• Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

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

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Mbali Masike, a young South African wine brand builder creating highly personal, story driven wines

September 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mbali Masike, founder of ngiyiMbali Brands (South Africa)

Mbali Masike, founder of ngiyiMbali Brands (South Africa)

Behind every great wine is a great story, and that is certainly the case with the exciting South African wines being created by ngiyiMbali Brands. Founder Mbali Masike brings her own personality and taste profiles into each individual wine she creates, sharing stories and creating memories for her customers. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Wine, Food & Drink
Comment

Mellisa Mazingi, a global brand builder revolutionizing the world view of traditional Swaziland handicrafts

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Africa has a long tradition of producing handcrafted goods that are lovingly produced by each country’s rural communities. But for one company, Gone Rural in eSwatini, headed by entrepreneur Mellisa Mazingi, the mission is to create world class, handcrafted products that the world can fall in love with.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Artisan Enterprise
Comment

Abai Schulze, founder of a new generation artisan enterprise taking Ethiopia's luxury leather craft heritage to the world

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

The world’s fashion conscious buyers are increasingly interested in knowing where the luxury goods they purchase are made, and by whom. For entrepreneur Abai Schulze, founder of growing brand ZAAF, her company’s strong backstory and ethos is resonating with these buyers, who are rapidly becoming fans and brand ambassadors with each purchase they make.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Artisans, Artisan Enterprise
Comment

Louise Bijleveld, an entrepreneur in Cote d’Ivoire building a clean technology business converting waste to energy

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Africa’s need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to waste management and energy generation is growing, and for Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO, that challenge provided the inspiration for a game-changing business.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Renewable Energy
Comment

Melissa Bime, an impact driven entrepreneur saving lives in Cameroon with her online blood bank

August 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

As a nurse, Melissa Bime saw a huge challenge in her country’s hospitals - getting essential blood supplies to those in need in order to save lives. So she became an impact entrepreneur, choosing to change the situation rather than being part of it, launching her online blood bank Infiuss as a solution.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Cameroon, Healthcare, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Andra Massamba, a Mozambican social entrepreneur on a mission to change attitudes in society

August 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

As human beings, celebrating and embracing our differences is what makes for a tolerant society, and for Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika, this was the inspiration for starting her social entrepreneurship venture.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Shirley Hayes, a self-starting South African entrepreneur redefining a new era of copper mining in the country

August 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

The mining sector is one of the toughest in which to build a business from scratch, and perhaps not an obvious choice for many. But for South African entrepreneur, Shirley Hayes, it is a sector in which she is making her mark with her SHiP Copper Company.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Mining & Beneficiation
Comment

Mishingo Aaron, an entrepreneur with a passion for harnessing the power of Botswana’s natural ingredients in a new beauty range 

August 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

There is a huge trend in the global beauty, bath and body products industry to get back to nature to source the finest ingredients and essential oils, and Botswana has a wealth of these ingredients. For entrepreneur Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth, the abundance of nature’s healing and restorative ingredients was the inspiration for the launch of her new business.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Christine Wanjiru, a Kenyan entrepreneur addressing the challenge of finding home-grown organic cosmetics brands in the country

August 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

They say in business that if you find a pain-point in the marketplace and one that is not being adequately serviced, then you have the basis of a business opportunity. For entrepreneur Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics in Kenya, that pain-point came in the form of not being able to find quality, hand-made, organic cosmetics to alleviate certain skin conditions and needs. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Adele Dejak, a Kenya based entrepreneur building a global luxury accessory brand that celebrates the true African experience

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

In the highly competitive world of international jewellery design, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. But this is certainly not the case for Kenyan jewellery and accessory design entrepreneur, Adele Dejak, founder of the striking global luxury brand that carries her name.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Jewellery Design, African Luxury
Comment

Dr Levashni Naidoo, a passionate dermatologist on a mission to help her clients achieve great skin

August 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Dr Levashni Naidoo, founder of The Dermatology Room (South Africa)

Dr Levashni Naidoo, founder of The Dermatology Room (South Africa)

For many people, dealing with challenging skin conditions can be confidence sapping and daunting. But for Dr Levashni Naidoo (or Dr Lev as she is fondly known) and her dedicated team at The Dermatology Room in South Africa, their inspiration is provide effective and life enhancing solutions.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Professional Services
Comment

Mkamboi Mwakale, a Kenyan entrepreneur harnessing the power of Moringa to create beautiful natural hair products

July 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics (Kenya)

Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics (Kenya)

