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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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The Suitcase Entrepreneur by Natalie Sisson

October 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Natalie Sisson

Natalie Sisson

In her No #1 Bestseller, The Suitcase Entrepreneur, author Natalie Sisson teaches you how to package your skills to earn enough money to work and live anywhere, build a profitable online business you love, and live life according to your rules. If you’ve always thought that running a profitable business from your laptop, and having the freedom to do what you want when you want was just a pipe dream, then think again.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Thembe Khumalo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur helping small businesses to grow their brands through great communication.

October 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Thembe Khumalo, founder of Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Thembe Khumalo, founder of Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Behind every successful business is a great brand that connects products and services to those all important customers. But building a great brand takes hard work and specialist expertise, and in Zimbabwe, that’s where Thembe Khumalo and her company Brandbuilder come in. They bring 20 years of specialist expertise to any client brief and make the process of brand building a whole lot easier.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Business Services, Media PR & Communications
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Own your Anxiety

October 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

The equation, ANXIETY = Uncertainty x Powerlessness, comes from Chip Conley’s insightful book ‘Emotional Equations’. Chip believes that the product of what you don’t know (uncertainty) and what you can’t control (powerlessness) creates the emotional condition of anxiety, which is greater than the sum of its parts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Are you an Ant Queen?

October 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

The wonderful, crazy city buzz is a place that energizes most of us, whether it’s New York, London, Milan, or Jozi, and many more cities in Africa. High tempo, people doing their things, and life goes on and on and on… Very much similar to an ant city. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser
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Quote of the Day by Eva Muraya

October 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

“Who is going to feed Africa? Who will ensure Africans are educated? Across the board, the entrepreneurs are the ones carrying this continent to the next season.”

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Eva Muraya
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Entrepreneur Advice from Hend El Sherbini: Trust your gut

October 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Hend El Sherbini, CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH) (Egypt)

Hend El Sherbini, CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH) (Egypt)

Trust your gut….

"Don’t listen to what people are saying, because they’re probably jealous. You have to have a lot of self-confidence…. You’re not a second-rate citizen. Trust your gut.”

Hend El Sherbini, founder & CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH) (Egypt)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Hend El Sherbeni, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Benji Coetzee and Empty Trips scoop a number of exciting awards for their innovation

October 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken
(L) Benji Coetzee, founder & ceo of Empty Trips (South Africa)

(L) Benji Coetzee, founder & ceo of Empty Trips (South Africa)

Awards and Accolades

This is an exciting time for South African entrepreneur Benji Coetzee and her company Empty Trips, which is on a mission to make cargo transportation more eco and cost efficient. The company has just received some valued recognition through a number of exciting global awards. 

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In Award Winner Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility, Women in Tech
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Ntsoaki Kortjass, a South African entrepreneur putting the security of others at the heart of her business

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals alike, security is a key concern and one that needs addressing by experienced professionals. In South Africa, one woman entrepreneur is building a business that brings peace of mind together with a highly experienced approach to risk management. Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions, is putting people and property first, and building a reputation for great service at the same time.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Security Services
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Botswana’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered to inspire and connect at the Lioness Lean In event in Gaborone

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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As part of the year-long rollout of Lionesses of Africa’s tour of the African continent with its Lioness Lean In Breakfast events, October 19th saw the latest event coming to Gaborone. Co-hosted by Stanbic Bank, this unique event aimed to showcase the game-changing women entrepreneurs who have built some of the country’s most successful businesses, and to inspire a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Botswana, Gaborone
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African City Guide, the story of three friends, Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, whose love of travel led them to create the African City Guide

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, co-founders of African City Guide

Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, co-founders of African City Guide

It can be daunting for even the most experienced traveller to visit a new city on the African continent without practical knowledge or experience of what to expect on the ground. That’s where the African City Guide comes in. The brainchild of three enterprising entrepreneurs and passionate travellers, Megan Bowren, Eva Shuman, and Frances van Hasselt, their website is packed with information and recommendations provided by travelers who have been there and done it!

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service, Travel & Leisure, Tourism
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6 Tips for Top Customer Engagement on Mobile from the 2018 PriceCheck Awards

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Lynette Hundermark, co-founder of Useful & Beautiful

Speaking at this year’s annual PriceCheck Awards Ceremony, CEO Kevin Tucker noted that the Tech and E-commerce Awards are more important than ever before. He said that while 2018 has been a tough year for retail, it’s an industry with massive potential for growth. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lynette Hundermark
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Dealing with Disappointment: Just Let It Flow

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

It’s a fact of life that we don’t always get what we want and it sure isn’t always fair. Being a woman in business and in leadership, you’re bound to have to face more than your fair share of disappointments. Here are some tips on learning to move with the flow of life and not let temporary disappointments become permanent setbacks. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung
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Straight Talk for Smart Business Women: Critical Tools to Build and Grow Your Business by Cheryl Leitschuh

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Cheryl Leitschuh

Cheryl Leitschuh

What does it take to build a successful small business? Author Cheryl Leitschuh has some of the answers in her new book, Straight Talk for Smart Business Women. She believes it starts with accessing the critical tools needed to build and grow your business, and then hearing the stories of those who have successfully done it before.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Maybe the pie is really big enough for all of us

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Competition is a subject I did in marketing at college. We were reviewing the ways companies compete for markets.  Direct competition and indirect competition.  Direct competition is CocaCola and Pepsi.  Indirect would be CocaCola and all banting products.  This subject tells us that there’s one market for all these companies, and they must all fight for their attention.  Ways of fighting include pricing, ingredients, advertising, location, pairing with other power brands in the industry, and of late going green/healthy. Are you exhausted already? Me too, but read on…

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Our role as entrepreneurs is bigger than us

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka

Recently I had the privilege of attending a workshop where I delivered a talk to a group of young learners about career development. This is a topic that is very close to my heart because many people are forced into unwanted careers for many reasons. The bottom line is that there is an enormous need for career guidance in underprivileged schools. This is specifically because advanced institutions have career coaches and counselors to assist learners in aligning their future goals and aspirations with their talents and capabilities from the early stages of their schooling.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka
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Entrepreneur Advice from Johanna Mukoki: Invest in your staff

October 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, speaking at the Annual Lionesses of Africa Conference 2016

Johanna Mukoki, speaking at the Annual Lionesses of Africa Conference 2016

Happy staff are key to your success…

“We learnt that the best way for us to build a lasting business has been to invest in our staff, and in training them well so that they want to stay and grow within our business.” 

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Johanna Mukoki, People Management
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Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

October 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

“The follow-through is just as important as the first action, if not more important!” 

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula, Management Advice
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Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, a Nigerian entrepreneur helping a new generation of writers to turn their passion for words into profits

October 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Many people have a natural talent for words, but turning that talent into a business is not always so easy. One woman entrepreneur, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub in Nigeria, is providing a supporting learning environment for aspirant writers to develop that talent and pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Nigeria
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Entrepreneur Advice from Hazel Aggrey-Orleans: It can be a lonely journey

October 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

It can be a lonely journey….

“Being an entrepreneur is without doubt one of the hardest roles to take on as you are your own boss and it can be a lonely journey as you do not have the structure of an establishment to support you. I always tell myself though, if being an entrepreneur were easy, every one would do it.”

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Overcoming failure

October 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
overcoming-failure

by Kathryn Main, founder of Money Savvy Kids

When I think about failure I truly believe I am an expert on this subject. I have failed in every area of my life many times - personally, financially, and in business. If you want advice on how to handle failure, ask an expert!

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathryn Main
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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 / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
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 / 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka
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 / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map 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 / 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka 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.

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
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

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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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