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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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Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, an entrepreneur building a leading natural baby skincare brand in Nigeria

August 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, founder of Amal Botanicals Baby Care (Nigeria)

Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, founder of Amal Botanicals Baby Care (Nigeria)

Startup Story

When you are a mother to triplets, you have first hand knowledge of just what babies need when it comes to natural skincare, and that is certainly the case with Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, founder of Amal Botanicals Baby Care. She has a big vision to be a leading natural baby skincare brand in Africa.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Natural Wellness, Baby Clothing & Products
Comment

Tshegofatso Dludla, a South African techpreneur bringing maths and science to life for children 

August 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tshegofatso Dludla, founder of RoboSTEAM Train (South Africa)

Tshegofatso Dludla, founder of RoboSTEAM Train (South Africa)

Startup Story

In a world where technology is changing so many aspects of our daily lives, it is so important that children get the opportunity to grasp and embrace maths and science at an early age. Tshegofatso Dludla, founder of RoboSTEAM Train in South Africa, is making a huge difference to the lives of underprivileged children in the country by making robotics and coding fun and accessible.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Edupreneur, Women in Tech
Comment

Elohor Thomas, a techpreneur in Nigeria passionate about helping African software engineers find dream jobs

August 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Elohor Thomas, co-founder of CodeLn (Nigeria)

Elohor Thomas, co-founder of CodeLn (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Companies know how tough it can be to find the right tech hire, those highly trained and experienced software engineers from the African continent who are a good fit for the job. CodeLn, co-founded by techpreneur Elohor Thomas, is there to help. This specialist software company helps companies seamlessly find, test, and hire the right skilled African tech talent at the right time.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Business Services, People Management
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Lethumusa Kulube, a South African entrepreneur driving change through digital communication

August 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lethumusa Kulube, founder of Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

Lethumusa Kulube, founder of Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

Startup Story

These days, digital communication has become the most powerful tool for any business to reach those all important customers and markets. But for many non-profit organisations, the process of building a digital communication strategy and tools can be overwhelming. In South Africa, entrepreneur Lethumusa Kulube, founder of Stractiv8 Impact, has the specialist solution and approach that is needed.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Tlangelani Nkuna, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for recruitment

August 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tlangelani Nkuna, founder of Placement Junxion (South Africa)

Tlangelani Nkuna, founder of Placement Junxion (South Africa)

Startup Story

Any business knows that it is only as good as its people, but finding the right people can be challenging. In South Africa, entrepreneur Tlangelani Nkuna, founder of specialist recruitment services company, Placement Junxion, is bringing her expertise to any people sourcing brief.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Recruitment Services, Business Services
Comment

Tessa O’ Halloran, a South Africa ecopreneur transforming plastic waste into lifestyle products

August 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tessa O’ Halloran, founder of plasticity. (South Africa)

Tessa O’ Halloran, founder of plasticity. (South Africa)

Startup Story

Discarded plastic waste is a problem for the planet and for humankind as a whole, and the need to find sustainable solutions to transforming that waste into useful products has never been greater. In South Africa, ecopreneur Tessa O’ Halloran, founder of plasticity. is playing her part in finding those solutions.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Eco-preneur
Comment

Maria Baryamujura, an award-winning social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable tourism

August 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda

Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda

Startup Story

Community tourism has long been recognised as a driver of local economic development, particularly for women. In East Africa, social entrepreneur Maria Baryamujura, founder of COBATI Uganda, knows just how to innovate and make tourism work for rural communities.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Social Entrepreneur, Tourism
Comment

Jackee Batanda, a creative entrepreneur educating through the power of writing

August 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jackee Batanda, founder of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd (Uganda)

Jackee Batanda, founder of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd (Uganda)

Startup Story

Great writing is an art form and in Uganda, entrepreneur Jackee Batanda, founder of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd, is harnessing the power of words to educate and inform. She understands how storytelling can reach audiences and customers in a unique and personal way.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Edupreneur
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Nondumiso Zendile, a South African woman in construction helping to urbanize previously disadvantaged areas

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Zendile, founder of Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Nondumiso Zendile, founder of Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, the need for well constructed, affordable housing, commercial and industrial buildings has never been greater in terms of building a sustainable economy. For entrepreneur Nondumiso Zendile, owner and ceo of Kingsworth Civils and Construction Pty Ltd, her goal is to be part of the solution to meet such needs.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Construction
Comment

