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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Ubong Agina, a Nigerian creative fashion entrepreneur with a passion for training others

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Startup Story

As many entrepreneurs know, training and development can empower women to fulfill their potential, something Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts knows all too well. She is building a successful fashion design business and fashion training school to help others to realize their goals in the industry.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

Aramide Ajayi, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating an engaging e-commerce platform for children’s products

February 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Aramide Ajayi, founder of Futureshoppers (Nigeria)

Aramide Ajayi, founder of Futureshoppers (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Being laser-focused on making shopping for children easier for busy parents was the inspiration to start a business for Aramide Ajayi, founder of Futureshoppers in Nigeria. Today, her e-commerce platform is a one stop shop for children’s products.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, E-commerce
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Cindy Matlapeng, an entrepreneur in Botswana making cleaning a breeze for her customers

February 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Cindy Matlapeng, founder of The Office Team Cleaning and Support Services (Botswana)

Cindy Matlapeng, founder of The Office Team Cleaning and Support Services (Botswana)

Startup Story

Anyone running a successful business or large home knows that keeping things clean and tidy is a must, but professional help is needed to achieve this state of domestic or corporate bliss. In Botswana, help is at hand from entrepreneur Cindy Matlapeng, founder of The Office Team Cleaning and Support Services, a business that makes light work of cleaning.

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Business Services
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Modupe Sanders, a Nigerian restaurant consultancy entrepreneur helping clients to startup their businesses

February 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Modupe Sanders, founder of Mo Consult (Nigeria)

Modupe Sanders, founder of Mo Consult (Nigeria)

Startup Story

The restaurant business is an exciting one to enter for any passionate foodie entrepreneur, but it is also potentially one of the most challenging. Getting access to expert advice in starting up a successful new restaurant or turning around an existing one is key. Mo Consult, founded by Modupe Sanders, is a business offering just such a specialist service to its clients.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Consulting Services, Food & Drink
1 Comment

Prudence Seya, an entrepreneur bringing the power of e-learning to Cote d’Ivoire

February 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Prudence Seya, founder of Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Prudence Seya, founder of Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Startup Story

For any business looking to get the best from its people in a rapidly changing digital business environment, help is often needed to develop new skills and expertise. In Cote d’Ivoire, entrepreneur Prudence Seya, founder of Web Training Academy, is making e-learning more accessible.

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In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Technology, Women in Tech
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Marla Edwina Taquidir, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for creating 100% natural skincare products

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marla Edwina Taquidir, founder of  Muthiana Orera (Mozambique)

Marla Edwina Taquidir, founder of Muthiana Orera (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Taking a very customer-centric approach to skincare that celebrates and takes care of every individual’s needs is what drives Marla Edwina Taquidir and her business, Muthiana Orera. Today, the company is building a reputation for creating natural, high quality, proudly locally produced skincare products that are appealing to customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
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Shaida Seni, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to help women fulfill their potential in life

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shaida Seni, founder of Practiva (Mozambique)

Shaida Seni, founder of Practiva (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many women have dreams, aspirations, and ambition, but not always the skills, knowledge and expertise to transform those dreams into reality. That’s where Shaida Seni and her company, Practiva, lda, make the difference, providing skills development and leadership support when it is most needed.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
Comment

Theo Khumo, a creative entrepreneur creating opportunities for Botswana’s talented seamstresses 

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Theo Khumo, founder of African Wax Prints BW, (Botswana)

Theo Khumo, founder of African Wax Prints BW, (Botswana)

Startup Story

In Botswana, there is a tradition of highly creative women turning their sewing skills into beautiful products, but getting steady business for those skills can be a challenge. For entrepreneur Theo Khumo, founder of African Wax Prints BW, this market access gap was one to be filled, and today her business employs talented local seamstresses who are creating beautiful and unique items of clothing for customers around the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Botswana
Comment

Josephine Katumba, a South African entrepreneur turning waste spaces into urban farms 

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions (South Africa)

Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions (South Africa)

Startup Story

One of the challenges of modern living is that often residents of sprawling industrial and commercial cities often become detached from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In South Africa, entrepreneur Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions, is reconnecting people with their food and the environment through urban agriculture.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
Comment

Mara Cancune, a Mozambican entrepreneur dedicated to human capital development in her country 

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Developing people and human capital is the key to the successful economic development of any country. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação, is playing her role to ensure that young people are trained to enter the labour market. 

