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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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    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • 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
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    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Cindy Leah, a South African photographer creating opportunities for other women photographers on the continent to thrive

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Take two challenges - one, the need to address the gender pay gap for Africa’s women entrepreneurs; and two, the need for consumers to source world-class images on Africa; and you have a recipe for a great business. The highly creative Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary, is on a mission to create a business that provides an impactful solution to both challenges.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Itweva Nogueira, an Angolan entrepreneur providing specialist legal advice to big and small businesses

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

In business, having a good source of legal advice is essential in order to deal effectively with all the challenges that present themselves along the journey. In Angola, one woman entrepreneur lawyer is creating a highly successful business that is helping businesses large and small with their legal needs.  Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados is just the legal advisor that entrepreneurs and business leaders need on their side.

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In Startup Story Tags Professional Services, Angola
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Dorothy Mofomme, a South African entrepreneur building innovative, specialist technology solutions for Africa’s railway sector

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

The railway sector has always been a tough one, particularly for ambitious women entrepreneurs to enter. But for entrepreneur Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 in South Africa, she saw the railway sector as one filled with businesss opportunities and one that had the potential to create employment for young people. Her growing business is testimony to her tenacity and vast specialist experience. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating beautiful hats for stylish women who want to make an impression

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

There is a long tradition of hat wearing for special occasions in Africa. And in Mozambique, one talented woman entrepreneur is taking this art form to a whole new design level, and building a wonderful niche business too. Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery, is turning heads and winning fans with her extraordinarily beautiful millinery creations, all proudly made in Mozambique.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion, Artisans
2 Comments

Ncebakazi Nompula, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help companies  create continuous improvement business solutions

April 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions (South Africa)

Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions (South Africa)

Many companies experience challenges when it comes to ensuring maximum productivity levels, from both people and processes, but in South Africa one woman entrepreneur has the solution. Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions, knows how to make organisations work smarter, not harder, to get productivity levels up.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Consulting Services
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Sarah Kennan, a South African entrepreneur celebrating Karoo agave in an exciting new spirit that is exciting global palettes

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Kennan, founder of Leonista (South Africa)

Sarah Kennan, founder of Leonista (South Africa)

South Africa has always been renowned for growing some of the finest raw ingredients that go into making world class wines and spirits. But now, an exciting new spirit brand, Leonista, founded by Sarah Kennan, is celebrating one of the Karoo’s finest and most unique ingredients, agave.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business, Food & Drink
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Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating an innovative solution to the country’s housing challenges

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of Minimal (Mozambique)

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of Minimal (Mozambique)

For many young people and startup businesses in Mozambique, getting a foot onto the housing and property ladder can be tough. But that is about to change thanks to Marta Vânia Uetela, a woman entrepreneur with a big vision and a great solution who is exciting everyone with her flexible and sustainable housing solution for the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Design, Construction
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Zoe Dlamini-Sas, an entrepreneur from eSwatini now sharing knowledge of African culture in the Netherlands

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zoe Dlamini-Sas, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions

Zoe Dlamini-Sas, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions

In such a global economic environment with countries that are increasingly multi-cultural, it is important to learn more about the different cultures that create such dynamic cities and communities. For entrepreneur Zoe Dlamini-Sas, her inspiration for starting her business, Zoe Zulu Productions, came from her passion for African culture and teaching others in Europe about the traditions that make Africa so unique.

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In Startup Story Tags Netherlands, Media PR & Communications
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Leah Kitoloh, a South African entrepreneur making a positive impact on the business journeys of her clients

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Leah Kitoloh, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Leah Kitoloh, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa)

For a country’s economy to grow, it requires the development and harnessing of skills on the part of the population to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to society and the economy. For South African entrepreneur, Leah Kitoloh, founder of specialist business consultancy, LeahK Pty Ltd, that was the starting point for building a niche business model.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Bitania Amare, an entrepreneur in Ethiopia helping her clients to keep their businesses and finances in good order

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Every successful business needs great advice and support in order to be sustainable and to grow. In Ethiopia, that’s where specialist consulting firm Orbit Consulting PLC, founded by local entrepreneur Bitania Amare, comes in.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Ethiopia
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Ncheta Dasilva, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating an exciting global activewear brand that is both eye-catching and sustainable

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ncheta Dasilva, founder of Zola Eve

Ncheta Dasilva, founder of Zola Eve

The rapidly growing activewear market is constantly looking for new clothing that is not only practical and beautiful, but also increasingly more sustainable. Zola Eve, an exciting activewear brand inspired by Africa and created by entrepreneur Ncheta Dasilva, harnesses her Nigerian heritage to produce a memorable, eco-driven clothing range.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

