Alexina Phiri, a global women’s rights change-maker in Africa and the world

October 16, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Alexina Phiri, founder and ceo, Adona Foundation

Alexina Phiri is the founder and ceo of Adona Foundation, a global women’s rights organisation that aims to inspire, empower and educate girls and women across the world.. She is a lawyer with over seven years of experience in implementing international-level policy to tackle issues such as human rights, governance and counter terrorism. Her most recent role was with the UK’s Department for International Trade. As a British Diplomat at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Alexina spearheaded international summits including the Africa Investment Summit in 2019 and COP26 in 2021. She is a former Acting British High Commissioner to Zambia (2019) and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Botswana (2020).

Mary Aboagye, a Ghanaian agritech entrepreneur helping cereal farmers to thrive

October 2, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mary Aboagye, co-founder, aiScarecrow Technologies (Ghana)

Mary Aboagye is a co-founder of aiScarecrow Technologies (Ghana), an Agritech startup focused on crop protection, helping cereal farmers successfully ward-off pest birds from consuming their crop. With her background as an environmental scientist, she established the environmental change agency, an organisation dedicated to environmental preservation. Her efforts got her enlisted as one of the top 540 women in Africa involved in the Agritech or Agribusiness space. She co-founded aiScarecrow Technologies in 2019 and has since then won several awards including the KIC Agritech challenge 2019, the ingenuity cup 2021, the Israeli green innovation competition 2022.

Diana Mbabaali Miiro, a pioneering landscaping entrepreneur creating green spaces in Uganda

October 2, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Diana Mbabaali Miiro, managing director, KeyScapes Limited (Uganda)

Diana Mbabaali Miiro is the managing director of KeyScapes Limited, a pioneering company in Uganda specializing in landscaping, potted plants artistries and gardening supplies. She is an ardent gardener with a mission to encourage Ugandans to live a healthy natural lifestyle, growing their own food organically in the small spaces of their backyards as CSR (Community Social Responsibility) under the Backyard Gardeners Uganda, a forum she founded on social media platforms. Diana previously worked in the Information Technology & Change department with Barclays Bank, now ABSA Bank, as Head, Service Management before joining the world of entrepreneurship when she discovered that she could make a living from her passion. She is a Vital Voices Fellow, Vital Voices Leadership Journey, a female future program graduate and an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Mentor.

Priscilla Musenge, a Zambian entrepreneur creating sustainable animal feed solutions for greener business

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Priscilla Museng, founder, Entomo Farm ( Zambia)

Priscilla Musenge is a Climate Change activist and a budding entrepreneur, who is the ceo and founder of Entomo Farm in Zambia, a business launched in 2018. It has since created jobs for 7 people. She was one of the top 10 Finalists of the inaugural cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in 2020, a White House Initiative. Additionally, in the same year, Priscilla’s start-up also received a grant in sustainable waste management from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Zambia. Most recently, she also won 2nd prize in the world’s largest green business ideas competition - the 2021 Climate Launchpad business competition and was one of the recipients of the inaugural 2022 ZANACO (Zambia National Commercial Bank) awards in Zambia.

Anotida Nyowani, an entrepreneur creating a natural and affordable skincare company in Zimbabwe & Mozambique

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Anotida Nyowani, co-founder, Luxury Junkies (Zimbabwe & Mozambique)

Anotida Nyowani is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Luxury Junkies, a natural skincare company in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. She is also a physiotherapist by profession, with a talent and a passion for formulating natural, cruelty free skin and haircare products. Her sister Chido Mhindurwa has a psychology degree with years of human resources management and business development experience under her belt. Together they teamed up to create a luxury non-toxic skincare company that runs in Mozambique and in Zimbabwe. Their drive is to offer sustainable, healthy and clean skincare at an affordable price.

Mércia Cossa Bomba, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur creating unique accessories that celebrate capulana

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mércia Cossa Bomba, founder, N`sky Arte Da Felicidade & Serviços (Mozambique)

Mércia Cossa Bomba is the founder of N`sky Arte Da Felicidade & Serviços in Mozambique, a small company with four workers focused on manual arts and crafts, and which has been in the market for 5 years. She started her company at the time as a hobby whilst also employed as a secretary for a cosmetics distributor. But because she has a son with chronic atopic dermatitis, she was forced to quit her job in order to take care of her son. However, as she always tried to be financially independent, she started to make handmade invitations and bracelets, and her business was born.

Irina Mayra Cremildo, a Mozambican entrepreneur making travel management easy for her clients

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Irina Mayra Cremildo, founder, Kusafiri Afrika LDA (Mozambique)

Making travel and tourism arrangements can often be stressful, particularly for companies and people with complex needs, but Irina Mayra Cremildo, founder of Kusafiri Afrika LDA in Mozambique, has the specialist services to make travel less of a chore and a real pleasure.

Adele Mans, a South African entrepreneur creating a food business catering for pets

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Adele Mans, co-founder, Bismark’s Bistro (South Africa)

Every pet owner wants the best for their beloved furry friends, including giving them healthy diets, and that’s where Adele Mans, co-founder of Bismark’s Bistro, is on hand to help. Her business provides pet owners with healthy and well-balanced food and customized eating plans to keep their dogs and cats healthy and happy.

Ana Belmonte, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for gardening into a business

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Creating a unique service offering is always a great starting point for a successful business, and Ana Belmonte is certainly doing that with Malachi Garden Service Lda. She brings her considerable expertise and passion for gardening to every job she undertakes for her clients, and her reputation for great service is growing as a result.

