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Joelle Eyeson, an entrepreneur creating affordable eco housing solutions using rammed earth construction in Ghana

May 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)

Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)

Creating affordable housing solutions in Africa is a key challenge for many countries, and particularly homes that are eco-friendly. But Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth, is bringing a new and innovative solution to Ghana, and one that is replicable across the continent. 

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In Startup Story Tags Construction, Eco-preneur, Ghana
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Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, two social entrepreneurs creating a unique new co-working space for startups in Cape Town

April 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, founders of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, founders of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

One of the biggest challenges for many startup entrepreneurs who work from home is connecting with other like-minded people in an environment which is supportive and creative. In Cape Town, social entrepreneurs Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald have created the answer with their Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay business venture.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Co-working
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Lien Potgieter, a South African entrepreneur helping women to harness the power of colour therapy in their lives

April 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lien Potgieter, founder of The Colour Option (South Africa)

Lien Potgieter, founder of The Colour Option (South Africa)

We have all probably heard the phrase ‘put a little colour in your life’, but entrepreneur Lien Potgieter is doing just that in the practical sense with her business, The Colour Option. She has created a range of online colour therapy courses specially for women who want to live a full, authentic life in relationships, business, and creativity.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Beauty & Wellness
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Debra Mwodza, a South African entrepreneur helping small businesses to reach their goals

April 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Debra Mwodza, founder of Quest Support Solutions (South Africa)

Debra Mwodza, founder of Quest Support Solutions (South Africa)

In today’s fast changing business environment, small businesses across all sectors continue to face challenges in reaching their goals. Business owners need to step up their game in order to stay relevant and ahead of their competitors - and that’s where Debra Mwodza’s Quest Support Solutions comes in.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, a luxury silk fabric and fashion brand builder inspired by her West African heritage

April 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

Silk has long been synonymous with the notion of luxury, and for fashionpreneur Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans, this was the inspirational starting point for her business. Today, this exciting luxury fashion and fabric brand celebrates the luxurious quality of silk, creating clothing and fabric collections that bring African design to life. 

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In Startup Story Tags African Luxury, United Kingdom, Fashion
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Nira Sklair, a photographer entrepreneur in South Africa turning her passion into a fulfilling encore career

April 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)

Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)

Some people have to wait a lifetime to find their real purpose in life, one that harnesses their innate talents. For talented photographer, Nira Sklair, that time came after the age of 50 when life presented the opportunity for her to finally pursue her real passion and turn it into an encore business. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Art-preneur
1 Comment

Londeka Mlawuza, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to declutter and help clients’ organize their lives

April 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
LV&CO- Collage.jpg

How many of us struggle on a daily basis to organize their lives and businesses efficiently, removing the extraneous clutter that holds us back from achieving goals and full potential? Well, help is at hand from entrepreneur Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co, the organizing specialists. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Vasie Sewramulu, a South African entrepreneur building an eco-friendly detergent manufacturing business

April 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Safeguard-Collage.jpg

Realizing that the South African consumer is far more educated in the field of enzyme, bacterial and green cleaning products than just a few years ago, entrepreneur Vasie Seweramulu and two of her fellow women entrepreneurs, created Safeguard Hygiene and Safety.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Eco-preneur
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Annabel Biggar-David, a South African eco-warrior creating a unique holistic retail lifestyle experience

April 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Annabel Biggar-David, founder of Organico (South Africa)

Annabel Biggar-David, founder of Organico (South Africa)

There is a growing interest on the part of consumers to find products that have been created with a gentler footprint on the planet. So it’s exciting to hear of a great holistic lifestyle store in South Africa, Organico, created by passionate social entrepreneur Annabel Biggar-David. This is a business that has environmental sustainability at its heart.

