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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Marion Nixon, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help others transform their lives

May 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Marion Nixon

Marion Nixon

If you have ever thought of changing your life for the better by understanding yourself and the factors that might be holding you back, then you may need a Personal Change Agent to help you on your journey of self discovery. Marion Nixon is just such a person, with the skills and experience to help those who feel stuck in life to find their way again.

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In Startup Story Tags Professional Services, South Africa
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Rose Sibisi, a Zambian woman entrepreneur taking her lifestyle brand to her audience through her highly entertaining TV talkshow

May 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Rose Sibisi

Rose Sibisi

Personality-led brands and businesses connect with audiences because of precisely that - they are created by women entrepreneurs who are big on passion and personality. Rose Sibisi is an entrepreneur who has both of these traits in huge quantities, and her passion for what she does is infectious. Her popular Talk Show, StylewithRoseS, is must-watch television. 

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In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Media PR & Communications
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Narcissi Madisha, a South African fashionpreneur creating stylish and on-trend clothes for young girls

May 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

Moms and daughters alike know what fun fashion and shopping for great clothes can be, and Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids, has just the brand for them. She is creating fashionable yet comfortable clothes for young girls who want to express their own individual style from a young age.

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In Startup Story Tags Children's Clothing, South Africa, Fashion
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Colleen Deetlefs, a South African ecopreneur turning old tyres into beautiful and practical new products for people to love and use

May 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Colleen Deetlefs, founder of Innovative Waste Design (IWD) (South Africa)

Colleen Deetlefs, founder of Innovative Waste Design (IWD) (South Africa)

The ability to see possibility in what others see as simply waste is a real talent, and that is something that Innovative Waste Design (IWD) founder, Colleen Deetlefs has in large quantities. She has a creative eye, combined with the business acumen to turn waste into beautiful and practical new products that have a great back story and a positive environmental footprint. 

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In Startup Story Tags Eco-preneur, South Africa
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Nita Chivwara, a Malawian entrepreneur with a passion for strategy and advising global companies on doing business in her country 

May 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Nita Chivwara, Business Development Consultant (Malawi)

Nita Chivwara, Business Development Consultant (Malawi)

For many companies, moving into a new business territory is a challenge, and having access to local insights and advice can be key to success. For entrepreneur Nita Chivwara, her experience as a country strategist and project manager has provided the necessary skills set to offer practical country marketing advice to global business. 

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Business Services
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Clare Appleyard, a South African geologist turned entrepreneur creating diamond jewellery for those special life moments

May 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds (South Africa)

Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds (South Africa)

Who doesn’t love diamonds? These fascinating precious stones that are infused with so many stories, memories, dreams on the part of the owners and wearers. For Clare Appleyard, her love for and extensive technical knowledge of the diamond industry led her to launch her own business, Katannuta Diamonds. 

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In Startup Story Tags Jewellery Design, South Africa
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Lee Chisale, an entrepreneur bringing the world of luxury wellness spas to Malawi

May 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lee Chisale, founder of Belle Afrique (Malawi)

Lee Chisale, founder of Belle Afrique (Malawi)

In Africa, the health and wellness industry is a growing business sector, but in Malawi there was a definite gap for a luxury wellness spa brand in the market. Belle Afrique, the entrepreneurial brainchild of Lee Chisale, is filling that gap with a world class brand and product offering.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Malawi
1 Comment

Sazia Sousa, a Mozambican techpreneur making her mark in the country’s IT sector

May 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Sazia Sousa, founder of Technoplus (Mozambique)

Sazia Sousa, founder of Technoplus (Mozambique)

Mastering the art of the career pivot is something that Sazia Sousa knows well, having originally studied to be an architect and then making the move into computer engineering. This adventurous move has led to her becoming a key player in this highly competitive field with the creation of her company Technoplus.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Technology, Women in Tech
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Kelebogile Makhafola, a South African brand strategist on a mission to help organizations find their unique value propositions

April 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Kelebogile Makhafola, founder of Maruapula Brand (South Africa)

Kelebogile Makhafola, founder of Maruapula Brand (South Africa)

For any business, large or small, one of the biggest challenges can be developing and communicating a unique brand essence, one that engages and connects with customers and employees alike. Maruapula Brand, founded by entrepreneur Kelebogile Makhafola, is helping those businesses through this brand maze.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, South Africa
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Tania Shedden, a South African entrepreneur creating a sweet new recipe for effective social media

April 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tania Shedden, founder of Sweet Social Studio (South Africa)

Tania Shedden, founder of Sweet Social Studio (South Africa)

As entrepreneurs we all know how important it is to build an effective social media presence to engage with customers and get people talking in the most powerful way about our businesses and brands. Yet for many people, it’s hard work and very time consuming. That’s where Tania Shedden, founder of Sweet Social Studio, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Online Service, Social Media, South Africa
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Bitania Amare, an Ethiopian entrepreneur building an online platform to help customers in Addis Ababa order their food online

April 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of WeDeliver (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of WeDeliver (Ethiopia)

If you have ever experienced that feeling of being in the work environment and feeling hungry, but not being able to leave the office or workspace because things are just too busy, then WeDeliver, a startup business founded by entrepreneur Bitania Amare has the answer. Her new online ordering platform is making it easy for consumers to get their purchases delivered directly to them. 

