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Kelechi Udoagwu, the Nigerian entrepreneur matching freelance editors and writers with clients to create great content

January 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Kelechi Udoagwu, co-founder of Skrife (Nigeria)

Kelechi Udoagwu, co-founder of Skrife (Nigeria)

Creating great content is a part of our everyday lives, whether in the print or broadcast media, or in the ever expanding social media space in Africa. One entrepreneur, Kelechi Udoagwu, co-founder of Skrife, is providing a much-needed platform to bring great writers and specialist content creators together with clients who are looking for engaging content for their businesses.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Samantha Dube, a South African entrepreneur bringing a touch of class to corporate and hospitality events

January 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Samantha Dube, founder of Seeds Consulting (South Africa)

Samantha Dube, founder of Seeds Consulting (South Africa)

Anyone faced with the tasks organizing events knows just how daunting it can seem, with multiple logistics to deal with and a seemingly unending set of decisions to be made. One South African company is on a mission to make this task so much easier. Seeds Consulting, the brainchild of entrepreneur Samantha Dube, is bringing an end-to-end solution for event coordination, making the job of eventing a pleasure instead of a chore.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Noxolo Peter, a South African foodpreneur bringing a uniquely African take on a Philly CheeseSteak to the country

January 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Noxolo Peter, founder of CheesySteaks (South Africa)

Noxolo Peter, founder of CheesySteaks (South Africa)

Finding new food experiences is always exciting, and for entrepreneur Noxolo Peter, her passion for one American food speciality led her to creating a new business and brand, one catering to African tastes. Now, her CheesySteaks brand is converting new fans of the traditional Philly CheeseSteak, but with an African twist.

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In Startup Story Tags Food & Drink
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Wacy Zacarias, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to put African textiles on the global map

January 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Wacy Zacarias, founder of Karingana Wa Karingana Textiles (Mozambique)

Wacy Zacarias, founder of Karingana Wa Karingana Textiles (Mozambique)

A passion to see more textiles designed by Africans, produced by Africans, and consumed by the world, led Mozambican entrepreneur Wacy Zacarias to launch her exciting company, Karingana Wa Karingana Textiles.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion
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Tsholofelo Tshetlo, a South African entrepreneur with a talent for transforming trash into beautiful accessories and decorative items

January 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tsholofelo Tshetlo, founder of Afrophik (South Africa)

Tsholofelo Tshetlo, founder of Afrophik (South Africa)

Unearthing the beautiful in things that others discard is a real creative gift, and one that entrepreneur Tsholofelo Tshetlo, founder of Afrophik, has in large quantities. Her unique eye for possibilities and detail has resulted in some of the most inventive ‘must-have’ accessories and decor items on the market. 

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In Startup Story Tags Eco-preneur, Fashion
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Martie Cronje, a South African entrepreneur helping other SMEs to grow and thrive by providing virtual assistant support

January 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Martie Cronje, founder of Complete VA (South Africa)

Martie Cronje, founder of Complete VA (South Africa)

For many startups and SMEs, one of the key challenges is getting access to the right administrative support when needed, without having to bring full time staff on board in the early days when budgets are tight. Complete VA is a new South African company with a solution. Entrepreneur Martie Cronje is offering a specialist virtual assistant service to all those that need that little extra support.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Yolanda Sing, a South African entrepreneur harnessing a unique technique of using horses to teach leadership and emotional intelligence

January 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Yolanda Sing, founder of Chloe Consultants

Yolanda Sing, founder of Chloe Consultants

Chloe Consultants was founded by Yolanda Sing, a Senior Human Resource Executive and professional coach who inspires people to connect with the latent leadership qualities within themselves. Her unique technique uses horses as a catalyst to allow people to take charge of their lives, to find their purpose, and to draw upon their own gifts and talents, to become their authentic selves.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body products

January 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder of AfroBotanics (South Africa)

Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder of AfroBotanics (South Africa)

For many successful entrepreneurs, their journey’s begin with trying to find solutions to key challenges. In the case of entrepreneur Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder of AfroBotanics, the inspiration to startup a business and natural hair and body care product brand came from the frustration of not being able to buy high quality products locally - the rest, as they say, is history!

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Fentse Mokale, a South African creative accessory design entrepreneur with an eye for combining a traditional African aesthetic with a contemporary twist

January 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Fentse Mokale, founder of Marabou Essentials (South africa)

Fentse Mokale, founder of Marabou Essentials (South africa)

Globally, there is a growing interest in contemporary African design, particularly in the fashion space, and Fentse Mokale, founder and lead creative at Marabou Essentials, is tapping into that interest. Her accessory brand is capturing the hearts and imagination of a whole new customer base as she creates a really unique range of products that capture a continent through its fabrics.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
1 Comment

Tashmeen Authar, a South African entrepreneur with a solution to the perennial high heel shoe problems for women on the move

January 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tashmeen Authar, co-founder of Rollasole Africa

Tashmeen Authar, co-founder of Rollasole Africa

Any fashion conscious woman who has ever had to take off her high heel shoesduring an evening out due to aching feet, will understand what an incredible invention portable, rollable shoes are. Tashmeen Authar, co-founder of Rollasole Africa, is bringing this wonderful concept in footwear comfort to the African continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Ancha Salvador, a Mozambique-based entrepreneur bringing a world of specialist food solutions to those with gluten intolerance

