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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Linda Khumbanyiwa, a Malawian womenswear brand-builder celebrating local heritage and craftsmanship

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Startup Story

Creative entrepreneurs are often inspired by their cultural heritage, and for Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio, that was certainly the case. Her inspiration came from Malawi, the country of her birth, and a deep desire to change people’s perceptions of it, through her creative work.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
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Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, a South African entrepreneur motivated to provide innovative solutions for society 

June 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, founder of S.MAB Group (South Africa)

Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, founder of S.MAB Group (South Africa)

Startup Story

South African entrepreneur and philanthropist, Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, founder of S.MAB Group, is passionate about making a difference in society, and her business is doing just that through its various service and product offerings.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Amália Ngoca, an entrepreneur in Mozambique creating specialist events with a floral touch

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Amália Ngoca, founder of Malita Investimentos (Mozambique)

Amália Ngoca, founder of Malita Investimentos (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Flowers make any event a special occasion, and in Mozambique, entrepreneur Amália Ngoca, founder of Malita Investimentos, is expanding her already successful event management company to include floral decorations.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Rachida Melo, an entrepreneur in Mozambique creating a highly personal hospitality sector experience

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Rachida Melo, founder of Wonna Bay Vila (Mozambique)

Rachida Melo, founder of Wonna Bay Vila (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For many people, when they travel they look for places to stay that remind them of the comforts of home, and in Mozambique, entrepreneur Rachida Melo has just what they need. Her business venture, Wonna Bay Vila, provides accommodation and restaurant facilities that make guests and visitors truly feel they are home.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Hospitality
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Lelly Mntungwa, a South African entrepreneur empowering women through manufacturing skills

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lelly Mntungwa, founder of Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

Lelly Mntungwa, founder of Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, unemployment and poverty are real challenges that need real solutions for local people. In KwaZulu Natal, Lelly Mntungwa, founder of Msinga Clothing, is creating much needed jobs and skills training for young women in order to empower them in life.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Clothing
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Shabana Habibo, an entrepreneur making light work of cleaning and organizing in Mozambique

June 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shabana Habibo, founder of Enviro Green Lda. (Mozambique)

Shabana Habibo, founder of Enviro Green Lda. (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Any company or homeowner knows just how challenging it can be to organize reliable cleaning services, packing and setting up new offices and homes, and reorganizing spaces in an environmental way. In Mozambique, that’s where entrepreneur Shabana Habibo comes to the rescue with her company, Enviro Green Lda.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, an entrepreneur in Angola celebrating a love of handicrafts

June 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder of Welila Cantelier (Angola)

Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder of Welila Cantelier (Angola)

Startup Story

Everyone loves to receive a handcrafted gift that has been made with love and care. In Angola, entrepreneur Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder of Welila Cantelier, is creating unique gifts for children that are delighting parents and little ones alike.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Maker & Crafter
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Diana Sierra, a designer and social entrepreneur creating access to menstrual products for girls in Mozambique

May 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc. (Mozambique)

Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc. (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Girls in Mozambique have a number of challenges to overcome, and one of those is getting access to menstrual products, menstrual education and addressing social stigma around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, a Columbian designer and social entrepreneur who is the founder of Be Girl Inc. in Mozambique.

a around menstruation. But that is now changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like Diana Sierra, founder of Be Girl Inc.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Health & Wellbeing, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Laura Struik, a leather boot brand-builder celebrating South African craftsmen

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Laura Struik, founder of ROF-Style (South Africa)

Laura Struik, founder of ROF-Style (South Africa)

Startup Story

There is always something powerful about seeing real craftspeople creating beautiful products with passion and love. Entrepreneur Laura Struik, founder of ROF-Style in South Africa, manufactures and markets 100% handmade leather boots by local South African craftsmen.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion, Footwear
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Patrícia Vasco, a Mozambican serial entrepreneur creating a brand of handmade, decorative candles 

May 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Vasco, founder of Luminara (Mozambique)

Patricia Vasco, founder of Luminara (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Everyone loves beautiful perfumed candles to light up their homes and create a certain kind of ambiance - they are romantic and atmospheric. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Patricia Vasco, is building a new brand of beautiful, handmade, decorative candles called Luminara. She is also demonstrating that it is possible to build a new brand from scratch with little investment but a lot of creativity.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Home Accessories
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Lisa Videira, a digital entrepreneur in Angola creating e-learning solutions