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In Startup Story Tags Online Service, Ethiopia
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Tamala Chirwa, a Malawian entrepreneur coaching and mentoring a new generation of leaders in the country

April 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tamala Chirwa, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi)

Tamala Chirwa, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi)

For people in corporate or public life, developing core leadership skills is key to success and career progression, but that often requires specialist coaching and mentoring support. In Malawi, one woman entrepreneur, Tamala Chirwa, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint, is fulfilling that role and bringing specialist coaching programs to those who need them. 

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Mentoring, Business Services
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Nureshka Viranna, a South African entrepreneur building a business that helps others to showcase their products and services online

April 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Nureshka Viranna, founder of ShopLi (South Africa)

Nureshka Viranna, founder of ShopLi (South Africa)

For many businesses, getting products and services to markets and customers is the hardest part of the journey. But for entrepreneurs in South Africa, there is now a specialist service on offer. ShopLi, the brainchild of Nureshka Viranna, is helping businesses to create their own online stores and catalogues, to attract customers and convert them into sales.

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In Startup Story Tags Online Service, South Africa
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Judith Msonthi, a Malawian entrepreneur leveraging her talents as an MC and presenter to create a business

April 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Judith Msonthi, founder of Judie Emcee (Malawi)

Judith Msonthi, founder of Judie Emcee (Malawi)

Every successful event needs a great Master of Ceremonies to keep things moving according to schedule and importantly to keep audiences engaged. In Malawi, one of the most popular MCs currently is Judith Msonthi, founder of Judie Emcee, bringing her unique style and personality to enliven any event.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Media PR & Communications
1 Comment

Phanice Shamalla, a Kenyan entrepreneur with a passion for helping people to become healthier in their lives 

April 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Phanice Shamalla, founder of Iris Management (Kenya)

Phanice Shamalla, founder of Iris Management (Kenya)

For many people, staying fit and healthy is a real challenge and often requires a combination of specialist help, advice and access to resources, to make those essential healthy living choices. Iris Management, the business venture of health and wellbeing entrepreneur, Phanice Shamalla, is working hard to change mindsets and make it easier for people to think and live healthier lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Kenya
Comment

Tarina Du Plessis, the Namibian entrepreneur with an A-Z support system for small businesses

April 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tarina Du Plessis, founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions (Namibia)

Tarina Du Plessis, founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions (Namibia)

For many business startups, the list of things that need to be done and put in place to ensure a good foundation can be daunting. But entrepreneur Tarina Du Plessis, founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions, is on a mission to make it simpler. She is there to walk each step of the journey with her clients, making it less stressful and very much solution oriented.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Chantelle Beukes, a South African toymaker telling stories and stimulating imagination through her handcrafted work

April 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Chantelle Beukes, founder of La Fede (South Africa)

Chantelle Beukes, founder of La Fede (South Africa)

La Fede, which means ‘faith’ in Italian, is a handcrafted heirloom toy company with a difference, as each individually created piece is inspired by a character or a story. The company, created by South African entrepreneur, Chantelle Beukes, is on a mission to bring a smile to young children’s faces as they harness the power of their imaginations to play with the beautiful, quirky toys she makes. 

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans
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Jazeera Suwani, an entrepreneur creating artisan chocolates for those with dietary challenges in Kenya

April 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jazeera Suwani, founder Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

Jazeera Suwani, founder Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

For the many people who long for the wonderful taste of chocolate but their dietary regimes mean it is not an option, Kenyan entrepreneur Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate, has the answer. She has created a business making fabulous handmade chocolates that specifically cater for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. 

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In Startup Story Tags Chocolate, Kenya, Food & Drink
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Lilly Alfonso, the startup story of a Malawian fashionpreneur building a unique fashion brand that is taking the continent by storm

March 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Building a fashion brand with a unique personality, great style appeal, and a social conscience can be a tall order for many. But for the talented designer and entrepreneur, Lilly Alfonso, a leading light on the Malawian fashion and businessscene, this is the nature of the business and brand she is building.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
1 Comment

Tinky Ogle, a South African publisher on a mission to bring essential advice and information to small businesses

March 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tinky Ogle, founder of SMME News (South Africa)

Tinky Ogle, founder of SMME News (South Africa)

If there is something that small businesses can never get enough of, it’s access to great, relevant and timeous advice and information, and that’s where South African publishing entrepreneur Tinky Ogle comes in. Her publication, SMME News, is playing a key role in bringing news and information right into the heart of the entrepreneurial community in which she lives and works.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
1 Comment
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / The House of Agness

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

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

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

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

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

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

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

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / The Joinery

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

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

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

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Dounia Home

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

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

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

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

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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