Nosisa Dhlomo, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to mobilize the country’s tech scene

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech (South Africa)

South Africa needs vibrant, bright young women with ideas and entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential to transform the economic landscape of the country and bring with it a wealth of opportunities. Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech is one such pioneering woman entrepreneur. She believes in building African female leadership through industry platforms and hubs to produce more female leaders.

Marlese Wallis, a South African entrepreneur building a natural body product brand celebrating mother nature

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa) — **Marlese Wallis**, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Marlese Wallis is the creator and vision carrier of MIES body products. She studied Drama at Pretoria Technicon in South Africa and pursued an awesome career as a performer in the first Afrikaans girl band called Shine 4. It was during this time that Marlese made the very first product and only after moving down to Cape Town from Johannesburg, did she pursue it as a career. Eleven years later and MIES is still growing and building business muscles! Marlese loves all things natural especially body care, loves people, giving them work, and loves the hustle of being an entrepreneur.

Bathabile Mpofu, a South African entrepreneur passionate about science education

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Many young learners in South Africa never get the chance to perform science experiments as part of their studies, and this means that few go on to study science as a possible future career. Entrepreneur Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences, is on a mission to change that.

Sarah Morrow, a South African edupreneur creating an accessible, affordable preschool experience

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Morrow, owner of Little Leaders Preschool (South Africa)

In South Africa, for many parents finding a preschool for their children to attend that is both accessible and affordable can be a hugely challenging experience, often with little reward. But one passionate, impact driven woman entrepreneur is changing that reality. Sarah Morrow, founder of Little Leaders Preschool is making quality, affordable preschool education available to parents and their children from all walks of life.

Ntokozo Mbuli, a South African entrepreneur developing television and film content with a purpose

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Ntokozo Mbuli, founder of Sugar Bean Pictures (South Africa)

The media can be a powerful force for good and positive change, and television programmes and films are particularly impactful in educating, informing and entertaining people. In South Africa, Ntokozo Mbuli, the creative force behind television and film production company, Sugar Bean Pictures, is on a mission to develop powerful content with a purpose beyond just entertainment.

Hloki Raphuting, a South African manufacturer creating luxury shoes and handbags

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH (South Africa)

Who doesn’t love a beautifully crafted leather handbag or a stylish, eye-catching pair of leather shoes? In South Africa, entrepreneur Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH, is manufacturing high quality bags and shoes, all made from the finest leather, and for customers who want to look and feel good.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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

August 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tlangelani Nkuna, founder of Placement Junxion (South Africa)

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.

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)

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.

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

August 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Jackee Batanda, founder of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd (Uganda)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA (Mozambique)

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.

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

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

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.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

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.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

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.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

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.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

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.

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 / 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 / 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 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.

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, 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.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

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.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

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.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

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.

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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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

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.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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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