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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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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

LIONESS LAUNCH / Ivorian chocolatier Mon Choco launches its exciting new Mendiant flavour

September 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dana Mroueh

Dana Mroueh

Lioness Launch

Calling all chocolate lovers! In Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, artisan chocolate company, Mon Choco, founded by the inspirational entrepreneur and talented chocolatier, Dana Mroueh, is launching an exciting new flavour in its delicious raw chocolate bar range this month. Mendiant is a new product which incorporates nuts and candied fruits into its world-class raw chocolate bars.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Chocolate
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The Superwoman Entrepreneur by Maribel Jimenez

September 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Maribel Jimenez

Maribel Jimenez

Essential Read

Author and entrepreneur, Maribel Jimenez, waited almost twenty years to finally give herself permission to take the leap to pursue her dream of starting an online business for business development and marketing. She wanted to have the freedom to be home with her kids and live out her mission. And then burnout hit. Her new book, The Superwoman Entrepreneur, is her personal story and guide to navigating the journey to building the business and life you dream of.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Own your happiness

September 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Dandapani is a Hindu priest, speaker on self-development and an entrepreneur. He lived as a monk for 10 years and then moved to New York City to pass on his teachings to the West. He made a profound statement saying we shouldn’t pursue happiness. What we need to do is create a lifestyle where the bi-product is happiness. For example, when you spend time with people who energize you, you feel happy. On the contrast, when you spend time with people or on work that drains you, then naturally you will tend to feel miserable. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Are you using the 'warm bodies' system in your business?

September 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser founder of Picketfence Life

Running a business is like constantly getting ready for a holiday trip, a hiking trip, a physical retreat or a tough walk in the bush. You need to be fit! Being part of a fit team is a full-time job! This goes for any size business. So, whether you are starting up or have been doing this for a long time - your team and you need to be fit - all the time.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, People Management
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Entrepreneur Advice from Vicki Bain: Follow your passion

September 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa)

Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa)

Follow your passion....

"Trust your instinct. Follow your passion - plan in detail but don't let anyone sway you from your plans."

Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
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Quote of the Day by Swaady Martin

September 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Swaady Martin, founder of Yswara

Swaady Martin, founder of Yswara

"It was my dream to capture true African luxury, change the world's perception of Africa and produce a luxury brand that is truly African in origin, nature and tradition."

Swaady Martin, founder of Yswara

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In Quote of the Day Tags Swaady Martin
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Quote of the Day by Shamila Ramjawan

September 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

“Women and girls are strong. We can overcome anything. Never give up.”

Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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A truly inspiring morning for Francistown’s women entrepreneurs at the latest Lioness Lean In event 

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Event Report

On a warm and bright morning in Francistown, Botswana, local women entrepreneurs gathered at the latest Lioness Lean In breakfast event, to share their entrepreneurial experiences, learn from one another, and of course, to network and generate new business opportunities. It was a morning of inspiration and friendship building that will continue long after the event itself.

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In Events Tags Botswana, Lioness Lean In
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LIONESS LAUNCH / Luxury South African handmade shoe and accessory design brand, House of Cinnamon, launches its new SS20 Collection this month

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Frances Edwards, Founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

Frances Edwards, Founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Lovers of the finest quality, handcrafted, luxury shoes and accessories will be excited to learn that South African brand, House of Cinnamon, is launching its new Spring/Summer 20 Collection this month. Founder and ceo, Frances Edwards, is once again exciting the marketplace with her distinctive new range of Afro-European-designed and handcrafted footwear and accessories.

