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Lionesses of Africa

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Jetto Myaba, an inspirational Malawian entrepreneur with ambitions to keep growing her business to become a market leader

March 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jetto Myaba, Founder & Managing Director of Mwaya Enterprises (Malawi)

Jetto Myaba, Founder & Managing Director of Mwaya Enterprises (Malawi)

For many women entrepreneurs, thinking big can be daunting in business, but for Malawian entrepreneur, Jetto Myaba, Managing Director of Mwaya Enterprises, having a big vision is all part of the journey.

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In Startup Story Tags Retail, Malawi
Comment

Michelle Pires Mbilizi, a Malawian serial entrepreneur creating customer retail and service experiences to remember

March 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Michelle Mbilizi, serial entrepreneur (Malawi)

Michelle Mbilizi, serial entrepreneur (Malawi)

There are some women entrepreneurs who don’t just think of building one business, but have the vision and imagination to create several, and Malawian entrepreneur Michelle Mbilizi is one of those.

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In Startup Story Tags Retail, Construction, Hotels & Leisure, Malawi, Fashion
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Liz van Zyl, an entrepreneur making magic with words to help clients get their messages across

March 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Liz van Zyl, founder of The Content Agency (South Africa)

Liz van Zyl, founder of The Content Agency (South Africa)

In a world where consumers are bombarded by information 24/7, it can be hard to get a brand and its messaging to breakthrough and connect, and that’s where The Content Agency comes in. The brainchild of South African entrepreneur Liz van Zyl, this specialist business venture creates high impact content capable of making that crucial breakthrough and connecting with audiences across all media formats.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, South Africa
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Shola Ade-Okafor, an entrepreneur with a passion for bringing professional make-up tools and products tailor-made for African women

March 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Shola Ade-Okafor, founder of BlushinGirl Tools (Kenya)

Shola Ade-Okafor, founder of BlushinGirl Tools (Kenya)

For many women entrepreneurs in Africa, the inspiration for launching a new business, product or brand comes from trying to find a solution to a challenge or addressing the lack of a particular product in the marketplace. For Shola Ade-Okafor, the inspiration for her company, BlushinGirl Tools, came from not being able to find an eyeshadow primer suitable for professional make-up artists. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Kenya
4 Comments

Bhatupe Mhango, a perfumier in Malawi creating unique fragrances for today’s modern woman

March 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

A passion for creating contemporary fragrances led entrepreneur and perfumier, Bhatupe Mhango to launch her own unique label, Bha’s Fragrance Boutique,  creating perfumes that are inspired by Africa but for women of the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Malawi, Perfumer
Comment

Ndaneh Howard, a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur creating bold African accessories for the world to wear

March 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

African women are proud of their unique style and creativity particularly in the world of fashion and accessory design. And for one Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, Ndaneh Howard, founder of accessory brand Ngewormia, this sense of pride is reflected in her work and her personal mission to get the world talking about the beauty of African accessories.

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In Startup Story Tags Jewellery Design, Fashion
Comment

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, an entrepreneur creating a unique online English city guide for expats in Cote d’Ivoire

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

It can be difficult moving to a new country as an expatriate and not speaking the local language. But in Ivory coast, English speaking residents now have a great new resource to help out, thanks to entrepreneur Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you.

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In Startup Story Tags Online Service, Cote d'Ivoire
1 Comment

Jolene Roelofse, a South African marketing and communications specialist on a mission to help other SMMEs and entrepreneurs with their brands

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

One of the major challenges for any startup is understanding how to effectively to get their brands, products and services out into the marketplace and connecting customers. That’s where marketing and communications comes in, and for South African entrepreneur and marcomms specialist Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market, it provided an opportunity to create a solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, South Africa
Comment

Cecilia Mnisi, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for the art of translation and interpretation in business

February 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa)

Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa)

In countries such as South Africa where there are so many official languages, and on the African continent in general where language can so often be the key to doing effective business across the continent, it can be challenging. But specialist language and translation expert, Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services Pty Ltd, has the solution, and her company is breaking down language barriers for business each and every day.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
Comment

Leigh-Ann Gowland, a South African entrepreneur helping others to manage change for growth

February 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa) 

Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa) 

Change at a personal and business level can often be challenging and feel like an uphill struggle. But change specialist Leigh-Ann Gowland and her company Employee Driven Change (Pty) Ltd have a solution to make the journey easier to navigate.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
Comment

Grace Mlimo, an entrepreneur providing a gateway to showcase Africa’s luxury brands on the continent

February 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Grace Mlimo, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa

Grace Mlimo, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa

Getting the world to sit up and take notice of Africa’s luxury products is a challenge, but for entrepreneur Grace Mlimo, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa, she thinks she has the solution with her online platform.

