LIONESS COLAB: Monalisa Productions x Dark Crown Productions

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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Two women-founded production companies in South Africa and Namibia celebrating the power of collaborative storytelling

Today, everyone knows the phrase ‘Content is King’, but creating really world-class content that consumers want to take time out of their busy working and personal lives to enjoy is tough. However, two women entrepreneur-led businesses are proving that collaboration can make really powerful content happen, and at scale, by harnessing the power of traditional and digital screens to reach audiences. Monalisa Productions in South Africa and Dark Crown Productions in Namibia are two businesses who are proof positive of going further, together.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Chabana Farms launches Botswana’s first honey processing factory

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Serial entrepreneur Mavis Nduchwa, founder of the successful agribusiness Chabana Farms in Botswana, is making news again this month with her launch of the first honey processing factory in the country. Her new business venture will be processing and packaging various types of honey including the rare white honey, yellow honey, as well as the black honey. Currently, the business is supplying honey to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia.

Já descobriu o que veio fazer neste mundo?

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

por Nereyda Ah Hoy

Nestes tempos de transformações intensas, não só à nossa volta, mas acima de tudo, a nível do nosso mundo interior, o facto de sentirmo-nos muitas vezes perdidas, desorientadas e desmotivados, é um sinal de que cada vez mais devemos perceber se o caminho que estamos a percorrer é o caminho que devíamos estar a seguir.

Own your virtual presence

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner, By Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader, and founder of Beyond the Dress

In a nutshell, our personal brand is how we show up in other people’s minds. We tend to only think of dress or body language as a key indicator of how we come across. This is only a tiny piece of the personal brand pie. Our virtual brand is about how we represent ourselves across all the channels and touch points we utilise, including social media, email, WhatsApp, text and phone calls.

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating beautiful hats for stylish women who want to make an impression

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique) — **Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove**, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

There is a long tradition of hat wearing for special occasions in Africa. And in Mozambique, one talented woman entrepreneur is taking this art form to a whole new design level, and building a wonderful niche business too. Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery, is turning heads and winning fans with her extraordinarily beautiful millinery creations, all proudly made in Mozambique.

Ncebakazi Nompula, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help companies create continuous improvement business solutions

April 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions (South Africa) — **Ncebakazi Nompula**, founder of GEE Solutions (South Africa)

Many companies experience challenges when it comes to ensuring maximum productivity levels, from both people and processes, but in South Africa one woman entrepreneur has the solution. Ncebakazi Nompula, founder of GEE Solutions, knows how to make organisations work smarter, not harder, to get productivity levels up.

Quote of the Day by Nira Sklair

April 5, 2019 Melanie Hawken

“Do not stop - envision yourself where you want to be. Pack only of the best ingredients, and never fear the mountain.”

Nira Sklair, founder of Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)

Correr Não é Chegar. Running is not reaching

March 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken

With the hectic and frantic life we lead, it is very easy to lose the sense of priority in life and literally get into autopilot mode. We often act mechanically, and we do not even realize how badly this influences us both personally and professionally. Below I share some little "truths" we have forgotten, over and over again. Keep this list in mind whenever you feel “lost.”

The Empowered Entrepreneur 2018: Mastering the art of a thriving business by Elizabeth Cairns

March 31, 2019 Melanie Hawken

The way we do business is changing. Entrepreneurs are recognizing that there is a more enlightened way to work. One that inspires and sustains them and enables their business to truly thrive. Author Elizabeth Cairns in her new book The Empowered Entrepreneur sets you firmly on the path to mastering the art of growing a thriving and sustainable business.

Sarah Kennan, a South African entrepreneur celebrating Karoo agave in an exciting new spirit that is exciting global palettes

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Kennan, founder of Leonista (South Africa) — **Sarah Kennan**, founder of Leonista (South Africa)

South Africa has always been renowned for growing some of the finest raw ingredients that go into making world class wines and spirits. But now, an exciting new spirit brand, Leonista, founded by Sarah Kennan, is celebrating one of the Karoo’s finest and most unique ingredients, agave.

Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating an innovative solution to the country’s housing challenges

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of Minimal (Mozambique) — **Marta Vânia Uetela**, founder of Minimal (Mozambique)

For many young people and startup businesses in Mozambique, getting a foot onto the housing and property ladder can be tough. But that is about to change thanks to Marta Vânia Uetela, a woman entrepreneur with a big vision and a great solution who is exciting everyone with her flexible and sustainable housing solution for the country.

