Emmanuella Aboa, an entrepreneur in Kenya passionate about developing people and businesses

November 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

For any individual or business wanting to achieve their full potential, it is often essential to get the right training, skills development and advice. Based in Kenya but with a pan-African presence, entrepreneur Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd, is focused on helping individuals and businesses thrive in their eco-systems.

Anne Drane, championing artisan women in Kenya with her slow fashion brand Sawa Sawa Collection

November 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Anne Drane, founder of The Sawa Sawa Collection (Kenya/USA)

One of the biggest challenges for women artisans in Kenya is getting their handcrafted products into global markets. The Sawa Sawa Collection, founded by Anne Drane and her co-founders looks to help change that narrative, empowering women to make a sustainable living from their work and contribute to local economic empowerment.

Thuladu Mngadi, a passionate South African foodpreneur creating first-class catering experiences

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Thuladu Mngadi, founder of Fresh Food Daily (South Africa)

To ensure your corporate or private function is memorable for your guests, great catering is essential. After all, people may forget the speeches but they will always remember the food. In South Africa, that’s where Fresh Food Daily comes in. Founder Thuladu Mngadi, has a passion for creating great African cuisine, all delivered with a touch of flair.

Nonhlanhla Ditshego, a South African entrepreneur building an exciting craft gin brand

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nonhlanhla Ditshego, co-founder of Vuttomi Liquids (South Africa)

The craft gin market has exploded globally over the past few years with some interesting independent brands emerging, particularly in South Africa. One of those brands is Vuttomi Liquids, co-founded by Nonhlanhla Ditshego and her family, and they have big hopes and ambitions for the future.

Boikano Sikwane, a South African entrepreneur turning a family chilli recipe into a growing business

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Boikano Sikwane, co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods (South Africa)

South Africans love their condiments, especially those that have a chilli kick to them. So for all those consumers who are constantly in search of a new chilli taste sensation, look no further than Chuck Chilli, an exciting brand of chilli condiments from Chuck Chilli Foods, co-founded by Boikano Sikwane.

Tania Moonsammy, an entrepreneur offering a bespoke product sourcing service to clients

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tania Moonsammy, founder of The Business Concierge (South Africa)

In South Africa, with more and more people choosing to work from home, sourcing essential products and services and, importantly, getting them delivered, has become a must-have. Tania Moonsammy, founder of The Business Concierge has the solution and the team to offer a bespoke product sourcing and delivery service for her clients.

Tshego Ratshidi, a South African entrepreneur building a successful business inspired by her passion for flowers

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tshego Ratshidi, founder of Bleu Rose Flowers (South Africa)

Who doesn’t love flowers, either as gifts or in the home and office? They make us feel good, they cheer up our living and work spaces, they can help with our healing processes, and they make us feel closer to nature. In South Africa, entrepreneur Tshego Ratshidi, founder of Bleu Rose Flowers, knows the power of flowers to brighten lives and is delighting customers daily with her beautiful floral arrangements and floral gift boxes.

Nicoline Bole, an entrepreneur from Cameroon crafting beautiful shoes for women with larger feet

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

As any woman who has larger feet will tell you, it can be a real challenge trying to find shoes that not only look beautiful, but are also well crafted and comfortable to wear. Entrepreneur Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd based in London, has the solution. Her uniquely created designs are appealing to all those discerning women customers who want luxury shoes that actually fit larger feet.

Natércia Mondlane, a talented architectural design consultant delivering professional solutions to projects in Mozambique

October 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Natércia Mondlane, founder & CEO of Natercia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária (Mozambique)

Finding a specialist, experienced and professional consultant who can navigate their way around any complex architectural real estate project can be tough. But in Mozambique, Natércia Mondlane, founder of Natércia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária, is creating highly innovative design solutions to meet all her clients’ urban design needs.

