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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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LIONESS LAUNCH: Mozambican fashion company, Amorambique, launches its latest capulana-inspired collection

January 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Vasco, founder of Amorambique (Mozambique)

Patricia Vasco, founder of Amorambique (Mozambique)

A new fashion collection launches this month, designed by the wonderfully creative Patricia Vasco, founder of growing Mozambican fashion brand, Amorambique. A celebration of the world-renowned and loved capulana fabric, this latest collection is going to win over new and loyal fans alike.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Mozambique, Fashion
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No envy, no anxiety - just walking the journey!

January 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Phindile.jpg

by Phindile Ndlovu, founder and director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

This year I started with a bang and did an interview with one of the leading news channels. I thought this was going to put me on the map. Well, it did for the first two days. Afterwards, I was old news. People were on to the next trend, posting pictures of the #10yearchallenge. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
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DONT in 2019

January 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
DONT 2019.jpg

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

New year, new ideas, new goals, blah blah blah! There is always so much hype around each new year and how this year things will be different. It’s interesting, though, that a calendar year is man-made – there is no difference between 31 December and 1 January, except perhaps that it’s a milestone. And this I think is key – for many of us it’s a way of measuring ourselves and the progress we have made in life – a way of benchmarking our situation and comparing where we were and how far we have come.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker
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Lebitso Ramphore, a South African entrepreneur building an organic hair and beauty brand that harnesses the natural power of shea butter

January 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lebitso Ramphore, founder of Ostibel Africa (South Africa)

Lebitso Ramphore, founder of Ostibel Africa (South Africa)

For all those with skin challenges, help is at hand with a new organic skin and haircare brand from South Africa. Ostibel Africa, founded by serial entrepreneur Lebitso Ramphore, is giving hope to all those who battle dry skin and hair and who are looking for a natural, environmentally friendly solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
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Aphiwe Madlavu, a South African event planner creating memorable eventing experiences for all occasions

January 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Aphiwe Madlavu, founder of AP Royalty Events Management (South Africa)

Aphiwe Madlavu, founder of AP Royalty Events Management (South Africa)

Harnessing your practical experience and a particular skills-set is always a good foundation for a business. At AP Royalty Events Management in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, entrepreneur Aphiwe Madlavu is using her knowledge and expertise in the field of event management to build a business with great potential.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Event Management
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Quote of the Day by Susan Barnes

January 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sue Barnes, founder of Project Dignity and Subz Pads (South Africa)

Sue Barnes, founder of Project Dignity and Subz Pads (South Africa)

"Hold onto your dream. It’s your dream, you can achieve it."

Sue Barnes, founder of Project Dignity and Subz Pads (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Sukha Yogi Retreats announce a special launch event on 20 March 2019

January 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sukha-collage.jpg

Sukha Yogi Retreats will be hosting a special launch event on 20 March 2019 - an all-inclusive Yoga Retreat at Victoria Falls (Session I) Mar 20, 2019 – Mar 24, 2019. Join an exciting, yet relaxing yoga retreat at the breath-taking, all-inclusive Zambezi Sands Resort, an ecotourist destination, which is a part of the Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe, Africa.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Health & Wellbeing
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100 Lionesses Project: Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries - Africa's gender and monopoly busting brewer

January 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

Tabitha Karanja is founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries. She is one of Kenya's leading entrepreneurs, a remarkable trailblazer and an example of a woman made good against all the odds. Tabitha chose to venture where none before her had dared. She took on an 87-year-old business monopoly and entered an industry with a deeply entrenched male gender stereotype. Tabitha broke the mould to become Kenya’s first home-grown beer and alcoholic drink manufacturer. Today, her company's state-of-the-art production facility is targeting 20% of the Kenyan market.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Tabitha Karanja
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Mandisa Makubalo, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help clients reshape their wasteful cost structures in business

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Mandisa Makubalo, founder of Rehoboth Waste Management Services (South Africa)

Mandisa Makubalo, founder of Rehoboth Waste Management Services (South Africa)

In South Africa, many companies find it a challenge to manage an efficient business that doesn’t at the same time comprise on customer service. Mandisa Makubalo, founder of Rehoboth Waste Management Services, is building a business that helps companies to address their wasteful cost structures and achieve a competitive advantage in the market place.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Elsa Chissano, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for creating special occasion events

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Elsa Chissano, founder of Katike Serviços (Mozambique)

Elsa Chissano, founder of Katike Serviços (Mozambique)

