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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Eugénia Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur making waves in the construction sector with her dedication to high quality procurement and logistics

July 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Eugénia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

Eugénia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

The construction sector in Africa is traditionally a tough sector to enter, and a complicated one from a procurement and logistics perspective. However, for entrepreneur Eugénia Langa, founder of specialist company Nweba, this is a challenge she is meeting head-on, providing the best procurement and logistics management practices and risk management to her clients.  

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Mozambique
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Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning her passion for flowers into a contemporary floral design business

July 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder of House Of Agness (Mozambique)

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder of House Of Agness (Mozambique)

The art of flower arranging has a long and beautiful history, but today has been taken to a whole new level as floral gifting and interior decoration has become part of our everyday lives. For Mozambican entrepreneur Mariana Agness Francisco Eria and her floral design business, House Of Agness, this represents a wonderful opportunity to bring her unique floral design aesthetic to her customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Mozambique, African Luxury
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Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka, a Kenyan entrepreneur taking her flair for creating delicious patisserie and creating a leading food brand in the country

July 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Who doesn’t love a decadent slice of cake, or a platter of beautifully crafted pastries, enjoyed with a cup of coffee or created for a special occasion? Kenyan entrepreneur, Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka, founder of Spez Limited, is building a culinary name for herself in the patisserie world with her deliciously decadent brand “The Missing Slice.”

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Food & Drink
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Pesika Odera, Winnie Ochieng and Doreen Okal, three Kenyan entrepreneurs creating a beautiful natural soap brand 

July 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Winnie Ochieng, Pesika Odera, and Doreen Okal

Winnie Ochieng, Pesika Odera, and Doreen Okal

Many entrepreneurs are driven not only by passion, but also a desire to make a difference, particularly when it comes to creating employment opportunities in local communities. In the case of the Kenyan natural soap manufacturing company, Wipedo Ltd, its three women founders are not only creating world class natural soap products, but also creating employment for others, extending the value chain of this unique and proudly Kenyan brand. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Kenya
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Lindiwe Mafavuneh, a Botswana based entrepreneur on a mission to help companies to manage their risk and maximize their investments

July 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lindiwe Mafavuneh, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana)

Lindiwe Mafavuneh, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana)

Every company and organization needs to manage its risk profile whilst at the same time maximizing its ability to drive business success, but it’s a fine balancing act. For many, specilalist help and advice is needed to get that balance right, and that’s where LCM Capital has found its niche, thanks to founder Lindiwe Mafavuneh. 

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Finance
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Yolie Thela, a South African entrepreneur creating unique baby clothing that celebrates her love of African prints

July 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Yolie Thela, founder of GloryBaby (South Africa)

Yolie Thela, founder of GloryBaby (South Africa)

The global market for beautifully made, colorful and fun baby clothes that are loved by babies and moms alike is growing, and particularly in Africa. Tapping into that growing market opportunity is South African entrepreneur, Yolie Thela, founder of GloryBaby, with her proudly South African prints brightening up the wardrobes of babies across the country and the continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Children's Clothing, South Africa, Fashion
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Adèle Cutten, the startup story of a passionate South African craftswoman taking her love of natural yarns to a whole new level

July 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Adèle Cutten, founder of Adèle’s Mohair (South Africa)

Adèle Cutten, founder of Adèle’s Mohair (South Africa)

Successful businesses are often inspired by the passion of their founders, and in the case of Adèle Cutten, founder of Adèle’s Mohair, it was a passion for transforming sought-after natural fibres like Mohair, Wool, Silk and Alpaca, into beautiful yarns. Today, her company produces a wide range of yarns with interesting colours and textures, together with beautifully crafted end-products, all the while adding value to the lives of the people involved in the process.

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In Startup Story Tags Agri-business, Fashion
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Mimi Kalinda, a South African entrepreneur empowering fellow Africans through the power of storytelling

June 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Mimi Kalinda, founder of Africommunications Group (South Africa)

Mimi Kalinda, founder of Africommunications Group (South Africa)

Shaping the African continent’s positive narrative and opening up the minds of others around the globe to see its full potential, requires making connections with people at a human level. And, there is no better way of achieving this than through the sharing of stories and experiences. Entrepreneur Mimi Kalinda and her company Africommunications Group are both on a mission to harness the power of storytelling to change perceptions of this amazing continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Chule Gobodo, a South African film-maker connecting consumers and brands through visual storytelling

June 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

They say everyone has a unique story to tell, but often people, businesses and brands find it hard to get that story told in a way that is engaging. But one woman entrepreneur is on a mission to change all that. Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives, is showing clients how to powerfully connect their brands with their consumers using storytelling through film.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Shamila Ramjawan, a South African entrepreneur finding solutions to affordable menstrual management for girls

June 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

Famram Solutions is a high impact business helping girls and women globally to enjoy life, restore dignity, whilst offering an affordable solution to health care, especially menstruation matters and women’s health.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Lunice Johnston, a South African communications professional with a passion for guiding her clients on their own business journeys in the public domain

June 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lunice Johnston, founder of Lunice Johnston Communications (South Africa)

Lunice Johnston, founder of Lunice Johnston Communications (South Africa)

Navigating the often over saturated world of business messaging and communications can present a challenge to companies and organisations, both large and small. But Lunice Johnston, founder of the specialist communications company that bears her name, has the solutions and 25 years of experience to match. 

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Miyoba Buumba, a Zambian entrepreneur taking her passion for African design and turning it into a distinctive homeware and accessories brand

June 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

Often a business idea stems from a personal passion, and in the case of Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs in Zambia, that passion came from her interest in proudly African design. Today, her brand is a reflection of her own design inspiration and her love of African style and culture.

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In Startup Story Tags Children's Clothing, Zambia, Fashion
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Rianke Chapman, a South African edupreneur on a mission to help young people realize their educational goals in life

June 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Rianke Chapman, founder of Tutor For The Future (South Africa)

Rianke Chapman, founder of Tutor For The Future (South Africa)

Acquiring maths learning at an early age equips young people with the critical thinking and problem solving skills that will help them in all aspects of their lives. For edupreneur Rianke Chapman, founder of Tutor For The Future, this educational need on the part of South Africa’s young people provided the inspiration to start a business providing the specialist educational support needed to fill a real gap.

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In Startup Story Tags Edupreneur, South Africa
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Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, two South African media entrepreneurs telling Africa’s stories through the power of film and tv

June 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

Getting the world to see Africa from a different perspective requires the ability to harness the power of storytelling through the visual media, and that is where South African tv and film production company, Sorele Media, comes in. Talented and highly experienced founders, Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, are on a mission to not only produce great content, but also to create a powerful online tv platform to get the right messages across to audiences.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, a South African mother and daughter team creating artisanal, handcrafted chocolates with a conscience

June 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

For many consumers today, understanding and appreciating the provenance of the food we eat is increasingly important and part of the buying decision-making process. Therefore, for lovers of artisanal chocolate with a farm to table story, the team behind The Chocolatiers has a great story to tell. 

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In Startup Story Tags Chocolate, Food & Drink
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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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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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