Dr Mejury Chipato, a Zimbabwean medical doctor and entrepreneur building multiple businesses

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Dr Mejury Chipato is a Medical Doctor, a Microbiologist, a Philanthropist, and a growing force in the world of entrepreneurship through her multi-faceted business, ProMJ Incorporated Company. She is also a Pastor, a Life & Business Coach, a Mentor, a Leader, a Published Author of the Book “I’m in charge of my Narrative“, and a multi-Award Winner both in Business and as an Author. Recent recognition includes the Zimbabwean Achievers Award Winner for Fashion Designer of the Year 2021 (China Edition). She was also honoured as one of The Most Inspiring Women Awardees of 2022, won The Young Achievers Award presented by the Pride of Africa Awards and received The Leadership & Inspiration Award from Gumiguru Achievers Awards 2022. She is also the Founder of Patience of Hope Foundation which is a non-profit organization whose aim is to pay school fees for orphans and underprivileged children in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

Jazeera Suwani, a serial entrepreneur creating vacation bush experiences in Kenya

August 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Jazeera Suwani, co-founder, Drunken Elephant Mara (Kenya)

Jazeera Suwani, a serial entrepreneur and previously the founder of Say it with Chocolate, is now the co-founder of Drunken Elephant Mara in Kenya. She has been featured in Africa's Top 40 under 40 in 2018. The concept behind Drunken Elephant Mara, is to provide a complete vacation for the individual looking to disconnect from the world of technology and immerse themselves in Nature. The business was launched in 2021 and today employs 7 people.

Mendy Lerato Lusaba, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur creating opportunities for domestic workers

August 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mendy Lerato Lusaba is a social entrepreneur and a decent work advocate with special interest in the domestic work sector. She is the founder of Chris and Geo Placements a domestic placement agency based in Zimbabwe. Chris and Geo recruits and places marginalised and economically disadvantaged persons as domestic workers. To date, she has placed over 2000 workers whilst impacting over 4000 families. Mendy also runs a team of 19 contract domestic workers. She is also the founder of the Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe a network of Zimbabwean domestic workers working in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and United Arab Emirates. DWAZ runs the first domestic worker training centre in Zimbabwe offering trainings in housekeeping, cooking and baking, gardening and care work. They also have a domestic worker netball team for the mental health of domestic workers.

Narcia Walle, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a growing beauty business

August 21, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Narcia Taalumba Walle, co-founder & ceo, Margarida & Rose Beauty Bar (Mozambique)

Narcia Taalumba Walle is the co-founder and ceo of Margarida & Rose Beauty Bar in Mozambique. Margarida & Rose is a nail spa, make-up studio and cosmetics store that provides offers high quality products and services in a relaxed environment. The business was founded through a joint venture in 2021 and employs 4 women from the local Mozambican community. Narcia has 7 years’ experience in the beauty industry as a cosmetics retailer through her company Rose & Rose Store that has been catering to the Mozambican market since 2015. She is also a corporate lawyer, certified SAP consultant, and a humanitarian working for the UN WFP.

Ellen Tshidi Cooper, a South African entrepreneur creating an eco-friendly marketplace for startups

August 21, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Ellen Tshidi Cooper, Founder & CEO, Conscious Lifestyle Collective (South Africa)

Ellen Tshidi Cooper is the Founder and CEO of Conscious Lifestyle Collective, a South African, eco-friendly marketplace connecting conscious sellers and conscious shoppers. She is a social entrepreneur at heart, her business is more than just about making a profit but takes care of people and the planet. She holds an Honours Degree in business and also works as a Branding and Website Designer for startups and small businesses through her design studio ellecooper.co.

Irene Mavie, a Mozambican entrepreneur producing a natural cosmetic line

August 14, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Irene Isac Mavie, founder & CEO, Mavie Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Irene Isac Mavie is the founder and CEO of Mavie Cosméticos in Mozambique. As a lover of creativity, her business is focused on the supply of natural and handmade cosmetics which are of good quality. Her business model takes into account ensuring accessibility of the product range for her customers.

Zvikomborero Jane Chigumadzi, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur making grocery shopping easier

August 14, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Zvikomborero Jane Chigumadzi is a Zimbabwean based entrepreneur who provides an online grocery shopping and door to door delivery service. She started her enterprise in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zvikomborero Jane sees herself as a fearless woman and a goal getter in life and in business. She is mother to a son Julian, and he is the reason the business was formed, so it was named after him. Zvikomborero Jane calls him her entrepreneurial baby.

Marina Prinsloo, a South African entrepreneur training clients to build their authentic brand essence

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Marina Prinsloo, founder, TICIA Group (South Africa)

For anyone wanting to get ahead in life and in business, having a confident, authentic personal brand is essential, as it encourages better relationship building and creates more opportunities. Marina Prinsloo, founder of the TICIA Group in South Africa, is helping clients to become better versions of themselves through confident and authentic communication, engagement and personal positioning skills.

Tatyana Moeda, an Angolan entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a successful cake business

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tatyana Moeda, founder, Miss Cake (Angola)

If you appreciate how special a good cake can be, and how a great cake can make any occasion truly memorable, then Miss Cake, founded by Tatyana Moeda in Angola is a business you need to check out. It creates delicious cakes for every type of event, from an afternoon tea to a celebratory party, and is building a great reputation for her products with clients.

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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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