Read more
In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Beginner's Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Forkin Bohannon 

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Liz Forkin Bohannon

Liz Forkin Bohannon

Essential Read

There's no lack of people out there telling you to find your passion and dream big. But why does it seem like when we try, we so often end up more lost and overwhelmed than when we started? In her new book, Beginner’s Pluck, Liz Forkin Bohannon wants you to rethink everything you've been told about finding your passion and following your dreams. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, a high flying social entrepreneur advancing opportunities for women in STEM in Botswana

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream (Botswana)

Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream (Botswana)

Startup Story

They say that to make a difference in the world you need to dream big, and for one truly inspirational woman social entrepreneur and aviator in Botswana, she is demonstrating that if your dreams are big enough you can make big change happen. Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, founder of Dare to Dream, is inspiring a new generation of young women to follow in her footsteps and carve out careers and businesses in the exciting world of aviation and aerospace.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Botswana, Aviation
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Taleszia Pillay and Candice Perkins, entrepreneurs building a community of wellness warriors to create a superfood brand in South Africa 

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Candice Perkins and Teleszia Pillay, co-founders of Happy Earth People (South Africa)

Candice Perkins and Teleszia Pillay, co-founders of Happy Earth People (South Africa)

Startup Story

As consumers are becoming more educated and conscious about the need to make healthy eating choices that are also kind to the environment, a South African company is opening minds to the health benefits of legumes. Happy Earth People, founded by Teleszia Pillay and Candice Perkins, is exciting consumer tastebuds with their wonderful range of handmade, healthy legume based food products.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Pursue your dreams

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Thozama Ponti 

Have you ever wondered what happened to all the dreams you had when you were young. Do you remember those occasions when adults constantly asked you the question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Can you still remember some of your answers? Well, whether you can recall them or not, it’s okay.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Thozama Ponti, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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What to do when your jungle starts to burn? 

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser, founder of Picketfence Life

For most citizens of the world, we reeled with shock when the beautiful Amazon forest was burning for more than 60 days. The #Amazonforest is the lungs of our planet our survival pumps! As usual, everybody started pointing fingers and most of us could just watch, capable of doing nothing. A sick feeling of despair as we watched the destruction. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Financial Management
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100 LIONESSES: Featuring Susan Mashibe, a high-flying woman pioneer in aviation services

September 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Susan Mashibe, founder and executive director of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

Susan Mashibe, founder and executive director of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

Susan Mashibe is founder and executive director of VIA Aviation, an international fixed-base aircraft services operation and the first company of its kind in Tanzania. Susan is also the first woman in Tanzania to hold both a FAA certified commercial pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineering qualification. This passionate aviator left Tanzania at the tender age of 19 to learn to fly jetliners in the United States, later returning home to help reshape African private air travel. Today, VIA Aviation provides logistical support for corporate, diplomatic and private jets. Her clients include heads of state, monarchs, Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, and military flights. VIA was the first company to offer such services in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole. Susan was honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2011.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Susan Mashibe
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Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

September 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel With Flair (South Africa)

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

“You need to be strong mentally and to continue believing in your dream when faced with tough times, so surround yourself with people who inspire you.”

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

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset, Johanna Mukoki
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Quote of the Day by Lizl Naude

September 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

“… no matter how hard this journey is, we should still make time to enjoy life and experience happiness!”

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Quote of the Day by Ethel Cofie

September 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ethel Cofie, Founder & CEO of Edel Technology Consulting (Ghana)

Ethel Cofie, Founder & CEO of Edel Technology Consulting (Ghana)

“Don’t only learn from your mistakes, learn from other people’s mistakes too.”

Ethel Cofie, Founder & CEO of Edel Technology Consulting (Ghana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ethel Cofie
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LIONESS LAUNCH / South Africa’s Orizur Consulting launches two new Cyber Law and Cyber Security initiatives for business and government

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder of Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder of Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

With the 4th Industrial Revolution comes the need to address the growth of cyber threats in business and government, which have the potential to cause disruption and damage. The need to stay on top of cyber law and cyber security issues has never been greater. In South Africa, specialist cyber law enterpreneur, Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder of Orizur Consulting Enterprise, is launching two new initiatives to help clients to navigate their way through cyber threats and cyber law.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Consulting Services
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Namibia’s women entrepreneurs Lioness Lean In for greater business success

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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Event Report

On the morning of Wednesday 11 September, 70 women entrepreneurs gathered together for the latest in the series of popular Lioness Lean In networking events in Windhoek, once again hosted by Lionesses of Africa and Nedbank Namibia. As always, the focus of the event was on women business builders sharing their startup stories, inspiring each other with their experiences, and of course, lots of networking.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Namibia
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

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

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

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

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

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

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

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

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

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

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

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

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

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

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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