December 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free (Mozambique)

Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free (Mozambique)

For all those who struggle with issues around food intolerance, entrepreneur Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free, has not only a great personal understanding, but also a range of exciting food products to match.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink
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Jenny Reid, a South African human risk expert helping companies to screen and vet their prospective employees

December 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Jenny Reid, founder of iFacts (South Africa)

Jenny Reid, founder of iFacts (South Africa)

In the world of HR, companies and organisations are increasingly cognizant of the fact that their employees are their biggest asset and potentially also their biggest risk. Getting the right people is critical for success. South African entrepreneur, Jenny Reid, founder of iFacts, is constantly assessing new and innovative ways to remove the people risk in companies and organisations.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Nozi Kubeka, the startup story of a South African social entrepreneur making a real difference to the lives of the country’s teenagers

December 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nozi Kubeka, founder of Zon Communications (South Africa)

Nozi Kubeka, founder of Zon Communications (South Africa)

Being a teenager in Africa can be challenging and often confusing, and sometimes these young people have difficulty making the right life decisions for themselves. One entrepreneur, South African Nozi Kubeka, through her company Zon Communications, is on a mission to make that decision-making process a little easier for these young people.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
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Anila Mussá, the startup story of a Mozambican entrepreneur creating an online market connecting small producers with major consumer markets

December 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Anila Mussá, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique)

Anila Mussá, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique)

There is often a challenge in Africa for small to medium sized producers, particularly in the agricultural sector, finding access to markets, and in turn consumers finding access to greater choice in the marketplace. One Mozambican entrepreneur, Anila Mussá, and her business IZYSHOP, is trying to do something to solve this problem in her country.

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In Startup Story Tags E-commerce, Online Service, Mozambique
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Megan Richards, a South African entrepreneur taking lifestyle blogging to a whole new level

December 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Megan Richards, founder of The Authentic Girl (South Africa)

Megan Richards, founder of The Authentic Girl (South Africa)

Blogging is a great way of connecting with people and sharing information and insights about things that are of interest to key audiences. Megan Richards, founder of the popular blog The Authentic Girl has tapped into an exciting audience of women who share a love of fashion, beauty and great food.

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In Startup Story Tags New Media
2 Comments

Nicci Stewart, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for helping other entrepreneurs to grow their businesses

December 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nicci Stewart, founder of The Why Effect (South Africa)

Nicci Stewart, founder of The Why Effect (South Africa)

Making the right strategic and operational decisions are key to running a solid business, but often those strategies and systems are missing in the early days of launching. So, entrepreneurs Nicci Stewart, founder of The Why Effect, has built her business on providing the support and expertise necessary to help entrepreneurs to create effective strategies, systems and processes in place to grow.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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Nercia Celeste Mazive, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for human capital development and the realization of human potential

December 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nercia Celeste Mazive, founder of Premier Human Capital Corporation (Mozambique)

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

Premier Human Capital Corporation Mozambique Lda is the brainchild of entrepreneur Nercia Celeste Mazive. She realizes that if companies and organizations are to thrive, they need access to a pool of talented and qualified people able to make positive contributions to growth and development. Her company is in prime position to source and develop those people.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Mozambique
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Nthabiseng Mosia, an entrepreneur finding affordable clean energy solutions for Africa by harnessing the power of solar technology

December 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nthabiseng Mosia, co-founder of Easy Solar (Sierra Leone)

Nthabiseng Mosia, co-founder of Easy Solar (Sierra Leone)

One of the biggest challenges facing Africa and its citizens is access to clean affordable energy. One young entrepreneur, Nthabiseng Mosia, together with her co-founders in a social enterprise, Easy Solar, is looking to make an impactful contribution to solving this challenge in Sierra Leone, a country particularly hard-hit by access to energy issues.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Sierra Leone
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Puleng Pooe, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to empower a new generation of female engineers in Africa

December 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Puleng Pooe, founder of Lina Sarah Team (South Africa)

Puleng Pooe, founder of Lina Sarah Team (South Africa)

Being a woman engineer can often be challenging in Africa, and for many young aspirant women engineers, it can be a hard industry sector to break into. One enterprising woman entrepreneur is looking to change that. Puleng Pooe has founded Lina Sarah Team, a specialist recruitment and HR solutions business focused on female engineers.  

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In Startup Story Tags Recruitment Services
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Gérsia Sequeira, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating innovative software solutions with high impact

December 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Gérsia Sequeira, co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS (Mozambique)

Gérsia Sequeira, co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS (Mozambique)

Africa needs more women innovators and change-makers, particularly when it comes to harnessing the power of technology to find solutions to key challenges. Mozambique has one such woman innovator in Gérsia Sequeira, co-founder of the Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS in Maputo. She is on a mission to innovate for continuous improvement in areas such as education, e-government and entrepreneurship development.

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In Startup Story Tags Technology, Women in Tech, Mozambique
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


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 / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
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 / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu 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 / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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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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