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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Juliana Rotich: "It’s a really fantastic time to be in Africa, to build in Africa"

June 4, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Source: Mail & Guardian | by Lee Mwiti | 3 June 2015 

World Economic Forum Africa, Cape Town, 3 June 2015: Young people are key to increasing intra-African trade, which currently stands at a paltry 3%, some of the continent’s top entrepreneurs said Wednesday as the World Economic Forum on Africa got underway.

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In Lionesses Tags Juliana Rotich
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Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan - The startup story of two Cape Town entrepreneurs turning the world of skin and body care 100% natural and organic

June 3, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Louiza Rademan & Christine Buchanan, founders of Oh-Lief (South Africa)

Louiza Rademan & Christine Buchanan, founders of Oh-Lief (South Africa)

Two entrepreneurial sisters from South Africa with a love of all things natural and organic are capturing the imagination of customers looking for an alternative to the mass produced, chemically formulated skin and body care products on the market. The Oh-Lief Natural Products company is developing 100% natural and organic products that are truly world class.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Beauty & Wellness Month
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Faraja Nyalandu - The startup story of a Tanzanian edupreneur producing accessible, localized digital learning for secondary students

June 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Africa’s education challenges and the lack of access to quality learning resources for children and young people in Tanzania specifically, led one woman entrepreneur to take an innovative approach to finding a solution. Faraja Nyalandu is creating world-class digital learning content and making it available to students on mobile phones and through online learning portals.

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In Startup Story Tags Africa's Women Edupreneurs, Women in Tech, Edupreneur, Tanzania
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Lionesses of Africa celebrates the continent’s most innovative and inspirational women edupreneurs throughout June

June 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken

June is Focus on Africa’s Women Edupreneurs Month: This month we are turning our attention to the truly inspirational edupreneurs of Africa, the women who are creating leading-edge technologies and revolutionary new approaches to education in order to make a real difference to the lives of new generations of children and young people across the African continent. 

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In Features Tags Africa's Women Edupreneurs
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Daniela Wingate - The startup story of an entrepreneur with a passion for handmade gifts that become tomorrow’s heirlooms

May 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Daniela Wingate, founder of Heirloom Treasury (South Africa)

Daniela Wingate, founder of Heirloom Treasury (South Africa)

Walking into Daniela Wingate’s flagship Heirloom Treasury store is a wonderful experience, and a real celebration of lovingly hand-made, carefully selected and beautifully displayed stationery and gift items that reflect the art of fine craftsmanship in Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Maker & Crafter, #ChooseArtisan, Artisans, South Africa
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5 Top Tips To Improve Your Entrepreneurial Networking Skills

May 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube

Over the years the business world has drastically changed. With the rapid developments and significant improvements in the technology we use each day, we have the world literally at our fingertips 24/7, and what we do with it is what will help us make it in business, or not. It also means that they way we network has changed dramatically too.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lireko Dorothy Ncube
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Next Stop Angola for the Bold Kampala World Tour

May 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken

One of LoA's favourite 'fashionista' startups, Bold Kampala, are living up to their name, as they are about to embark on the next leg of their hugely successful world tour, taking their concept store to Luanda in Angola during the month of June.

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In Events Tags Fashion
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Essential Read: 'It’s Not Rocket Science' by Mary Spio

May 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Mary Spio, author, deep space engineer, Internet entrepreneur, Game Changer....

Mary Spio, author, deep space engineer, Internet entrepreneur, Game Changer....

Once a shoeless African child, I have had the opportunity to sell technology to companies such as Boeing, to sit at the table with leaders of some of the world’s biggest companies and even to change the movie industry. Who does that? Game Changers do that! Game Changers are the ones who are bold enough and brash enough to believe we can achieve our dreams and change the world in the process.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

How to save time and energy by harnessing the support of a VA

May 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect

Even a superhero needs an assistant, and in the world of entrepreneurship, that is certainly the case. Having that key person by your side to assist you as part of your support team will free you up to do the more important things when it comes to growing your business.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels
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Television Interview: Dr. Christel Coetzee co-founder of ADVIT Animal Nutrition talks about her entrepreneurial journey

May 28, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Watch Dr Christel Coetzee's interview on the kykNET TV programme 'Winslyn' where she talks about her company ADVIT Animal Nutrition and her entrepreneurial journey.

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In The Big Interview Tags Dr. Christel Coetzee
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Spark's SHE Programme accelerates women led social ventures impacting women and girls

May 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Spark South Africa is on a mission - to search across the country for female startup founders who have launched a venture that exists to improve the lives of women and girls. The SHE programme believes that women are the best levers for change in South Africa, and it recognises that female founders need help if they are to succeed. And, they need that help now. 

