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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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    • Events Homepage & Booking
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    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
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  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
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    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Brenda Katwesigye, a Ugandan woman entrepreneur bringing affordable eye care to school children by harnessing the power of virtual reality technology 

October 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Making eye care accessible and affordable to everyone in Uganda, regardless of their income status, is the vision of Brenda Katwesigye, founder of high impact company Wazi Vision. She is on a mission to ensure that everyone who needs eye testing and glasses, no matter where they are located in the country, can get access to these life changing services.

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur, Uganda, Healthcare
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Josephine Marie Godwyll, a social entrepreneur bringing the world of learning to young Ghanaian children through digital platforms

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Josephine Marie Godwyll, founder of Young At Heart (Ghana)

Josephine Marie Godwyll, founder of Young At Heart (Ghana)

Young children have the ability to learn quickly and absorb new information and skills that can change their lives, as long as they get access to exciting learning experiences. In Ghana’s rural communities, this was a key challenge. But one woman entrepreneur, Jospephine Marie Godwyll, is changing that through her high impact social enterprise, Young At Heart Ghana. Today, she is bringing digital learning experiences that are truly game-changing to young people’s minds and futures.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur, Edupreneur
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Temie Giwa-Tubosun, a Nigerian entrepreneur on a mission to save lives through LifeBank, her blood sourcing and delivery service

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of Lifebank (Nigeria)

Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of Lifebank (Nigeria)

Hospitals and patients need lifesaving blood supplies, each and every day, but finding safe supplies of blood and getting it delivered quickly in the right condition has been a challenge in Nigeria. Today, one entrepreneur is changing that. Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder and ceo of LifeBank, is getting safe blood supplies delivered to those who need it most using the power of technology.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur, Healthcare
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Benji Coetzee, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to make cargo transportation more eco and cost efficient

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Benji Coetzee, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa)

Benji Coetzee, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa)

How many times a day whilst we are travelling on the highways, railways and flightpaths of countries across the African continent do we see underutilized freight carriers. This results in more expense and a bigger environmental impact. But that is about to change with the entry into the marketplace of EmptyTrips. This innovative, digital company is a game-changer in the logistics and freight transportation business. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Women in Tech, Technology, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Marta Pinto Coelho Roff, a Mozambique based entrepreneur building the country’s leading relocation services company

October 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Maputo_Relocation_Collage.jpg

Relocating to another country, town or city can be stressful at the best of times, and having a specialist company to help with logistics is essential to keep those stress levels down. One entrepreneur in Mozambique has created a business to take away the headache of relocation, and instead make it as stress-free a process as possible.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
Comment

Daisy Mogne, a Mozambican entrepreneur making her mark in the world of professional makeup and hairstyling

October 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Daisy Mogne, founder of Studio Daisy Mogne (Mozambique)

Daisy Mogne, founder of Studio Daisy Mogne (Mozambique)

From transforming actors in television and film studios to fulfill their onscreen roles, to styling models for the fashion runways, leading professional makeup and hair artist, Daisy Mogne, has certainly perfected her craft. Today, her own Studio Daisy Mogne, is building a wonderful reputation for transforming and preparing clients for their special days, from weddings and special occasions, to those who work in front of the camera each day. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Mozambique
Comment

Iria Marina, a Mozambican entrepreneur using her skills behind the lens to capture the essence of the subjects she photographs

October 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Iria Marina, founder of Iria Marina Photography (Mozambique)

Iria Marina, founder of Iria Marina Photography (Mozambique)

Today, more and more people and businesses are understanding the power of strong images to communicate with audiences. Yet, the challenge is having the creative vision to really tell the stories behind the images and to make an emotional connection with those viewing them. That is where the talented Iria Marina comes in, founder of the photography business that carries her name.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Media PR & Communications Month
Comment

Evandra Cossa, a Mozambican entrepreneur addressing financial inclusion in her country

September 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Evandra Cossa, founder of Ezee Money (Mozambique)

Evandra Cossa, founder of Ezee Money (Mozambique)

Ezee Money Mozambique is a new business venture in the country that looks to further financial inclusion for its citizens by being largely telecom independent, enabling users to access pre-paid and money transfer services. Serial entrepreneur, Evandra Cossa, is leveraging existing technology based solutions originating from Malaysia to make a difference in Mozambique.

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In Startup Story Tags Finance, Business Services, Mozambique
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Emma Maame Efua Tandoh, a Ghanaian entrepreneur finding new creative ways to celebrate African textiles

September 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Emma Maame Efua Tandoh, founder of Love Ankara (Ghana)

Emma Maame Efua Tandoh, founder of Love Ankara (Ghana)

African print has been finding its way into mainstream fashion for a long time, but it is always good to see a brand emerging from the continent that innovatively celebrates its diversity. Love Ankara is a fabulous retail, footwear and accessory brand, proudly made in Ghana but loved by the continent. 

