauty entrepreneur who is celebrating Africa’s bounty of natural ingredients

July 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Thiitu Karega, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya) — **Thiitu Karega**, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya)

Many women entrepreneurs in Africa are inspired to create businesses as a way of not only fulfilling personal ambitions and goals, but also of creating solutions or products that can help others. Binti Naturals is one such company that is looking to make its mark on the African beauty scene and provide natural beauty solutions for women who want an organic alternative.

Stella Langat - The startup story of four Kenyan women entrepreneurs pooling their skills and expertise to build a company that creates beautiful lingerie for larger breasted women

July 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Stella Langat, co-founder of Double Dee's (Kenya) — **Stella Langat**, co-founder of Double Dee's (Kenya)

Many women in Africa struggle to find well made, proper fitting, beautiful lingerie that has been specifically designed and crafted for larger bust sizes. But now, one Kenyan company is providing a solution in the country. Double Dee's is designing and retailing a beautiful new range of lingerie for women with larger breasts, and as a result, making a name for itself in the marketplace.

Kendi Sapepa - The startup story of a South African fashion brand builder with a love of bespoke design and red-carpet event glamour

July 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Kendi Sapepa, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa) — **Kendi Sapepa**, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa)

Every fashion designer dreams of one day having their designs worn by the stars and photographed at red-carpet events, and for Johannesburg-based clothing brand builder, that dream is already starting to come true. Kendi Sapepa may be in the early days of creating a brand to be reckoned with, but already her designs have graced the red carpet of the prestigious SAFTAs, the South African Fashion and Television Awards. This is a brand to watch in the future.

Shikha Vincent - The startup story of a Kenyan entrepreneur who has founded a business based on her passions for jewellery design, travel and conservation

July 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Shikha Vincent, founder of SHIKHAZURI (Kenya) — **Shikha Vincent**, founder of SHIKHAZURI (Kenya)

Many women entrepreneurs in Africa are inspired to start their businesses because of a personal passion, and in the case of Kenyan entrepreneur Shikha Vincent, her jewellery design company SHIKHAZURI, was motivated by just such passions. Her fascination with ethnic and tribal jewellery from across the African continent, combined with her desire to support wildlife conservation in her country, resulted in the creation of a jewellery brand with a strong backstory and purpose which is resonating with customers at home and abroad.

Fidelis Wanjiku - The startup story of a Kenyan marketing specialist creating winning solutions for her clients and their businesses

July 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya) — **Fidelis Wanjiku**, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

Any successful business knows the importance of strong marketing campaigns to get key messages to customers and connect them to brands and services. One Kenyan company, Round Square Marketing Limited, founded by entrepreneur Fidelis Wanjiku, is demonstrating a powerful track record in creating campaigns and solutions that delivers to its clients.

Yvonne Manyiki - The startup story of a creative entrepreneur with a passion for designing handmade jewellery with a modern, African flair

July 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa) — **Yvonne Manyiki**, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)

A love of traditional beadwork, combined with a passion for creating unique colourful and eye-catching pieces, led South African entrepreneur Yvonne Manyiki to startup her company Dimzique Enterprise, and tap into the market for affordable yet elegant costume jewellery. The country’s markets and festivals provide a wealth of customers who appreciate her fine beadwork and her wonderful creative eye for design.

Dawn Beech, Rachel Staddon and Rose Chaplin - the startup story of three tenacious South African entrepreneurs providing a virtual assistant service to busy people

July 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Dawn Beech, Rose Chaplin & Rachel Staddon, founders Virtual Concierge Services (South Africa) — **Dawn Beech, Rose Chaplin &** **Rachel Staddon**, founders Virtual Concierge Services (South Africa)

We all have increasingly busy lives and there never seems to be enough time to do all the things that need to be done each day, balancing work and family life at the same time as building businesses and corporate careers. But, three South African women entrepreneurs have joined forces to provide a solution. Their company, Virtual Concierge Services, offers a range of services to tackle all those tiresome tasks that take up so much valuable time.

Marang Marekimane - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur with a passion for helping small businesses to become sustainable

July 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Marang Marekimane, founder of Business In Theory (South Africa) — **Marang Marekimane**, founder of Business In Theory (South Africa)

Talk to any entrepreneurs and the chances are they will tell you that one of the biggest challenges is creating businesses and brands that are sustainable and can exist for the long haul. South African entrepreneur, Marang Marekimane, has recognised this challenge and her company Business In Theory is poised to help others to get their systems and processes in place to create solid, sustainable businesses that can go the distance.