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In Features Tags Social Impact
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Video: Melanie Hawken founder of Lionesses of Africa talks about her online platform for women entrepreneurs

May 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Source: GIBS Business School Gordon Institute of Business Science | Published on May 27, 2015

Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief, LIONESSES OF AFRICA talks about her online platform that showcases and brings Africa's women entrepreneurs together.

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In Videos, LoA Making News Tags Melanie Hawken
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Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Cofie: You've got to believe in yourself

May 26, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Cofie, founder and CEO of Nuekie, Ghana

Eunice Cofie, founder and CEO of Nuekie, Ghana

Starting a business is not easy, but you need to believe in yourself....

"Starting a business is not easy. I think the hardest thing for me in the beginning was believing in myself and my abilities. I would tell women who want to start a company to believe in themselves and their business idea. When you believe in yourself you can work wonders."

- Eunice Cofie is the founder, President and Chief Cosmetic Chemist of Nuekie, an innovative health and beauty company that combines traditional African medicine and modern science to develop products and services to meet the unique needs of people of colour. Eunice harnesses her passion for science to make a difference to people’s lives and, at the same, building a new global health and beauty powerhouse. Eunice is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/molecular biology.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Essential Read: 'Your Moment' by Tumi Frazier

May 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Tumi Frazier, author of 'Your Moment'

Tumi Frazier, author of 'Your Moment'

In her book, Your Moment, international keynote speaker and life coach, Tumi Frazier, shares her insights and advice on how women can seize their own personal moment and build the positive mindset and self-confidence needed to achieve key goals and ambitions. 

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In Essential Tags Books, Tumi Frazier
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Ethel Cofie - The startup story of a woman helping to change the face of the tech sector in Africa

May 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ethel Cofie, founder of Edel Technologies (Ghana)

Ethel Cofie, founder of Edel Technologies (Ghana)

If there is a stand-out dynamic woman techpreneur in Africa who is challenging the industry status quo and helping other women to spearhead a new and innovative era in the sector on the continent, then it is Ethel Cofie, founder of Edel Technologies in Ghana.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethel Cofie, Women in Tech, Ghana
1 Comment

Tigui Traoré - The startup story of a visionary Guinean fashionpreneur elevating Afrochic to a whole new level

May 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Tigui Traoré (L), founder of Cocostyle (Guinea)

Tigui Traoré (L), founder of Cocostyle (Guinea)

A creative explosion of colour, textures and designs, inspired by deep African roots but acknowledging European fashion trends, is at the heart of Tigui Traoré’s inspirational Cocostyle fashion and events brand from Guinea.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Guinea
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The Bold Kampala World Tour Wows the Fashion Crowd in Kigali

May 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi (Top), Janet Mugume (L) and Angel Kalisa (R) , founders of BOLD Kampala

Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi (Top), Janet Mugume (L) and Angel Kalisa (R) , founders of BOLD Kampala

Kigali, Rwanda, 16 May 2015 - The creative team at African fashion retailer, Bold Kampala, continued their hugely successful world tour, with Kigali being the latest destination for these innovative fashionistas. Here, the Bold Kampala tour teamed up with local Kigali favourite, House of Tayo, providing the perfect venue for local fashion buyers to check out some of the very best African creations.

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In Events Tags Fashion
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Mary-Anne Grobler - The startup story of a trend-setting jewellery business with an eye for natural raw materials

May 24, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Mary-Anne Grobler & Kara Furter, of Matter of Fakt (South Africa)

Mary-Anne Grobler & Kara Furter, of Matter of Fakt (South Africa)

South Africa is renowned for its precious and semi-precious stones and for one of the country’s up-and-coming jewellery design brands, Matter of Fakt, these wonderful raw materials provide all the inspiration needed to create unique contemporary pieces.

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In Startup Story Tags Jewellery Designers Month, Jewellery Design, Artisans, South Africa
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Award Winning Woman: Schwab Foundation selects Amina Slaoui from Morocco as 2015 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee for MENA

May 24, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Amina Slaoui, founder of Groupe AMH (Morocco)

Amina Slaoui, founder of Groupe AMH (Morocco)

Dead Sea, Jordan, 22 May 2015 – Amina Slaoui, the inspirational founder of Groupe AMH in Morocco has been named one of three social entrepreneurs from the Middle East and North Africa to be recognized by the Schwab Foundation as  a 2015 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Awardees for MENA.

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In Award Winner Tags Social Entrepreneur
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It’s a Great Time to be a Millennial Woman Entrepreneur in Africa

May 21, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Source: Hai Afrika | by Melanie Hawken | 21 May 2015

After years of global economic pressure and lots of business uncertainty in the marketplace, there are signs of a new wave of optimism amongst entrepreneurs, Interestingly, this charge is being led by millennials who want to do things differently.

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In LoA Making News, Opinion
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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 / 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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
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
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o 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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business 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, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
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, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
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

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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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