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In Startup Story Tags African Luxury
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Olukemi Omotayo Asalu, a Nigerian entrepreneur now based in South Africa taking the continent’s natural organic ingredients to the world of skin and haircare

February 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Olukemi Omotayo Asalu, founder of Daolus Organic Products (South Africa)

Olukemi Omotayo Asalu, founder of Daolus Organic Products (South Africa)

Increasingly today, consumers are becoming so much more conscious about the products they put onto their skin and on their hair, looking for natural, high quality alternatives to the chemical laden products on the shelves. For entrepreneur Olukemi Omotayo Asalu, this represented the perfect opportunity to do something she loved and create a business, Daolus Organic Products, to bring natural organic ingredients from Africa to the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Natural Wellness, Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
1 Comment

Geraldine Eve Kasambara, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur harnessing the power of social media marketing to help clients to realize their goals

February 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Geraldine Eve Kasambara, founder of 143 Communications (Zimbabwe)

Geraldine Eve Kasambara, founder of 143 Communications (Zimbabwe)

Staying on top of the latest online trends is key in the world of marketing, and for Zimbabwean company 143 Communications, headed by entrepreneur Geraldine Eve Kasambara, those trends bring exciting business opportunities. 

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
1 Comment

Febisola Okonkwo, a Nigerian socialpreneur committed to uplifting the lives of orphans, vulnerable children and women in her community

February 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Febisola Okonkwo, founder of Help For Mankind Initiative (Nigeria)

Febisola Okonkwo, founder of Help For Mankind Initiative (Nigeria)

There are many challenges in our society, and those challenges require dedicated people with the passion and expertise to make positive change happen. Help For Mankind Initiative, also known as Help Initiative, in Nigeria, is one organization making its own contribution to addressing these challenges, thanks to its founder Febisola Okonkwo.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Nomalanga Sitole, a South African entrepreneur using her voice and experience to inspire and motivate through eventing

February 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Nomalanga Sitole, founder of The Voice Within (South Africa)

Nomalanga Sitole, founder of The Voice Within (South Africa)

Often people speak about finding their inner voice as a means of directing their personal journeys and getting their vision or key messages across. This is certainly the case for Nomalanga Sitole, the South African entrepreneur behind The Voice Within, an event management company creating memorable eventing experiences for clients and attendees alike.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
Comment

Tepsii Tshikororo, a South African entrepreneur helping to develop other entrepreneurs in key aspects of their businesses

February 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)

Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)

Often the key to business success lies in harnessing and leveraging inherent skills and turning those same skills into an asset. For South African entrepreneur Tepsii Tshikororo, she found the key to her entrepreneurial journey in writing, coaching and training. Her company, Tepsii, is now empowering others to following their own business dreams.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
2 Comments

Lynnette Murua, a South African entrepreneur harnessing a passion for the environment to create a natural skin product range

February 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa)

Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa)

Often in business, the inspiration comes from a passion for something and the desire to turn that passion into a sustainable product or service that can benefit others. For Lynette Murua and her sister, Deidrè Akaloo, the starting point was a need to find natural and environmentally friendly skin care solutions for her family. What resulted on this journey was the emergence of a new company, Earth Elements, a new organic and natural body care brand with a conscience.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Carrie Leaver, a South African social entrepreneur on a mission to make a difference in the country she loves

January 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Carrie Leaver, founder of Social Agents Impact Consulting (South Africa)

Carrie Leaver, founder of Social Agents Impact Consulting (South Africa)

To make positive change happen in society, it requires highly committed, passionate and skilled people to find the necessary solutions to key problems and challenges. One South African social entrepreneur, Carrie Leaver, and the founder of Social Agents Impact Consulting, is now on a mission to help other social entrepreneurs to realize their goals in society.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
Comment

Filipa Carreira, the Mozambican entrepreneur empowering girls by helping them to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity

January 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Ensuring that Mozambique’s young women are given the opportunity to truly fulfill their potential without being held back due to lack of education on menstrual hygiene management, was the inspiration behind Wamina. This social entrepreneurship venture, the brainchild of Filipa Carreira, is making a real difference to the lives of the country’s young women.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Anna Cole Ojukwu, a Ghanaian design entrepreneur instilling confidence through her bold accessory and clothing collections

January 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Anna Cole Ojukwu, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana)

Anna Cole Ojukwu, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana)

As the world is increasingly more interested in African design, particularly in the accessory and clothing space, one entrepreneur in Ghana is captivating attention through her label Pernia Couture. Anna Cole Ojukwu is taking the best of African inspiration and turning it into must-have accessories and clothing.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Jewellery Design, Fashion
1 Comment
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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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