Own your Finances

December 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

In ‘Own your Space; The Toolkit for the Working Woman’, my co-author Nadia Bilchik and I found it imperative to include a chapter on owning your finances. We reached out to author and speaker, Sylvia Walker, to share her insights and guidance. This is a snippet of what she had to say about how to own your finances.

Quote of the Day by Lorna Rutto

December 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I love my work. Each day when I go to work, I feel that I am serving my purpose in this world and working towards our goal to transform Africa’s waste into wealth. This renews my strength every day."

- Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Anila Mussá: Plan, focus and persist

December 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Anila Mussá, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique) — **Anila Mussá**, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique)

Plan, focus and persist....

"Plan and prepare a small business plan (write your idea on paper, how you want to run the business, how much you will sell, who your audience is, etc.) and execute your plan. Do not overthink things, and do not be afraid of failure. Only the day-to-day operation of the business will tell you the needs, the problems, the positive aspects, etc. And with focus and persistence, it is possible to overcome or circumvent any obstacles."

- Anila Mussá is the founder of IZYSHOP in Mozambique, a multi-award winning online supermarket, connecting local small and medium size producers to consumer markets, giving producers access to a broader market and income increase, and consumers a more convenient shopping experience. Born in the small city of Inhambane in Mozambique, Anila learned from a young age the art of getting things done and the value of hard work. Her first business at the age of 12 years old was selling cookies at school so she could buy her school lunch.

Quote of the Day by Devotha Ntuke Minzi

December 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania) — **Devotha Ntuke Minzi**, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

"Keep Learning - there is so much I don’t know, so I am always open to new ideas and opportunities."

- Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder & CEO of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Entrepreneur Advice from Helen Njoroge - Start innovating

December 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Helen Njoroge, founder of Tenders Kenya — **Helen Njoroge**, founder of Tenders Kenya

Start innovating....

"I encourage women, especially the young women, to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."

- Helen Njoroge, is the founder of Tenders Kenya, Kenya’s Number 1 Tender Site, where she is in charge of overseeing the strategic growth, profitability and development of the business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Moi University and a Masters degree in Population Studies from the University of Nairobi. She has extensive experience in the NGO sector and in particular, women economic empowerment, policy advocacy and lobbying.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nelia Annandale: Be flexible

December 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nelia Annandale, founder of Keedo Kids — **Nelia Annandale**, founder of Keedo Kids

Be flexible....

“Be flexible enough to shift your business strategy and focus on new markets when existing ones become less lucrative. Rigidity, fear and ego are all factors that contribute to entrepreneurs sticking to their guns even when they know the battleground has changed."

- Nelia Annandale is founder of Keedo Kids a company she launched in 1993 to manufacture designer children’s clothing in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Nelia blends imagination, comfort and style with vibrant colour and exceptional quality, and the brand has grown to be one of the leading children’s clothing manufacturers in South Africa and now exports to 16 countries across the globe. It took a life-threatening skiing accident for South African born Nelia Annandale to overcome her fear of starting a business. Although she had a happy life and was set in a good routine with her husband and two year old twins, the near fatal accident forced her to take stock of her life - Keedo Kids emerged from that new focus.

Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

December 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV — **Mo Abudu**, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV

“The key to success in anything is to be absolutely consistent over a prolonged period of time.”

- Mo Abudu, founder& Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Tara Fela-Durotoye

December 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"If you start to see more successful businesses that are playing on a global level, the story of Africa will begin to change"

- Tara Fela-Durotoye founder of House of Tara (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Chinwe Ohajuruka: Doing what is right

December 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services — **Chinwe Ohajuruka**, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services

Doing what is right....

"To all social entrepreneurs who are looking to make a difference, whether they are in Africa or in the rest of the world, your work is very important. Social entrepreneurship is needed to take care of a lot of the challenges that we have in developing countries. Social entrepreneurs are patient, sensitive and they have a strong sense of doing what is right to fix the problem. So, hang in there, your work is needed."

- Chinwe Ohajuruka is the founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services in Nigeria. Chinwe is a US-based architect who splits her time between the US & Nigeria working on sustainable housing development projects. She is a passionate champion of green building solutions for Africa and she engineers and builds affordable green houses that are both energy and resource-efficient. Chinwe was selected as the Sub-Saharan laureate of the 2015 Cartier Women's Awards.

Quote of the Day by Njideka Harry

December 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I think the power of mentors cannot be overstated; women and girls in technology need women leaders working in the technology field, or running technology enterprises. They really need them as mentors. They need to see people in the industry and in the classroom that are pursuing tech careers that look like them."

- Njideka Harry, founder and chief executive of Youth for Technology Foundation (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary Holroyd: There's a big difference between delegation and abdication

December 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary Holroyd, founder and chairman of Weigh-Less (South Africa) — **Mary Holroyd**, founder and chairman of Weigh-Less (South Africa)

As a founder, you're always the one who is responsible...