LIONESS LAUNCH: An exciting new natural skincare brand launches in Mozambique this month

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

In Mozambique this month, there is an exciting buzz in the air as a new natural skincare brand gets set to help customers to have great looking skin whilst at the same time taking care of the planet. Muthiana Orera is a specialist Mozambican skincare brand specialising in the production of natural cosmetics for the skin. The aim of the company and its founder, Marla Taquidir, is to encourage people to stop using chemicals on their skin and instead choose natural ones. For the customer, this means cheaper products, but above all, better quality products, helping them to avoid skin diseases and allergies, etc.

100 Lionesses: Malawian fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, recognized at the Summer 2019 International Fashion Awards in Cairo, Egypt

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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The globally renowned and multi-award winning Malawian fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, founder of the luxury fashion brand that carries her name, has just been globally recognized for her work once again. This week, Lilly was invited to attend the 5th Edition Summer 2019 International Fashion Awards in Cairo, Egypt where she was honoured for her work and her luxury fashion brand.

The 4 Stages of Learning

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

By Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds

Have you ever watched a highly skilled person excel at something and thought “That looks easy! I’m sure I can do that!”? Maybe it was somebody you saw on television, perhaps Roger Federer effortlessly hitting a winning forehand, a Masterchef contestant whipping up a delicious dish without a recipe or a skilled public speaker holding an audience enraptured.

Lessons from doing a TEDx talk: Part 2

March 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

By Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Welcome to part 2 of Lessons from doing a TEDx talk! - [Read part 1] I am a professional speaker/trainer/teacher who does talks and workshops to a corporate audience for a living. So when the opportunity to do a TEDx Women talk came along, I was thrilled. Firstly, it’s been on my bucket list for over 10 years and secondly, I was sure having this public speaking background would make the process that much easier. Quite the contrary! It was the most amazing 8 weeks for me, I have not been pushed out of my comfort zone and beyond for a long time. It tested me on every level and the process has been my greatest reward.

ESSENTIAL READ: Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder by Reshma Saujani

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

In her new book, Brave, Not Perfect, inspired by her popular TED talk, New York Times bestselling author Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, empowers women to embrace imperfection and bravery in their business and personal lives. Imagine if you lived without the fear of not being good enough. If you didn't care how your life looked on Instagram, or worry about what total strangers thought of you. Imagine if you could let go of the guilt, and stop beating yourself up for tiny mistakes. What if, in every decision you faced, you took the bolder path?

Eswatini’s women entrepreneurs Lean In for greater business success with Lionesses of Africa and Standard Bank

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Eswatini has a growing environment for women entrepreneurs to realize their business building ambitions. So, it was good to see over 100 of the country’s leading women entrepreneurs gathering at the Royal Villas for the first Lioness Lean In event to be held in the country on 21 March. The event aimed to give women entrepreneurs in the country the opportunity to share their business building stories, inspire one another, and connect for greater business success.

Zoe Dlamini-Sas, an entrepreneur from eSwatini now sharing knowledge of African culture in the Netherlands

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Zoe Dlamini-Sas, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions — **Zoe Dlamini-Sas**, founder of Zoe Zulu Productions

In such a global economic environment with countries that are increasingly multi-cultural, it is important to learn more about the different cultures that create such dynamic cities and communities. For entrepreneur Zoe Dlamini-Sas, her inspiration for starting her business, Zoe Zulu Productions, came from her passion for African culture and teaching others in Europe about the traditions that make Africa so unique.

Leah Kitoloh, a South African entrepreneur making a positive impact on the business journeys of her clients

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Leah Kitoloh, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa) — **Leah Kitoloh**, founder of LeahK Pty Ltd (South Africa)

For a country’s economy to grow, it requires the development and harnessing of skills on the part of the population to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to society and the economy. For South African entrepreneur, Leah Kitoloh, founder of specialist business consultancy, LeahK Pty Ltd, that was the starting point for building a niche business model.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Gugu Intimates introduces the first skin coloured underwear brand in Africa

March 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Gugu Nkabinde, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa) — **Gugu Nkabinde**, founder of Gugu Intimates (South Africa)

Gugu Intimates introduces the FIRST skin coloured underwear brand in Africa specialising in affordable luxury undergarments to match your skin tone (across 5 shades). Founded by entrepreneur Gugu Nkabinde, Gugu Intimates aims to create beautiful underwear in nude shades more representative of the African skin palette.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

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

Featured

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.

“Do not stop - envision yourself where you want to be. Pack only of the best ingredients, and never fear the mountain.”

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