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Fashion
Comment

Lorna Scott, a South African entrepreneur building a gin brand that is exciting the world’s tastebuds

September 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery (South Africa)

Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery (South Africa)

There is something special about passionate people who create products that celebrate the natural indigenous ingredients that come from one place, making them truly unique. Lorna Scott, the entreprenurial inspirational behind the fabulous Inverroche gin brand, is one such passionate creator and brand builder, inspired by the natural botanicals that grow in the world’s smallest yet richest floral kingdom.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Artisans, Food & Drink
Comment

Chika Madubuko, a Nigerian entrepreneur using technology to connect the elderly to professional caregivers

September 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Chika Madubuko, founder of Greymate Care (Nigeria)

Chika Madubuko, founder of Greymate Care (Nigeria)

Getting access to qualified, experienced and fully vetted care for those elderly family members who wish to stay at home can be extremely challenging, but Greymate Care is one company looking to provide a solution. It’s online platform connects specialist carers to those in need of care, giving both patients and families the peace of mind they are looking for.

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur
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Sinenhlanhla Ndlela, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to make delicious ice cream that is also dairy free

September 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Sine Ndlela, founder of YoCoco (South Africa)

Sine Ndlela, founder of YoCoco (South Africa)

For all those people out there who love the idea of gorgeous artisan ice cream, but cannot eat dairy produce, help is at hand. YoCoco, an exciting new artisan dairy free ice cream is tantalising tastebuds in South Africa with fabulous flavour combinations and taste sensations.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

Tracey Gilmore, a high impact social entrepreneur on a mission to upskill and empower unemployed people in South Africa

September 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tracey Gilmore and her business partner Tracey Chambers

Tracey Gilmore and her business partner Tracey Chambers

Tackling the growing unemployment problem in South Africa requires an innovative approach, and that’s where The Clothing Bank comes in. Tracey Gilmore and her business partner Tracey Chambers are turning retailer excess stock into the tools to teach unemployed South Africans to run small trading businesses.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Linda Makatiani, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to support all those who are left-handed in her country

September 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Linda Makatiani, founder of Lefty Kenya

Linda Makatiani, founder of Lefty Kenya

Have you ever wondered about the challenges experienced by those who are left-handed? Some of the things e take for granted each day, such as the implements we use, can be a real problem for those who use their left hand as their primary task hand. But Kenyan entrepreneur, Linda Makatiani, founder of Lefty Kenya, is on a mission to change all that.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications Month, Retail
Comment

Jacqueline Boulos, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses expand into Africa using powerful, localized content

September 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Boulos & Natalie du Toit - Innocomm (South Africa)

Jacqueline Boulos & Natalie du Toit - Innocomm (South Africa)

All too often, brands try to break into new markets without having enough local insights. For one strategic communications agency, that scenario was simply not an option for their clients. Innocomm, the brainchild of entrepreneur Jacqueline Boulos, believes in spending time in and getting to know key markets in order to get brand messages to really resonate with local audiences.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Thandiwe Makhanya, a passionate and high energy entrepreneur on a mission to create great events and marketing activations for client brands

August 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Thandiwe Makhanya, founder of A.T.L Events and Promotions (South Africa)

Thandiwe Makhanya, founder of A.T.L Events and Promotions (South Africa)

Getting brands and messages out to key audiences and markets is key to any customer centric brand, but the key to success is creating experiences that connect the right customers to those brands and products. For entrepreneur Thandiwe Makhanya, this is where her specialist company, A.T.L Events and Promotions, comes in with the solutions.

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

Tumi Moitse, a South African floral designer with a passion for creating luxury gifting experiences for her clients

August 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tumi Moitse, founder of BlakSaffron Boutique (South Africa)

Tumi Moitse, founder of BlakSaffron Boutique (South Africa)

Who doesn’t like receiving flowers? They cheer us, they brighten our days, they remind us fondly of the people who are giving them as gifts to us. For entrepreneur Tumi Moitse, her love of flowers started at an early age. Today she is taking that passion and creating a luxury floral design and gifting business, BlakSaffron Boutique, that helps her clients to express their feelings through the floral experiences she creates.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Retail
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Funeka Bango, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to create great fitting clothes for professional women with curves

August 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Funeka Bango, founder of Pride Journey (South Africa)

Funeka Bango, founder of Pride Journey (South Africa)

Niche South African clothing brand, Pride Journey, designs, produces and sells exclusive ready-to-wear pieces for professional women with curves to ensure a perfect fit and comfort while maintaining a graceful sense of style. 

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Tracy Mulei, a Kenyan logistics entrepreneur providing customers with a new approach to delivery services

August 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

Finding the gap in a key marketplace is always a positive factor when starting a new business, and for Kenyan entrepreneur Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery, this gap came in the form of specialist courier services. Today her company is bringing a much needed delivery service to Nairobi’s business and consumer community.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
Comment

Claudia Castellanos Roques, a passionate foodpreneur based in Swaziland creating a taste sensation with her gourmet chilli brand

August 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Claudia Castellanos Roques, co-founder Black Mamba (Swaziland)

Claudia Castellanos Roques, co-founder Black Mamba (Swaziland)

For all those who love the taste of chillis and want to buy products that are organic, fair trade produced in Swaziland, and supporting local farmers and producers, then Black Mamba is a gourmet chilli product brand to watch. 

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In Startup Story Tags Food & Drink, Eswatini, Agri-business
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25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link


Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Read more →
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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Read more →
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

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IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

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

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

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

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

Read more →

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

Read more →
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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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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

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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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

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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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

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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