Maria Auma, a Ugandan entrepreneur helping startups to build sustainable businesses with impact

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda) — **Maria Auma**, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

For many startups, taking their businesses to the next level can be challenging. In Uganda, one woman entrepreneur is helping small business owners to increase their production capacity and access finance. Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments, is bringing her expertise and investment community to help startups to fulfill their potential.

Liesl Esau, a South African entrepreneur passionate about health, safety and environmental compliance

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Liesl Esau, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa) — **Liesl Esau**, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa)

Every company needs to ensure their workplace is safe and their employees are trained in best practice health, safety and environmental compliance, and that’s where Liesl Esau comes in. Her company HSE Matters is helping companies to get it right.

Katy Valentine, a South African jewellery designer creating collections inspired by two continents

February 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Katy Valentine, founder of Katy Valentine Collection (South Africa) — **Katy Valentine**, founder of Katy Valentine Collection (South Africa)

Jewellery is such a personal thing, and often those buying pieces to wear or to give as gifts are inspired by the stories behind each unique piece, or by the cultures they reflect. The Katy Valentine Collection, a business and brand named after its creator, uniquely takes its inspiration from Africa and India, but with a contemporary design aesthetic.

Gaceri Kirimi, a Kenyan entrepreneur building a niche on-demand laundry business for busy people

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya) — **Gaceri Kirimi**, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

As entrepreneurs, we all know how difficult it can be to balance work and life commitments, and when it comes to managing household chores such as laundry, it can be difficult without help. That’s where Destello Laundry Cleaning Services comes in, helping Nairobi’s busy professionals and families to deal with the chore of doing laundry each week.

Naledi Toona, a South African entrepreneur taking her skills as a private chef to the next level in business

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Chef Naledi, Private Chef and Cooking Instructor (South Africa) — **Chef Naledi**, Private Chef and Cooking Instructor (South Africa)

They say that to build a successful business, you should start with your specialist skills, passion and knowledge, and harness those as the basis for a business that can grow. This is an approach being taken to the full by the talented Chef Naledi, a South African private chef and culinary instructor who is now helping others to build their knowledge and experience of cooking at home.

Maria Natália João, a Mozambican entrepreneur mastering the art of event planning and related services

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique) — **Maria Natália João**, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

The world of eventing is a hugely competitive business, so the secret to success is building a reputation and service offering that is differentiated in the industry. For entrepreneur, Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços, that meant harnessing her considerable expertise and experience as an event MC and building upon that to create a multifaceted business.

Wambui JL, a Kenyan serial entrepreneur harnessing the power of publishing to celebrate Africa’s natural lifestyles

February 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Wambui JL, founder of Hairpolitan Lifestyle (Kenya) — **Wambui JL**, founder of Hairpolitan Lifestyle (Kenya)

These days, there is growing interest in the use of natural products for health, wellness and beauty in Africa, and a growing audience to learn more about trends and products in the marketplace. Hairpolitan Lifestyle is an online magazine, created by Kenyan entrepreneur Wambui JL, and aimed at sharing stories about people who are celebrating and living natural lifestyles.

Samantha Rice, a South African creative media expert with a passion for helping her clients to realize their business visions

February 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Samantha Rice, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa) — **Samantha Rice**, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa)

For many successful businesses, it’s all about ensuring they stay on message and have a strong brand identity and digital presence to support that goal. For entrepreneur Samantha Rice, founder of Creative Compass, that’s where her specialist expertise and insights can make the difference.

Janine Starkey, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to make others look and feel good

February 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Janine Starkey, founder of House of Janine (South Africa) — **Janine Starkey**, founder of House of Janine (South Africa)

As many successful entrepreneurs will tell you, achieving that success is often down to confidence, and lots of it, but for many women entrepreneurs, confidence doesn’t always come naturally. But South African entrepreneur, Janine Starkey, founder of image consultancy House of Janine, is about to change all that.

Phindi Msomi, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for helping employees to become more effective at work

February 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Phindi Msomi, founder of Olwazini Consulting Services (South Africa) — **Phindi Msomi,** founder of Olwazini Consulting Services (South Africa)

Creating a working environment where employees can thrive and excel is a challenge for many companies and organisations. For South African company, Olwazini Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, founded by Phindi Msomi, this represented a key business opportunity.

Wezi Moyo, a Malawian serial entrepreneur growing multiple businesses and a reputation for success

February 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Wezi Moyo, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge (Malawi) — **Wezi Moyo**, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge (Malawi)

In Malawi, many women entrepreneurs have not just one business, but several, working on the philosophy that it is better to both spread business risk and increase the chances of success. Wezi Moyo, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge, is one such woman, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to be a successful serial entrepreneur in the country.

Sonia Paiva, a Swaziland serial entrepreneur making an impact in the agribusiness and food processing sectors in her country

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sonia Paiva, founder of Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Swaziland) — **Sonia Paiva**, founder of Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Swaziland)

Building one business is tough enough, but creating and running two successful, high impact businesses that both positively impact on society and the lives of those working in the agricultural sector is impressive. Sonia Paiva, founder of the Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Pty) Ltd is proof positive that it can be done.

Nancy Munderu, a Kenyan entrepreneur turning her passion for travel into the foundation of a successful business

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nancy Munderu, founder of Travel Shore Africa (Kenya) — **Nancy Munderu**, founder of Travel Shore Africa (Kenya)

For many people, organising their corporate and personal travel arrangements can be a real chore, and often a logistical nightmare. That’s where specialist travel agencies come in to help make the process easier. Nancy Munderu, founder of Travel Shore Africa, is making it her personal mission to help people better navigate their travel arrangements.

Alethea Volanie, a South African accessory manufacturer winning fans with her designs and quality products

January 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Alethea Volanie, founder of Volani Creative Designs (South Africa) — **Alethea Volanie**, founder of Volani Creative Designs (South Africa)

Some of the most successful businesses are based on turning an existing skill or passion into the foundation of a creative and viable business. For Alethea Volanie, founder of Volani Creative Designs, that skill was the ability to handcraft leather into beautiful accessories.

Nyasha Mukombe, a South African entrepreneur helping clients take the stress out of organising their events

January 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management (South Africa) — **Nyasha Mukombe**, founder of Sakile Events Management (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals, the thought of organising events can be a logistical nightmare, but for Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management, it’s a pleasure.

Ntediseng Mwale, a South African culinary entrepreneur putting the love and passion into cooking for her clients

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa) — **Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy)**, founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa)

They say food is love, and when prepared by passionate chefs who have a love and respect for the ingredients they use, combined with a creative eye and hand, that love is passed on to the customer. South African chef and entrepreneur, Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods, is passion personified in the kitchen.

Refilwe Sebothoma, a South African entrepreneur making her mark in the premium personal protective equipment business

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa) — **Refilwe Sebothoma**, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Creating safe working environments for employees in any industry sector is key, and that’s where specialist knowledge and equipment is essential. Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations, is helping companies and organisations to create those safe working environments through her provision of personal protective equipment.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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 / 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.