May 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital, Lda (Angola)

Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital, Lda (Angola)

Startup Story

In today’s changing world, access to learning using the power of digital is becoming an everyday reality for many people, especially children. In Angola, entrepreneur Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital, Lda, is providing innovative digital solutions to help make e-learning accessible to everyone.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, e-Learning
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Satu Vienings, a Mozambican entrepreneur transporting loved pets around the world 

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Satu Vienings, founder of Air A Pet (Mozambique)

Satu Vienings, founder of Air A Pet (Mozambique)

Startup Story

All pet lovers will know how difficult it is when you move house or jobs overseas and you want your beloved pets to join you. But the logistics involved in making this happen can be difficult to organize. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Satu Vienings, founder of Air A Pet, is there to help with practical solutions and a passion for your pets.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, an Angolan entrepreneur passionate about health care

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic (Angola)

Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic (Angola)

Startup Story

Everyone knows that good healthcare and wellness are essential to ensuring happy and healthy lives. In Angola, entrepreneur Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic, a physiotherapy and clinical practice, is on a mission to make people feel better and special through a holistic care approach.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Healthcare
Comment

Mariam Lawani, a Nigerian entrepreneur tackling poverty and unemployment through recycling 

May 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Lawani, founder of Greenhill Recycling (Nigeria)

Mariam Lawani, founder of Greenhill Recycling (Nigeria)

Startup Story

In Nigeria’s rural communities, poverty and unemployment are major challenges, as is the issue of waste management. For entrepreneur Mariam Lawani, finding solutions to all of these challenges was the motivation for her business, Greenhill Recycling.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Social Entrepreneur, Eco-preneur
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Phillipa Geard, a South African entrepreneur helping to connect moms with employment opportunities 

May 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Phillipa Geard, founder of RecruitMyMom (South Africa)

Phillipa Geard, founder of RecruitMyMom (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa is suffering from tough economic times right now, and unemployment is on the rise. For skilled mothers who are looking to get work whilst also looking after their families, it is a challenge. That’s where Phillipa Geard’s business, RecruitMyMom, comes in.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service
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Jess Henrich, an entrepreneur in South Africa creating the world’s first ocean water distilled gin

May 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jess Henrich, founder of A Mari Ocean Gin (South Africa)

Jess Henrich, founder of A Mari Ocean Gin (South Africa)

Startup Story

Taking a sustainable approach to business is a key in today’s changing world. For entrepreneur Jess Henrich, founder of A Mari Ocean Gin, sustainability was a key ingredient in her business.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Aliza Rajan, an entrepreneur in Kenya renowned for hosting the annual Miss India Worldwide Kenya competition

May 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Aliza Rajan, founder of Eventique Limited (Kenya)

Aliza Rajan, founder of Eventique Limited (Kenya)

Startup Story

Being the winner of a major beauty pageant is one thing, but then taking over the franchise is quite another. Aliza Rajan, founder of Eventique Limited, hosts the annual Miss India Worldwide Kenya pageant. She uses this platform to support women-based initiatives such as Women For Cancer and The Hawkers Market Girls Centre. She also trains children and adults on runway walking and basic etiquette whilst organising the top fashion events within Kenya.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Business Services
Comment

Juliet Madamombe, a Namibian entrepreneur helping people gain essential skills

April 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (GETI) (Namibia)

Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (GETI) (Namibia)

Startup Story

For all those looking to get a good job and build a successful career, they know that training and personal skills development will give them the edge. In Namibia, that’s where Global Edge Training Institute (GETI), founded by entrepreneur Juliet Madamombe, comes to the rescue.

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Business Services, People Management
Comment

Sonto Pooe, a South African entrepreneur harnesses the power of mother nature in her hair and body care brand 

April 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild (South Africa)

Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild (South Africa)

Startup Story

Anyone who suffers from skin allergies or has sensitive skin will know that getting back to nature in terms of the products used is often the best way forward. In South Africa, entrepreneur Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild, is building a world class natural hair care and body care brand for people of colour that is kind to skin and the environment.

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

Alison Kirk, a South Africa entrepreneur and brand specialist helping clients to market their businesses 

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every entrepreneur appreciates the importance of getting their businesses and brands noticed in the marketplace, but it can be hard work for many. In South Africa, serial entrepreneur Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy, is coming to the rescue, with her extensive brand marketing expertise.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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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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