"One of the most important lessons you can learn is the difference between delegation and abdication. At the end of the day, you’re the one who gets into bed with it. Don’t give anyone total responsibility in your business if it’s just a job to them. Don’t let anyone make decisions for your whole company on a 'just a job' attitude."

- Mary Holroyd is founder and chairman of Weigh-Less the company that has been synonymous with weight management in South Africa since 1975. Mary has helped transform hundreds and thousands of lives over the past three decades and continues to raise the bar in terms of inspiring people to not only lose weight, but change the way they live. Mary, who has her MBA from Henley in London, has been the recipient of numerous prestigious business awards. She also leads by example and has been at her Goal Weight for 41 years!

Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs get inspired at the latest Lioness Lean In event

December 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Patricia Vasco, Tania Tome, Melanie Hawken, Marta Roff, Sasha Vieira — L-R: Patricia Vasco, Tania Tome, Melanie Hawken, Marta Roff, Sasha Vieira

Mozambique’s women entrepreneur business and brand builders are on the move, winning fans not just at home and across the African continent, but around the world. On 28th November, as part of an ongoing series of Lioness Lean In Breakfast events aimed at bringing women entrepreneurs of Maputo together to share their stories, inspire one another, and connect for greater business success, Lionesses of Africa and Standard Bank hosted the 5th such successful event.

Dené Carlile, a South African entrepreneur helping companies to develop their social brand personalities

December 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dené Carlile, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa) — **Dené Carlile**, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa)

Many companies struggle to get their brand messages to connect with customers, or to grow their brand appeal with certain customer segments. That’s where South African niche company, BluMallow Social & Design, comes in. Founder Dené Carlile is on a mission to make the whole process of making powerful brand connections a whole lot easier for her clients.

100 LIONESSES: Swaady Martin, stylish purveyor of African luxury tea

December 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin, founder of Yswara — **Swaady Martin**, founder of Yswara

Swaady Martin is founder of YSWARA, a rapidly growing African luxury brand. YSWARA creates elegant, high-end products using the continent’s natural resources, all produced by African artisans. The product range centres around exquisite teas sourced from across Africa, Swaady aims to capture a true spirit of African luxury by reviving Africa’s endangered cultural heritage and unique ancestral craftsmanship. YSWARA is sold online and in 8 countries with different direct and indirect retail points.

ESSENTIAL READ: Raising Money Savvy Kids by Kathryn Main

December 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

As parents, we make every effort and sacrifice possible to ensure that our children receive the best education available. Unfortunately, the school curriculum taught today is missing one crucial puzzle-piece that will make our children’s education complete - money management. In her new book, Raising Money Savvy Kids, author and entrepreneur, Kathryn Main, is on a mission to provide kids with the financial advantage and financial freedom through education that most of their parents never had.

Dear Entrepreneur Wannabe - Don't try be what you are not

December 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

by Benji Coetzee, founder of EmptyTrips

I've witnessed animals outcasting one of their own, and today, I can appreciate being outright rejected too, a lone wolf. I am broke, skinny, pale, sleep deprived, fighting with loved ones, neglected and maybe delusional.

Entrepreneurship rocks! Why you should consider becoming one!

December 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

By Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

Entrepreneurship rocks! Well it does most of the time! I am not going to tell you this is the easiest journey, but it is truly rewarding! In my case starting out, I was one of those “go with the flow” people. I never had a plan of what I was going to be. I didn’t have it all planned and I was definitely not goal driven! Now, years later and after many learning trials, I can honestly say today that by the grace of God and my entrepreneurial journey, I am a different person. Better I would say!

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Have a game plan and execute it with passion

December 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

You need to execute your game plan with passion....

"Have a game plan and execute it with passion, determination and focus....Work with your passion, it will keep you going and once you have a footing in your business, make the most of it and create the momentum and that will get rid of all the little challenges that may bog you down. Lastly, choose your team carefully and get rid of non-performers soon enough."

- Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

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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 · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Startup Story

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

Startup Story

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

Startup Story

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

Startup Story

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

Startup Story

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

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Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

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

Book Review

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

Book Review

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

Book Review

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

Book Review

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.

"I love my work. Each day when I go to work, I feel that I am serving my purpose in this world and working towards our goal to transform Africa’s waste into wealth. This renews my strength every day."

"Keep Learning - there is so much I don’t know, so I am always open to new ideas and opportunities."

"I encourage women, especially the young women, to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."

“Be flexible enough to shift your business strategy and focus on new markets when existing ones become less lucrative. Rigidity, fear and ego are all factors that contribute to entrepreneurs sticking to their guns even when they know the battleground has changed."

“The key to success in anything is to be absolutely consistent over a prolonged period of time.”

"If you start to see more successful businesses that are playing on a global level, the story of Africa will begin to change"

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