The world is waking up to the natural benefits of Moringa, and for Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics, it was the inspiration for the launch of a new passion-driven business. Today, the business is not only winning legions of consumers, but it is also making a big difference to the lives of those growing this wonderful plant.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
Comment

Evangelia Kalaitzi, a South African entrepreneur creating beautiful, animal friendly handbags with a conscience

July 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Evangelia Kalaitzi, founder of HealthyWise & Evangelia Nina K Brand (South Africa)

Evangelia Kalaitzi, founder of HealthyWise & Evangelia Nina K Brand (South Africa)

The world is becoming increasingly aware of sustainability and animal rights issues, particularly when it comes to the fashion industry. And, one South African entrepreneur, Evangelia Kalaitzi, founder of HealthyWise and the inspiration behind the Evangelia Nina K accessory brand, is creating beautiful, sustainable products that makes it easy for consumers to go ‘green’.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Eco-preneur, Fashion
Comment

Chita Mumba Zulu, an entrepreneur creating beautiful, affordable engagement and wedding rings for Zambian couples

July 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Successful businesses understand that finding a gap in the market is key, and for entrepreneur Chita Mumba Zulu and her team at Eternal Jewellery Zambia, that gap was in the wedding and engagement ring market. Today, the business is making a name for itself by supplying quality, affordable and beautiful jewellery for couples who are planning their wedding celebrations.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Jewellery Design
Comment

Zeinab Abdallah, a Mozambican entrepreneur making world-class beauty therapy treatments more accessible

July 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Zeinab Abdallah, founder of Qimari Estética (Mozambique)

Zeinab Abdallah, founder of Qimari Estética (Mozambique)

Everyone wants to look and feel good, and also to boost their confidence, and in Mozambique, one woman entrepreneur is on a mission to help her clients achieve all of these goals. Zeinab Abdallah, founder of Qimari Estética, is creating a world-class service in a relaxing environment in the heart of Maputo, providing the opportunity for clients to find those precious Zen moments.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Nathalie Gambah Kpante, a passionate entrepreneur helping to build a high impact cacao value chain in Togo

July 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nathalie Gambah Kpante, co-founder of ChocoTogo (Togo)

Nathalie Gambah Kpante, co-founder of ChocoTogo (Togo)

In Togo, where 100% of the cacao production has historically been exported, one company is looking to change that narrative and bring new economic hope to the country. ChocoTogo, an inspirational company led by entrepreneur Nathalie Gambah Kpante, is proving that a bean to bar chocolate producing philosophy can bring economic hope and prosperity to a country. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Togo, Food & Drink, Chocolate
Comment

Kimberly & Priscilla Addison, two sisters pioneering bean to bar chocolate production in Ghana

July 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Kimberly and Priscilla Addison, co-founders of '57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Kimberly and Priscilla Addison, co-founders of '57 Chocolate (Ghana)

On a mission to show the world that quality chocolate can be produced in Ghana where some of the finest cacao beans grow, sisters Kimberly and Priscilla Addison created ’57 Chocolate. This growing business and brand is inspiring not only a generation of aspirant future chocolatiers in the country, but also the tastebuds of the world’s chocolate lovers.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Food & Drink, Chocolate
Comment

Chiinga Musonda and Lynn Musonda Phiri, two pioneering Zambian entrepreneurs putting the country on the global chocolate map

July 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chiinga Musonda, co-founder of Savanna Premium Chocolate (Zambia)

Chiinga Musonda, co-founder of Savanna Premium Chocolate (Zambia)

Passion is one of the key ingredients to building any successful business and brand. And, in the world of artisan chocolate making, it is one of the Savanna Premium Chocolate brand’s strongest assets, thanks to founders Chiinga Musonda and Lynna Musonda Phiri.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Food & Drink, Chocolate, Zambia
Comment

Selassie Atadika, a Ghanaian artisan chocolatier creating a luxury truffle range celebrating Africa’s unique flavours and stories

July 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Who doesn’t like truffles? Those wonderful, lovingly handcrafted chocolates that melt on the tongue with evocatively scented centres that tease the tastebuds. One company taking the truffle to whole new levels is entrepreneur and chocolatier, Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates in Ghana.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Food & Drink, Chocolate
Comment

Íris Munguambe, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating events to make her client’s wedding dreams come true

July 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Mariée Boutique Lda is a specialist event and wedding planning company, founded by passionate entrepreneur Iris Munguambe in Mozambique. It is rapidly building a reputation for creating beautiful events for its clients, all with that personal touch and a great attention to detail. This is a company inspired each day to make clients’ special days truly memorable.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Event Management
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

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

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

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

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


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

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.