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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola founder of WeCyclers wins the 2014 Sustainia Award

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder of WeCyclers and winner of the 2014 Sustania Award

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder of WeCyclers and winner of the 2014 Sustania Award

Wecyclers, founded by Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, has won the 2014 Sustainia Award, chaired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, for a solution that enables low-income communities to make money from waste piling up in their streets. By deploying a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle unmanaged waste in Nigeria’s capital Lagos, Wecyclers lets families exchange garbage for consumer goods via an SMS-based point system.

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In Lionesses Tags Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola
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House of Tara: Nigerian beauty brand founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye launches in Kenya

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Tara Fela-Durotoye (centre) at the Kenyan launch of House of Tara 

Tara Fela-Durotoye (centre) at the Kenyan launch of House of Tara 

Source: Capital FM Kenya | December 2, 2014

House of Tara International, a Nigerian beauty and cosmetics brand founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye launched its products in the Kenyan market as part of its continental expansion strategy. House of Tara has developed makeup products with international standards that are tailor made for the African woman by an African woman.

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In Lionesses Tags Tara Fela-Durotoye
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Swaady Martin: Trium graduate symbolises an entrepreneurial generation

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: Financial Times | October 19, 2014

The fledgling business in Parkhurst, one of Johannesburg’s affluent northern suburbs, is the brainchild of Martin-Leke, who forged ahead with the project in spite of initial scepticism among her friends and peers. “I did my research, but no one believed in it,” she says, sipping a new blend she is testing at the elegant townhouse that has been transformed into a chic store....

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In Lionesses Tags Swaady Martin
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Tara Fela-Durotoye - The startup story of a home-grown Nigerian make-up brand that sparked a revolution

December 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara, Nigeria

Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara, Nigeria

More than ten years ago, House of Tara founder Tara Fela-Durotoye, sparked a revolution that reverberated across Nigeria, creating a powerful corporate brand, a range of interesting makeup and skincare lines aimed at women of colour, and setting up Nigeria’s first make-up school.

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In Startup Story Tags Tara Fela-Durotoye, Beauty & Wellness Month, Nigeria
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Teta Isibo – The startup story of a Rwandan jewellery and accessory brand builder

December 3, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki Designs, Rwanda

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki Designs, Rwanda

This remarkable award-winning Rwandan designer made the move from career urban planner to African-inspired jewellery and accessory creator and retailer.

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In Startup Story Tags Teta Isibo, #ChooseArtisan, Artisans, Rwanda, Fashion
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Entrepreneur advice from Kelsey Ramsden: Don’t Start A Business Just For The Money

December 3, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Don’t start a business just for the money....

"We see plenty of entrepreneurs jump in the game of business ownership for one reason only — big dollar signs.... If you’re in the game solely for the money, you will end up disappointed. Yes — money is a way to keep score and it’s an important factor. But, most seasoned entrepreneurs will tell you money is usually the last thing to come."

- Kelsey Ramsden is one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs and founder of kelseyramsden.com. This serial entrepreneur has founded and run businesses as diverse as construction and children’s toys. A formerly wayward student, Kelsey triumphed when she graduated with her MBA from the highly regarded Ivey School of Business. She credits that same grit and determination for helping her overcome a devastating cancer prognosis last year – a cancer she has since overcome. Kelsey is a select member of Ernst & Young’s Winning Women Entrepreneurs for 2013 and on the Richard Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship as a mentor.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Kelsey Ramsden, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Divine Ndhlukula wins Exceptional Entrepreneur Category at the 2014 EY Southern Africa Chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards

December 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

This year's Exceptional Entrepreneur Award at the 2014 EY Africa Chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards has been awarded to the inspirational Zimbabwean woman entrepreneur, Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico.

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In Lionesses Tags Divine Ndhlukula
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Janet Nkubana and Joy Ndungutse – Finding peace and economic empowerment in Rwanda through weaving

December 2, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Janet Nkubana and Joy Ndungutse, founders of Gahaya Links, Rwanda

Janet Nkubana and Joy Ndungutse, founders of Gahaya Links, Rwanda

Rwandan social entrepreneurs and sisters, Janet Nkubana and Joy Ndungutse, are testimony to triumph over incredible adversity. They are an example of how women in that country are spearheading a new economic revival following the 1994 genocide which took the lives of 1 million people.