Stacey Jane Smith, a South African wellness brand using local wild-crafted botanicals

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Stacey Jane Smith, founder of African Secret (South Africa)

Stacey Jane Smith, founder of African Secret (South Africa)

Startup Story

Many consumers are now looking for more holistic ways to meet their wellness needs. In South Africa, entrepreneur Stacey Jane Smith, founder of African Secret, has created a pathway to wellbeing naturally. She is harnessing the power of natural wild-crafted botanicals and transforming them into beautiful, healing products and a brand that resonates with those who love its ethos.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Josie Van Aswegen, a South African bespoke floral design entrepreneur taking creativity to the next level

July 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Josie Van Aswegen, owner of Fabulous Flowers (Cape Town, South Africa)

Josie Van Aswegen, owner of Fabulous Flowers (Cape Town, South Africa)

Impact Partner Content: Absa / Startup Story

Every business has a heart – a core to its operations. The soul and drum beat to the golden thread that runs throughout the works. Fabulous Flowers would not be where it is today without the owner - Josie Van Aswegen. We had the privilege of catching up over the past week. And what a week! Her beautiful new studio in Toffie Lane, Claremont, South Africa, is a pleasure to visit and the creativity happening there is infectious.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags Absa, Business Services, South Africa
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Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, an entrepreneur introducing the world to natural and organic skincare from Africa

July 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Startup Story

More and more consumers are becoming conscious of the products they put onto their skins, and are demanding more natural and organic products that are kinder to both skin and the environment. Uhuru Botanicals, founded by entrepreneur Neo Chatyoka, is a brand that celebrates Africa’s natural raw ingredients and turns them into skincare products that are both ethical and sustainable.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Nozipho Mvulane and Arisha Rajaram, two legal entrepreneurs helping clients to find support in their times of need

July 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Arisha Rajaram and Nozipho Mvulane, founders of Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys (South Africa)

Arisha Rajaram and Nozipho Mvulane, founders of Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys (South Africa)

Startup Story

Everyone needs legal advice and assistance at some time in their lives, but finding the right law firm that understands your needs and that you can relate to can be hard. But in South Africa, two enterprising lawyers, Nozipho Mvulane and Arisha Rajaram, founders of Rajaram Mvulane Attorneys, are making legal advice and specialist support accessible.

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

Nametso Matlhaga, a jewellery manufacturer in Botswana creating precious memories for clients

July 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nametso Matlhaga, founder of Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Nametso Matlhaga, founder of Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Startup Story

Those special occasions in life deserve a beautiful, custom made piece of jewellery, and in Botswana, entrepreneur Nametso Matlhaga, founder of Matthan Jewellery Collection, is making memories come true. Her team of craftsmen transform every client’s personal design ideas into bespoke and highly individual pieces of jewellery, making every piece memorable.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Jewellery
Comment

Shaida Seni, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating access to markets for small businesses 

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA (Mozambique)

Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA (Mozambique)

Startup Story

One of the toughest challenges facing entrepreneurs is getting products and services into the hands of customers. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA, has the answer, with her online platform showcasing companies and products to potential customers.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
Comment

Meg Faure, a South African entrepreneur and author reimagining early childhood education

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense (South Africa)

Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense (South Africa)

Startup Story

Any parent with young children knows just how critical it is to encourage early emotional development as the basis for a strong learning journey. In South Africa, well-known author and entrepreneur, Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense, has created a unique business focusing on unique play-based learning programmes for 2-4 year olds.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Edupreneur
Comment

Pretty Kubyane, a blockchain technology entrepreneur in South Africa disrupting the hair supply chain industry

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Pretty Kubyane, co-founder of Coronet Blockchain (South Africa)

Pretty Kubyane, co-founder of Coronet Blockchain (South Africa)

Startup Story

In Africa, hair is big business, from the supply chain of human hair products, to hair suppliers, salon businesses, and associated services. Pretty Kubyane and her husband co-founded Coronet Blockchain, a company looking to create an end-to-end transparent supply chain by harnessing the power of technology.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Blockchain
Comment

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.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
Comment

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.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
Comment

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.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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

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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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