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
Comment

Abueng Leepile, a South African agripreneur providing healthy and delicious vegetables to the country 

January 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa has a long tradition of growing some of the world’s finest fruit and vegetables. In the North West province of the country, agripreneur Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms, is playing her part in the important food production value chain in the country. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
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Fátiha Manuel, an Angolan creative entrepreneur creating fashion and accessory designs to dress the nation

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Fátiha Manuel, founder of Hathifa (Angola)

Fátiha Manuel, founder of Hathifa (Angola)

Startup Story

In Angola, celebrities and regular fashionistas alike know that if there is a special outfit or accessory required, then Hathifa is the place to go. Founder Fátiha Manuel and her team are highly talented creatives building a reputation for delivering bespoke and ready-to-wear outfits that deliver on style.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Fashion
Comment

Emma Tendai Dimairho, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for environmental management 

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy (South Africa)

Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Environmental management is a highly specialized business sector and one that is traditionally dominated by men, but Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy, is changing that landscape. 

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

Wilma Cavaleiro, an Angolan woman entrepreneur creating an app for hair and beauty businesses 

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Startup Story

Ask any beauty or hair salon owner or freelance stylist about the biggest challenges facing the successful running of their businesses and they will tell you that interacting with potential customers in the digital environment is one of them. In Angola, Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of app management company KUJINGA, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Technology, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Ana Maria Panait, an entrepreneur in South Africa creating raw vegan chocolate for conscious consumers 

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ana Maria Panait, founder of Rrraw (South Africa)

Ana Maria Panait, founder of Rrraw (South Africa)

Startup Story

Chocolate lovers will know that there is nothing quite like the taste and aroma of cacao in its purest form, and its health properties are well documented. Now, vegan consumers, as well as chocolate afficionados in South Africa, can experience the fabulous taste of Rrraw, a new vegan, organic and sugar free chocolate brand, founded by entrepreneur Ana Maria Panait, that is exciting tastebuds.

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

Georgina Angélica, an Angolan entrepreneur turning a passion for early years education into a business 

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Startup Story

For Georgina Angélica, her business motto is: “Cada necessidade um recurso”, which translates as, “For every need, a resource”. In her specialist education and professional development consultancy, she lives by that motto, providing courses and workshops for local educators to meet all needs.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Consulting Services
Comment

Claudia Phantshi, a South African entrepreneur creating memorable travel experiences for her clients

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy (South Africa)

Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Whether planning a business trip or a vacation, it always pays to have a specialist travel planner to help organize the ultimate experience. In South Africa, Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy, is doing just that.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Travel & Leisure
Comment

Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, an Angolan entrepreneur bringing the specialist field of occupational therapy to her country 

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE (Angola)

Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE (Angola)

Startup Story

Occupational therapy is a real calling, with professionals who have a passion for making a difference to people’s lives. Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE is building a clinic in Angola where her specialist knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, are helping so people who are in need of rehabilitation. 

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In Startup Story Tags Health & Wellbeing, Angola
Comment

Lebogang Ndhlovu, a South African entrepreneur making high quality beauty therapy accessible and affordable

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look good and feel confident, and there is nothing quite like getting a great beauty therapy experience to help achieve that goal. Yet for many women in South Africa, getting access to high quality beauty treatments that are affordable can be a challenge. But in Johannesburg and Soweto, entrepreneur and beauty therapy specialist, Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
Comment

Angelique Adcock, a South African entrepreneur taking a state-of-the-art paint coating business to the next level

December 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Angelique Adcock, owner of Electrocoat (South Africa)

Angelique Adcock, owner of Electrocoat (South Africa)

Startup Story

The automotive industry sector is one that requires specialist expertise, technical know-how and years of experience. In the field of specialized applied paint coating, South African company, Electrocoat, owned by Angelique Adcock, is a great example of an entrepreneur who brings all those elements to the table in her growth business. 

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In Startup Story Tags Manufacturing, South Africa
Comment
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found 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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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
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
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
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

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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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