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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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Claudette Nahum and Nangula Shejavali, two entrepreneurs helping Namibia’s businesses to build sustainable companies

December 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Claudette Nahum & Nangula Shejavali, founders of Leading Edge Management Consultants (Namibia)

Claudette Nahum & Nangula Shejavali, founders of Leading Edge Management Consultants (Namibia)

A healthy business eco-system needs strong, sustainable companies and organisations, and often they need the right developmental support, advice and expertise to grow. In Namibia, that’s where Leading Edge Management Consultants, founded by entrepreneurs Claudette Nahum and Nangula Shejavali, is there to help. 

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Business Services, Consulting Services
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Goal setting for the new year

December 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

As 2018 comes to a wrap, many individuals and organizations are consumed with end of year reports and financial results. They forget about what will be coming ahead and the need to plan for the next year.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Rungisa
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mireille Karera: Follow your inner voice

December 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mireille Karera, founder of KORA Associates

Mireille Karera, founder of KORA Associates

Follow your inner voice....

"My advice to women starting up is to follow that insisting inner voice that has already been nudging you to follow the dream inside of you. It is the hidden treasure that only you can find. You may come from a tough background or a privileged one, no matter how you started, if you persevere and stay true to YOUR own desires and dreams, you will eventually turn your dreams into reality."

Mireille Karera, founder of KORA Associates (U.A.E/Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Chinwe Ohajuruka: Success and failure

December 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

Success and failure…

“Every entrepreneur will experience both success and failure along the way. I try to use success as a springboard for even greater success and likewise learn from failure, and use it to leverage success going forward.”

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Success, Failure
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Quote of the Day by Joelle Eyeson

December 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)

Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)

"Go for it, don't let stereotypes of what a woman should be or look like stop you from achieving your full potential."

Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Devotha Ntuke Minzi: Hold onto your dream

December 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

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

Hold onto your dream....

"The dream - that burning urge inside that drives your momentum. This is critical. If you don’t have it, it is very easy to give up. Doing business and for that matter being your own boss, is not easy."

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

December 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

“For me, failure teaches self-confidence and tenacity.”

Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Divine Ndhlukula
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Lessons from the past

December 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka

There is something very special about the holidays. Not only is it a time to recuperate after a long, tiresome year, but it is also a time to reflect and plan ahead. Not everyone has the same experiences because we are all very different. However, many can attest to the fact that generally it was a challenging year economically for many. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka
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I can't wait for December so I can take a break!

December 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

I heard so many people saying this phrase during these past few weeks. I remember when I first noticed the decorations going up in Pick 'n Pay and thought to myself, "No, not yet. I'm not ready for December to come around, there's still so much I have to get done!"

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In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee
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Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Camara: Follow your passion

December 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG) (Guinea)

Tiguidanke Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG) (Guinea)

Follow your passion…

“Follow your passion. Do not let gender-related issues define you. Work hard, have faith and persevere. You will face difficulties, challenges and setbacks. It will help you grow. Always be professional. Surround yourself with mentors who will guide you throughout your career.”

Tiguidanke Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG) (Guinea)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Tiguidanke Camara, Passion
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Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

December 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

"You can work for a boss and make a living or you can work for yourself and make a fortune: the choice is yours."

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of  Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Meet 9 African women entrepreneurs creatively fighting the war on plastic pollution

December 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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From poisoning and injuring marine life, to the ubiquitous presence of plastics in our food, to causing major life-threatening diseases, the growth of plastic waste is threatening our planet's survival. Africa’s women entrepreneurs are rising to the challenge and are building game-changing eco-businesses combating one of the great environmental challenges of our time - plastic pollution.

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In Features Tags Eco-preneur
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To collaborate or not? That is the question!

December 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In the 4 years of this business, I have had ‘gazillions’ of collaboration offers and maybe 1 of them actually happens, maybe!  I don’t know if it worked or not.  Collaborations are agreed to and pushed forward because, well in life and in business we need each other. I am yet to be part of a real collaboration and see it through. There are many reasons why I haven’t been in one, some are real and others probably imagined! Have I lost out? Probably! Who knows what we can achieve when we come together for a common purpose. I have compiled a list of reasons I still haven’t done a collaboration; maybe some ring true for you as well?

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Growth IQ: Get Smarter About the Choices that Will Make or Break Your Business by Tiffani Bova

December 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tiffani Bova

Tiffani Bova

Do you know the best way to drive your company's growth? If not, then according to author and customer growth evangelist, Tiffani Bova, it’s time to boost your Growth IQ.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Own your meetings 

December 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

I have interviewed people across many industries, levels, companies, entrepreneurs – and the number one time waster that comes up again and again is meetings. David Grady, has coined the phrase MAS – this is a new epidemic sweeping the working world today. It stands for Mindless Acceptance Syndrome. In other words, as soon as we receive a meeting invite, we accept it without questioning our role in it or the purpose of the meeting. So his solution to MAS is…NO MAS.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Sima Mlangeni, an entrepreneur based in Namibia using her passion for the hygiene industry as the inspiration for her business

December 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Sima Mlangeni, founder of Biocol Hygiene (Namibia)

Sima Mlangeni, founder of Biocol Hygiene (Namibia)

Often, business success comes by finding the right market opportunities and then creating the products and services to meet the needs of those markets. For entrepreneur Sima Mlangeni, founder of Biocol Hygiene, she identified a niche market opportunity in Namibia that would harness her expertise and experience in the specialist hygiene industry.

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Manufacturing
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Cote d’Ivoire’s women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect at the second Lioness Lean In event in the country

December 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Cote d’Ivoire’s women entrepreneurs who are looking to take their businesses to the next level gathered in the city of Abidjan on the morning of Thursday 29th November for the second Lioness Lean In event in the country. The much-anticipated event was again hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Ambassade du Royaume des Pays-Bas. It promised to be a morning of inspiration and great business networking, and it lived up to that promise.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Cote d'Ivoire
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Amanda Simango, a creative graphic designer in Zimbabwe building a business that is driven by a love for her work

December 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Simango, founder of Amy Designs (Zimbabwe)

Amanda Simango, founder of Amy Designs (Zimbabwe)

For any company or organisation, building and maintaining a strong brand in the marketplace is key to success, and to achieve that goal relies on the support of great design and brand appeal. In Zimbabwe, Amanda Simango, founder of Amy Designs, is bringing a wealth of creativity and a portfolio of design expertise to help any client get noticed. 

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Media PR & Communications, Graphic Design
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Paulina Alfeus, an entrepreneur finding an innovative use for old recycled oil drums in Namibia

December 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Paulina Alfeus, founder of Power Six Investment (Namibia)

Paulina Alfeus, founder of Power Six Investment (Namibia)

Most people look at old discarded oil drums and other scrap metals and just see junk. But for entrepreneur Paulina Alfeus, founder of Power Six Investment, she sees endless possibilities. Her business finds its inspiration in turning trash into treasure, creating innovative and desirable furniture from recycled scrap oil drums. 

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Manufacturing, Furniture, Eco-preneur
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Mo Abudu awarded honorary doctorate in London

December 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mo-Abudu-Honorary-Doctorate.jpg

Mo Abudu, founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media in Nigeria, has been recognized for outstanding services to broadcasting and enterprise, by the University of Westminster in London. She was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts.

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In Lionesses, Award Winner Tags Mo Abudu
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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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