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In Startup Story Tags Natural Wellness, South Africa, Eco-preneur
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Marjon Meyer, a South African HR specialist on a mission to help people become better versions of themselves

March 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marjon Meyer

Marjon Meyer

Everyone encounters difficulties and challenges in their lives at some time or another, and often specialist help and coaching is needed to overcome those challenges. Marjon Meyer, founder of the specialist Training and HR Consulting business that carries her name, has the expertise to help others to fulfill their potential in life and business.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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Marjorie Atuhurra, a Ugandan social entrepreneur on a mission to empower marginalized women in her country

March 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

For countries and communities to thrive, they need to ensure that every person is empowered and equipped to fulfill their potential. In Uganda, Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation is working tirelessly to ensure that other women and young girls are given the opportunity to become fully participating, independent and contributing members of society.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Social Entrepreneur
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Karen Carr and Hanneke Schutte, two South African entrepreneurs turning a passion for pets into a thriving business

March 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Karen Carr & Hanneke Schutte, founders of Benji + Moon (South Africa)

Karen Carr & Hanneke Schutte, founders of Benji + Moon (South Africa)

As any pet-lover will tell you, trying to find the perfect products for those furry friends in our lives that are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye in our homes, can be quite a challenge. However two enterprising women from South Africa have the solution. Benji + Moon is a business that creates beautifully designed, compassionately driven pet products that will make both owners and their beloved pets happy.  

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans, Retail, South Africa
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Tatenda Ndambakuwa, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur helping farmers become more productive through app development and data science

March 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tatenda Ndambakuwa, founder of Shiri (Zimbabwe)

Tatenda Ndambakuwa, founder of Shiri (Zimbabwe)

Many entrepreneurs are driven by a passion to solve problems or address key societal issues. For Tatenda Ndambakuwa, founder of Shiri, her driving force is to address food security challenges by helping farmers in her country to become more productive and efficient using the power of technology.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Agri-business, Women in Tech
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Masana Sangweni, a South African event planner passionate about making moments memories

March 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality (South Africa)

Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality (South Africa)

Events are very personal occasions and for the clients hosting them finding the right event planner who can create the right experience is crucial. That is where South African entrepreneur Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality, comes in. She helps her clients create beautiful and unique event memories that last.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Event Management, Business Services
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Nomafu Mdlambuzi, a South African entrepreneur passionate about manufacturing traditional wear for all occasions 

March 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ezakwantu_Collage-18.jpg

South Africa has a rich traditional heritage and one that is celebrated through dress and costumes that tell a unique story. Today, entrepreneur Nomafu Mdlambuzi is carrying on the family business and her mother’s original vision, creating beautiful traditional wear for her customers through her company, Ezakwantu Sewing Co-op.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Fashion
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Patricia Majule, a Tanzanian entrepreneur manufacturing unique gifts for party and corporate event planners

March 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Trying to find the right company to create a gifting and party favour experience can be a real challenge, but in Tanzania, one woman manufacturer is providing a solution. Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ, is creating a range of gifting and party favour products that are made locally at a great price.

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In Startup Story Tags Tanzania, Manufacturing, Services
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Olivia Onyemaobi, the Nigerian social entrepreneur improving menstrual hygiene management education in her country

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Personal experiences and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others are often the two key drivers of social entrepreneurs when it comes to starting up their businesses. For Nigerian social entrepreneur, Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations, her inspiration came from the need to help women and girls to manage their menstrual hygiene and fulfill their potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Social Entrepreneur
1 Comment

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.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Business Services
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Bianca Hansen, a South African entrepreneur bringing an award winning beer brewed using surplus fresh bread to the country’s craft beer market

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bianca Hansen, co-founder of Toast Ale SA (South Africa)

Bianca Hansen, co-founder of Toast Ale SA (South Africa)

When you think about beer making, bread as a key ingredient doesn’t automatically come to mind. But Toast Ale SA, co-founded by Bianca Hansen, is different, using surplus bread from bakeries as the foundation for brewing this delicious beer. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Food & Drink
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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.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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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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