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In Startup Story Tags Joy Ndungutse & Janet Nkubana, #ChooseArtisan, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Artisans
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Video: Ethel Cofie discusses Women's Leadership, Technology and Entrepreneurship

December 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Video published on 1 December 2014

Ethel Cofie is tech entrepreneur and founder of women in tech Ghana/Africa. In this video she shares her thoughts on Women's Leadership, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

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In Videos Tags Ethel Cofie, 100 Lionesses
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Juliana Rotich - The startup story of an innovative social techpreneur

December 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Rotich, co-founder of Ushahidi, Kenya

Juliana Rotich, co-founder of Ushahidi, Kenya

The world, and in particular Africa, needs more women social techpreneurs like Juliana Rotich who can identify a major challenge or need and develop effective, accessible technologies and software to provide a solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Juliana Rotich, Technology, Kenya
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Aissa Dione – The startup story of an inspirational African textile revivalist who has captivated the world’s leading interior design brands

December 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Aissa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus, Senegal

Aissa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus, Senegal

Senegalese entrepreneur and textile designer, Aissa Dione, has made it her lifelong mission to revive her country’s ailing textile industry, and in the process, create products that are highly desirable the world over.

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In Startup Story Tags Aissa Dione, #ChooseArtisan, Artisans, African Luxury, Senegal
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Nkemdilim Begho – The startup story of a leading Nigerian technology services entrepreneur

November 30, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources, Nigeria

Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources, Nigeria

A leading Nigerian techpreneur building a powerful business focusing on online solutions, e-learning and IT security, and taking Africa’s tech sector by storm.  

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In Startup Story Tags Nkemdilim Begho, Women in Tech, Technology, Nigeria
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Quote of the Day

November 29, 2014 Melanie Hawken

"You have to remember that even if you have a good idea, people could still say no 100 times."

- Susan Coelius Keplinger, is is a San Francisco entrepreneur and the co-founder of Triggit, an online advertising technology company building technologies around ad buying on the real time display advertising exchanges.

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In Quote of the Day
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Lydie Hakizimana – The startup story of a textbook entrepreneur with an incredible vision for improving children’s literacy in Rwanda

November 29, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Lydia Hakizimana, co-founder and managing director of Drakkar Limited

Lydia Hakizimana, co-founder and managing director of Drakkar Limited

If there is one woman that is living proof of the power of women entrepreneurs to make a real difference in the world, it is Lydie Hakizimana co-founder of Drakkar Limited in Rwanda.

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In Startup Story Tags Lydie Hakizimana, Africa's Women Edupreneurs, Edupreneur, Rwanda
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Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao - The startup story of a passionate African natural beauty product entrepreneur

November 27, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao, founder of Malee Natural Science

Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao, founder of Malee Natural Science

This is the story of one woman’s journey to create a unique, luxury, natural beauty and skincare brand that has a uniquely African story and essence.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness Month, United Kingdom, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Video: Dr. Jennifer Riria talks women's empowerment with CNBC Africa

November 26, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Source: CNBC Africa | Published on 26 November 2014

CNBC Africa's profiles Dr. Jennifer Riria, CEO of Kenya Women Holding, who works tirelessly to empower women in her native Kenya by giving them small loans to start businesses. 

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In Videos Tags Jennifer Riria, 100 Lionesses
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Divine Ndhlukula - Top businesswoman shares secrets of success

November 26, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, founder and managing director of Securico

Divine Ndhlukula, founder and managing director of Securico

Source: The Zimbabwean | by Nelson Sibanda | November 11, 2014

Dynamic Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Divine Ndhlukula has been honoured by the United Nations for her success in business. She was runner-up in this year's UNCTAD’s Empretec Women in Business Awards and received her award from Tarja Halonen, the former President of Finland at a ceremony held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. Here, she shares some of the secrets to her success.

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In Lionesses Tags Divine Ndhlukula
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Monica Musonda - The startup story of a tenacious food manufacturer that is looking to bring better nutrition to Zambia

November 26, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder and ceo of Java Foods, Zambia

Monica Musonda, founder and ceo of Java Foods, Zambia

This inspirational and award-winning entrepreneur is a testimony to hard work, perseverance and a can-do attitude to building a major food brand, Java Foods, and also improving the nutrition of a country and a continent.

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In Startup Story, Lionesses Tags Monica Musonda, Food & Drink Month
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Quote of the Day

November 25, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Ethel Cofie, founder of Edel Technologies, Ghana

Ethel Cofie, founder of Edel Technologies, Ghana

“Don’t be afraid of criticism, research shows that in cases of men and women with the same type ‘A’ personalities, a man will always be seen as a go-getter and ambitious and the woman will be seen as bitchy and loud; understand it and move on.”

- Ethel Cofie, is a Ghanaian-born entrepreneur and founder of Edel Technologies. This techpreneur is passionate about technology, female leadership and empowering women entrepreneurs. She runs the  women in tech group in Ghana and is a founder of the Women in Tech Africa Alliance. In 2014, Ethel was selected to be a President Obama Washington Fellow.

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ethel Cofie
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Bisola Edun - The startup story of an innovative and talented female clothing designer from Nigeria

November 24, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Bisola Edun, founder of Tae Afrika (Nigeria)

Bisola Edun, founder of Tae Afrika (Nigeria)

This is the story of a fashion designer who is building a major fashion brand for Africa, and bringing her unique vision, wow factor approach, and design philosophy to her clothing label.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Nigeria
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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