Aleshia van der Ploeg - The startup story of a legal expert turned entrepreneur with a passion for helping SMEs and startups

July 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Aleshia van der Ploeg, founder of VDP Legal Consulting (South Africa) — **Aleshia van der Ploeg**, founder of VDP Legal Consulting (South Africa)

Making the move from the world of working in law firms as an employee to an entrepreneurial life as a legal consulting firm is one that Aleshia van der Ploeg knows only too well when. Today her company, VDP Legal Consulting, provides her with the opportunity to live her working life on her own terms whilst fulfilling her passion for providing expert legal advice to those SMEs and startups who need it.

Bronwyn Kilroe - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur and coach who is teaching the world how to laugh to beat stress and find happiness

July 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bronwyn Kilroe, founder of Laughter Sessions (South Africa) — **Bronwyn Kilroe**, founder of Laughter Sessions (South Africa)

We probably all know those corporate environments which exude stress the moment you walk into them. Well, one South African entrepreneur, Bronwyn Kilroe, founder of Laughter Sessions, has created a highly successful business that reminds companies and organisations about the power of fun and laughter to create positive and productive working environments.

Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai - The startup story of a South African social enterprise uplifting the lives of young girls by creating a business that bakes for change

July 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa) — **Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai**, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa)

Recognising a need in society to help young girls to learn essential life skills and get access to inspirational mentors, was the catalyst for two South African entrepreneurs to create their social enterprise, Nik Muffins, to make a difference. Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai are turning a passion for baking into a means of raising funds to build a sustainable and effective social enterprise with a big impact.

Lebo Shange and Thembi Nkosi - The startup story of two South African entrepreneurs on a mission to address feminine health issues in their country

July 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lebo Shange (top) & Thembi Nkosi (bottom), founders of Coincido (South Africa) — **Lebo Shange** (top) & **Thembi Nkosi** (bottom), founders of Coincido (South Africa)

Many women in South Africa are embarrassed to discuss their feminine health issues with others, especially when they need to seek medical attention. Two entrepreneurs with a background working in the pharmaceutical corporate environment have built a business, Coincido, that offers women a solution - easy to use home diagnostic tests that can help protect and better care for their health.

Babette Frances van der Walt - The startup story of a South African artisan bread baker turning passion into profit

June 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Babette van der Walt, founder of Babette’s Bread (South Africa) — **Babette van der Walt**, founder of Babette’s Bread (South Africa)

Many successful entrepreneurs talk about the power of turning a passion into a business. In the case of Babette van der Walt, founder of artisan bread-baking company Babette’s Bread, her passion for the art of bread-baking led her to making the ultimate career pivot in her life.

Emma Tandoh - The startup story of a Ghanaian entrepreneur providing tailor-made online solutions to help SMEs and women-led businesses to develop powerful brands

June 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Emma Tandoh, founder of Outspoken Edge (Ghana) — **Emma Tandoh**, founder of Outspoken Edge (Ghana)

A passion to see women-led business in Africa succeed as global brands led entrepreneur Emma Tandoh to create her company, Outspoken Edge LLC, a specialist in the field of digital marketing and content development in Ghana. Her approach is to get people talking about the brands she helps to build, which in turn contributes to their success.

Sarinah Matema-Morgans - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur harnessing Africa’s exotic ingredients to create a luxury beauty and body care brand

June 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sarinah Matema-Morgans, founder of Serenity Luxury Body Care (South Africa) — **Sarinah Matema-Morgans**, founder of Serenity Luxury Body Care (South Africa)

Having an appreciation of the need to create high quality skincare products that are tailored to meet the specific needs of African skin, inspired entrepreneur Sarinah Matema-Morgans to create her own brand to meet those needs. Serenity Luxury Body Care is the result of her extensive experience in the beauty and cosmetics industry and her passion to create a proudly African skincare brand.

Abigail Klopper - The startup story of a South African photographer with a passion for confidence building portraiture for women at all stages of their lives

May 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Abigail Klopper, founder of Abigail K Photography (South Africa) — **Abigail Klopper**, founder of Abigail K Photography (South Africa)

Women entrepreneurs who follow their passion and turn it into a business are more likely to find success, as they are driven each day to fulfil their creative ambitions. Abigail K Photography is the passion of Abigail Klopper, a talented photographer who is harnessing the power of her chosen medium to enrich the lives of others.

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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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