100 LIONESSES: Monica Musonda, high-flying lawyer turned food manufacturing entrepreneur

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia) — **Monica Musonda**, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a food processing company based in Zambia. Monica's vision is to revolutionize the eating habits of the youth market by offering them affordable and nutritious food options made from local products. Monica is a dual-qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over 15 years of experience in legal practice and corporate management, including being corporate counsel at the International Finance Corporation and for Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries Limited.

Annette Cassy, an entrepreneur in Mozambique who is passionate about specialist paediatric care in the country

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Annette Cassy, founder of Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil (Mozambique) — **Annette Cassy**, founder of Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil (Mozambique)

When children get sick, they need the reassurance of a specialist, caring environment that gives them comfort, specialist care and advice, and understanding. In Mozambique, Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil, founded by entrepreneur Annette Cassy, does just that.

Nthabiseng Dube, a South African entrepreneur who has created a real HR and payroll powerhouse to support businesses of all sizes

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Nthabiseng Dube, founder of Polish Management Services (South Africa) — **Nthabiseng Dube**, founder of Polish Management Services (South Africa)

Managing people and payroll for any size and type of business can be a challenge, but in South Africa, that is no longer the case. Entrepreneur Nthabiseng Dube, founder of Polish Management Services, is bringing her specialist HR expertise to add value and, importantly, find solutions for her clients. From Recruitment Solutions, Payroll Contract Management and Labour Relations, Polish Management Services is a go-to source of help and advice.

Run Your Life Like a Business

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Thandekile Moloko, Wealth Coach & Wealth Manager

Scaling, which is also synonymous with economies of scale, is a business term which in its truest form means expansion. It is being able to be profitable when demand has increased for your services or goods. It is the ability to increase supply and still maintain or reduce costs. In scaling your business, you need to make sure that your expenses work for you and produce the ultimate profits.

Get Real. Get Rid. Get Rich.

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

Stuck in a financial rut? Maybe too much debt, too much retail therapy, too much of a people pleaser, too little money, or just not sure how to take control of it all? Financial freedom is within your grasp. By changing your outlook, you can change your life.

Avoid These 3 Phrases that Derail Your Success

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

Working in the professional development and communication coaching world for over 20 years, it’s apparent that there are patterns of communication, and patterns of business success. I venture to say to there is more variety in the type of businesses that stay profitable, but they all manage to find and serve clients.

Crack the Funding Code: How Investors Think and What They Need to Hear to Fund Your Startup by Judy Robinett

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Attracting funding for your startup as an entrepreneur is always tough, and for women entepreneurs in Africa, that’s particularly the case. Crack the Funding Code by Judy Robinett is a great new book that aims to demystify the world of angel investing, venture capital, and corporate funding, and lays out a strategic pathway for any entrepreneur to secure funding fast.

Zodidi Gaseb, an entrepreneur in Namibia celebrating Africa’s rich natural ingredients to formulate a new ethnic hair and skin care range

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Zodidi Gaseb, founder of African Naturals (Namibia) — **Zodidi Gaseb**, founder of African Naturals (Namibia)

Many women entrepreneurs are inspired to start their businesses as a result of trying to solve a particular problem or challenge as consumers. In the case of entrepreneur Zodidi Gaseb, her brand African Naturals, was created to find a natural but effective solution to great hair and skin health.

Jacqueline Shaw, an entrepreneur from Ghana on a mission to showcase African fashion and textiles to the world

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide

There are people in the world who are driven to make a difference and an impact in their chosen business sector, and entrepreneur Jacqueline Shaw is one of those who is making a big difference in Africa’s fashion and textile industry. With her Africa Fashion Guide, she is bringing the continent’s talented fashion and textile designers to the attention of global markets and buyers.

Weaving in the noise in your creative process

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Ndhlovu, founder of Essy Sandisiwe

“Noise is good if it's energising and supporting you doing your thing — if the market is cheering you on, and your voice is being heard, that's great noise. If it's music that sings it's way to your thing, that's noise you need.” — Lucy Loves Business

The Story of the Leather Wallet

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Last year I decided to make my sister a long lasting birthday gift, something I believed she could keep for a long time. So I decided to get her a 100% leather bag set. I got this idea after seeing some leather items at a market one Saturday afternoon (done by a supplier from Bloemfontein with a long track record and equipment to produce and engrave). Their quality was amazing and I took their contact details. I had an idea to make her a weekend bag, a hand bag and a wallet. Then I would find a way to personalize it so she always knows it’s from her big sister.

5 Tips to reducing the stress of being “Always On”

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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by Deborah Hartung founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

I recently read an article about the increased levels of stress and anxiety being experienced by Millennials, especially, due to the fact that we are always ’on’ and always connected to absolutely everything that is happening in the world and at work.

100 LIONESSES: Featuring Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO a market leader in the Zimbabwean security services industry

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO (Zimbabwe) — **Divine Ndhlukula**, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

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

Quote of the Day by Magda Wierzycka

May 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Magda Wierzycka, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sygnia Asset Management (South Africa)

“Work hard, take on tasks that no one else wants to do, and stand up for what you believe in.”

Magda Wierzycka, founder & CEO, Sygnia Asset Management (South Africa)

Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, two women entrepreneurs bringing world-class kids accessories to Namibia’s trend conscious parents

May 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, founders of Kids Emporium Namibia

Every proud parent knows how exciting it is to shop for their children, but it is often hard to find just the right item of clothing or furniture that is both practical and trendy. In Windhoek, Namibia, two sister entrepreneurs have filled the gap with their beautiful retail store, Kids Emporium Namibia. It stocks a wealth of must-have products to suit the needs of babies and toddlers, whilst fulfilling the needs of moms and parents to be.

20 Beautiful Women: Africa Edition: 20 More Stories That Will Heal Your Soul, Ignite Your Passion And Inspire Your Divine Purpose by Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

"20 Beautiful Women: 20 More Stories That Will Heal Your Soul, Ignite Your Passion And Inspire Your Divine Purpose" Africa Edition by Saba Tekle and Lelanie Basson is a collection of personal short stories from 20 more authors, speakers, and life coaches from all over the world who are bonding together for the common goal of sisterhood and to transform women from the inside-out.

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, a serial entrepreneur creating unique leather accessories for the Namibian marketplace

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA (Namibia)

Lovers of fine leather accessories in Namibia are now able to shop locally to buy beautifully designed and handcrafted handbags and other specialist products, thanks to the talented entrepreneur Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA. She has created a premium leather accessory brand specially for the local Namibian market, and her customers are loving the end result.

Trying to Hire

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

A month ago I decided it was probably time to look for help again. This was driven by the fact that I had been off work for a few weeks due to personal struggles and was more than just behind on everything. Plus this, I had a wedding coming up. So the panic and anxiety and my friends made me do it! Well, great advice from them, though I was in no space to be my 100% self. I needed help, as any other human being does on this earth. I needed to hire.

You are exactly where you want to be!

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Confession time. What is it that you do that stops you from being the best version of yourself? Let’s cut out the buzzwords and be real - what are doing to stop you from living the life you want?

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.

“Work hard, take on tasks that no one else wants to do, and stand up for what you believe in.”

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