S'onqoba Vuba, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help SMEs to grow by leveraging the gig economy

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
PERPETU8-Collage.jpg

For so many entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges is scaling and sustaining a business, and often expertise advice and practical support is needed to help them take it to the next level. That’s where Perpetu8 comes in, the niche, SME focused consulting firm created by entrepreneur S’onqoba Vuba.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Chrissa Amuah, a talented design entrepreneur inspired by Ghana’s Adrinka symbols, reinterpreted in a contemporary way

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs

Creating African inspired design solutions that are relevant for today’s sophisticated marketplace, and for clients who want to put a uniquely evocative stamp on their personal and work interiors, is what drives entrepreneur and founder of AMWA Designs, Chrissa Amuah. Her work reflects her design ethos and passion for celebrating her own African heritage, but with a contemporary flair that is her own.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Interior Design
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Varsha Parbhoo, a South African entrepreneur empowering other women entrepreneurs to find their financial and personal power

March 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Varsha Parbhoo, founder of Finance 360 (South Africa)

Varsha Parbhoo, founder of Finance 360 (South Africa)

For so many women, real socio-economic independence can only be obtained when financial freedom is achieved. But that freedom is only gained through knowing how to manage finances and make them work for you, in life and particularly in business. That’s where entrepreneur and finance expert Varsha Parbhoo, founder of Finance 360, comes in. She teaches women entrepreneurs to know their numbers and to use that critical financial information to ensure business sustainability.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Zamaswazi Mfusi, a South African entrepreneur creating beautiful, indigenous content to engage and inspire young children

March 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zamaswazi Mfisi, founder of Indilang (South Africa)

Zamaswazi Mfisi, founder of Indilang (South Africa)

When children are young and their thirst for learning is strong, it’s important that they are exposed to great content that entertains, stretches their minds and enhances their knowledge. For entrepreneur Zamaswazi Mfisi, ensuring children can experience world-class content that reflects their own culture and languages is what drives her passion and her business, Indilang.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Edupreneur
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Rethabile Phoofolo, a Lesotho entrepreneur with a passion for helping companies with their customer insights

February 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Rethabile Phoofolo, founder of 360 Communications (Pty) Ltd (Lesotho)

Rethabile Phoofolo, founder of 360 Communications (Pty) Ltd (Lesotho)

Every successful company knows that it’s essential to have great customer insights backed up by solid research data in order to stay ahead of the market. And in Lesotho, that’s where 360 Communications (Pty) Ltd comes in, headed by Rethabile Phoofolo, an entrepreneur on a mission to turn great data into valuable market information for her customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Lesotho, Business Services
Comment

Kirsty Savides, a South African entrepreneur turning her passion for music into a great learning tool for children

February 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Kirsty Savides, founder of Wriggle and Rhyme (South Africa)

Kirsty Savides, founder of Wriggle and Rhyme (South Africa)

Children instinctively love music, but one South African entrepreneur is harnessing the power of music to give children’s brains a full workout. Wriggle and Rhyme, the brainchild of Kirsty Savides, is a business teaching children to embrace music and movement as part of their development.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Edupreneur
Comment

Dieketseng Mangope, a South African wedding planner making clients’ dreams come true

February 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dieketseng Mangope, founder of Grace Wedding Supplies (South Africa)

Dieketseng Mangope, founder of Grace Wedding Supplies (South Africa)

As everyone knows, one of the most stressful occasions can be a wedding. There are huge expectations, big dreams to fulfill, and everyone is emotional. That’s where great wedding planners and specialists come in. For one South African entrepreneur, Dieketseng Mangope, founder of By Grace Wedding Supplies, other people’s big days are where she comes to the rescue and takes all the stress away with her specialist wedding supply and event management services.

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In Startup Story Tags Event Management, South Africa
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Keren Pybus, an entrepreneur with a vision to demonstrate that ethical manufacturing can be done at scale in Africa

February 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Keren Pybus

Keren Pybus

Ethical Apparel Africa is a company co-founded by Keren Pybus based in Ghana and Benin, working with international brands who are interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact. 

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Benin, Manufacturing, Fashion
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Andrena Sawyer, a woman entrepreneur from Sierra Leone on a mission to help non-profits and small businesses thrive 

February 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Andrena Sawyer, founder of P.E.R.K. Consulting (Sierra Leone)

Andrena Sawyer, founder of P.E.R.K. Consulting (Sierra Leone)

One of the biggest challenges for so many small businesses and non-profit organisations is getting the right capacity building and business development advice in the early years to ensure long term sustainability. That is where Andrena Sawyer and her company, P.E.R.K. Consulting, come with the right solutions. 

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In Startup Story Tags Sierra Leone, Business Services
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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

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.

Read more →
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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