Those special occasions in life and in business deserve special events with which to celebrate, and in Mozambique, Katike Serviços founded by entrepreneur Elsa Chissano is bringing her clients’ event dreams to reality.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Event Management
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10 Ways To Become A Better Leader in 2019

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka founder of MR Consulting

It’s a new year and what better time to invest in yourself and to become a better leader in business. Here are ten ways to kickstart that process.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka
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Dusty pink

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigitte Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Would you believe I have been creating dusty pink bridesmaids dresses since the inception of  Roka Roko?  My second group of bridesmaids in 2014 was a chiffon and lace dusty pink dress design; and that experience was terrible.  Well, not because of the colour, but you can imagine I have had a few scary attachments to this colour.  I have had a love hate relationship with the colour dusty pink for a while now.  I think it is because as a creative you come to accept that things change and you expect the world to move with you…well no!

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jean Case

Jean Case

In her brand new book, Be Fearless, renowned philanthropist, investor, and technology pioneer Jean Case brings to life the five principles common to the people and organizations that change the world. This book is a call to action for those seeking to live extraordinary lives and bring about transformational change.

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In Essential Tags Books
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The Execution Factor by Kim Perell

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Kim Perell

Kim Perell

Serial entrepreneur, Kim Perell, author of The Execution Factor, first made headlines for her amazing transformative story of a startup entrepreneur to an internationally renowned CEO and prominent angel investor.  From her modest beginnings at her kitchen table, she went from broke to multi-millionaire in just a few short years.  Today, she has investments in over 70 startups many of which have been sold to some of the largest Fortune 500 companies.  Now, in The Execution Factor, she offers indispensable wisdom as she shares her personal journey and proven program for achieving success.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Dawn Close, a social entrepreneur in Zambia empowering women through the business of jewellery making

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dawn Close, founder of F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) (Zambia)

Dawn Close, founder of F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment) (Zambia)

Making jewellery and making a difference to women’s lives is the mission behind F.R.E.E (the Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment). Created by entrepreneur Dawn Close in Zambia, the goal is to empower highly skilled craftswomen in the country to create high quality, handcrafted jewellery for sale around the world.

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In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Social Entrepreneur, Jewellery
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Larissa Pienaar, an entrepreneur and co-founder of an innovative all-woman app design and development company in South Africa

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Larissa Pienaar, co-founder of Elemant Applications (South Africa)

Larissa Pienaar, co-founder of Elemant Applications (South Africa)

Find a problem and develop a unique solution that will fix it - that’s often the starting point for any business, especially in the tech sector. For the all women team behind South African startup business, Element Applications, their goal in life and in business is to develop smart apps that will solve a range of challenges for other businesses and organisations. Their first foray into the commercial app space sees them creating a much-needed solution for salon owners who need to manage their businesses more efficiently. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Women in Tech
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Looking back

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer of Ithemba Office Solutions

As I sit and reflect, I look back on both the challenges and the blessings of 2018 and realize that the challenges are a given, but choosing to celebrate the blessings is a choice.  I encourage everyone to reflect on and celebrate both your big and small victories.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tania Reid
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O Medo de Vencer. The Fear of Winning.

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Fear-of-Winning.jpg

by Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author and founder of Indika platform and digital magazine

Falhar é um dos maiores medos do Ser Humano. Mas já pensou que há pessoas que têm medo é de VENCER?

Failure is one of the greatest fears of the Human Being. But have you ever thought that there are people who are afraid of WINS? The fear of winning is not only a reality, but it is also one of the biggest obstacles to people's success.

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In Portuguese Content, Guest Blog Tags Nereyda Ah-Hoy
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​​​​​​​100 LIONESSES: Featuring Kofo Akinkugbe, innovator and smart card technology market leader

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Kofo Akinkugbe is recognised globally for her entrepreneurial success story and strong business track record. She is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd a market leader in smart card technology and digital security. SecureID is a world-class manufacturing facility with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. This company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Kofo Akinkugbe
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Elizabeth Crotty, an entrepreneur in South Africa helping global clients relocate to Australia to start new lives

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Elizabeth Crotty, founder of Aurora Migration Consulting (South Africa)

Elizabeth Crotty, founder of Aurora Migration Consulting (South Africa)

Relocating to a new country is a daunting prospect for many people, and for those interested in making Australia their new homes, it can seem particularly challenging to make the move. That’s where entrepreneur Elizabeth Crotty, founder of Aurora Migration Consulting, comes in. She has created a one-stop-shop to help any would-be relocator to Australia with all the fine details.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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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