Maeshibe Marema, a South African entrepreneur creating social impact through coffee

October 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Maeshibe Marema, founder of Maeshibe Coffee (South Africa)

Coffee lovers in South Africa can now enjoy their favourite brew whilst making a difference to the lives of young deaf people, thanks to Maeshibe Coffee, founded by entrepreneur Maeshibe Marema.

Lucy Beard, an entrepreneur building a successful distillery and brand in South Africa

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lucy Beard, co-founder of Hope Distillery (South Africa)

The growing interest in small batch gins and other spirits that have great brand stories and individual personalities, has created a great growth story for South Africa’s Hope Distillery, co-founded by husband and wife team Lucy Beard and Leigh Lisk. The Hope brand is distinctive, modern and committed to quality, and is winning fans around the world, as are the spirits they design and distill for other popular boutique brands.

Tlhologelo Mabelane, a South African entrepreneur passionate about healthy African haircare

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder of MabuTribe (South Africa)

On a mission to bring back health into the African haircare space, Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder of MabuTribe in South Africa, is creating great products combined with hair health education to help consumers to enjoy and celebrate their natural hair.

Louisa Gibbons, a South African entrepreneur passionate about children’s developmental and nutritional needs

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease (South Africa)

Recognizing that many families have increasingly busy lifestyles with limited time, entrepreneur Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease, is providing parents with solutions. A range of nutritious meals, fun mealtimes and stimulating playtimes that equip parents to fulfil their child’s developmental and nutritional needs, while giving them peace of mind to spend more quality time with their families.

Devaksha Maharaj, a South African engineering entrepreneur with a passion for STEAM education for kids

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Devaksha Maharaj, founder of Ikigai Engineering (South Africa)

Building a successful energy and electrical consulting company, Ikigai Engineering, drives South African entrepreneur Devaksha Maharaj on one level. But her passion for STEAM and the education of children has driven her to create her IKI KIDS, a business that teaches kids such subjects as engineering, mathematics, robotics and coding, creating a new generation of future STEAM specialists.

Sofia Pedrosa, an entrepreneur developing special tea blends for health conscious consumers in Mozambique

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of  Mokcha (Mozambique) — Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha (Mozambique)

As the world becomes increasingly health conscious, so consumers are constantly on the look-out for products that will contribute to their sustainable lifestyle. In Mozambique, entrepreneur and nutritionist Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha, is introducing consumers to soothing and relaxing teas and natural infusions that aid health and wellbeing.

Sibonelo Gamnca, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses reduce their carbon tax footprint

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

As the world looks to reduce CO2 emissions in order to address the growing threat of climate change, one South African business is playing its part. EcoDiesel, co-founded by Sibonelo Gamnca, is making the process of choosing biodiesel easy for customers who want to be more environmentally conscious.

Kathy de Araújo, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for personal development and self knowledge

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

For all those people in Mozambique who want to develop and improve their quality of life and find greater harmony with their communities and the environment in which they live, help is at hand. Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal, co-founded by coach Kathy de Araújo and yoga instructor Adriana Jamisse, offers a holistic approach through yoga and coaching workshops, and positively changing lives.

Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur changing the lives of amputees with her prostheses

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Inspired to find a solution to the problem of 90% of amputees in Mozambique never getting access to prosthetic limbs to improve their lives, young entrepreneur Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec, came up with a plan. Today, she is changing lives through her innovations.

Grace Gichanga, a South African legal techpreneur transforming lives through the law

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Speak to Grace Gichanga, founder of Luma Law (South Africa), and she will tell you that she loves, loves, loves the law, because of its power to transform lives. As an attorney with over 10 years of experience, not surprisingly Grace has built a business which allows her to share her love of the law and how it works with the people of South Africa. The business was founded 2 years ago and LUMA the legal literacy chatbot officially went live on Facebook Messenger at the beginning of April 2020. Grace is committed to the vision of an empowered Africa through technology, innovation and the principles of social justice.

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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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