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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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Josephine Katumba, a South African entrepreneur turning waste spaces into urban farms 

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions (South Africa)

Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions (South Africa)

Startup Story

One of the challenges of modern living is that often residents of sprawling industrial and commercial cities often become detached from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In South Africa, entrepreneur Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions, is reconnecting people with their food and the environment through urban agriculture.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
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The Golden Client

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Catia Mondlane

A couple of days ago, I was going through my client list because I wanted to find out and understand who my real clients are. I found out some very interesting things - for example, just because people follow you on social media doesn’t mean that they buy from you. In fact, the ones that constantly buy occupy a smaller piece of the pie chart, while the group that only bought once and those that never bought were part of the larger percentage. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Customer Experience
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Choosing a Brighter Everyday

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Thozama Ponti 

Waking up each day we can’t help but wonder what the day ahead will bring for us. Hoping that the day will go well is everyone’s wish. At times we are challenged from the start and often lose hope, wondering if anything will go well in that day.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thozama Ponti, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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The Marriage of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Mentorship 

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndhlovu, founder and director, Bhekizenzo Foundation

When I was in university, 2 years ago, I wondered how my life would end up. I was worried. My academics were bad as I was involved with student activism and part-time jobs. I was a full-time student that studied part-time. I was a pregnant unemployed graduate. I had to step up for my precious boy’s arrival. I was not born with entrepreneurship flowing in my blood, life kind of forced that on me. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneurial Journey, Phindile Tapula
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Quote of the Day by Tatenda Rungisa

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tatenda Rungisa, co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions (Zimbabwe)

Tatenda Rungisa, co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions (Zimbabwe)

“… the choices we make on a daily basis can either bring us closer to, or further from, our dreams.”

Tatenda Rungisa, co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions (Zimbabwe)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: You must have a never-say-die attitude

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

You must have a never-say-die attitude....

"There will be many times every single day while you are creating or running your business where it will be easy to stop rather than continue. But do just that — continue. And as you continue, focus on making your product or service the absolute best and then delivering that product or service inside the most amazing experience for your customers. Do that and repeat relentlessly, but always with a smile."

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels & Garden of Coffee (Ethiopia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Teta Isibo: Don't try be a perfectionist!

January 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Don't try to be a perfectionist....

"The problem with so many aspirant women entrepreneurs in Africa is that they are perfectionists and they are afraid of failure or starting too small. So instead they keep endlessly planning and striving for perfection but never actually get around to starting. So the advice is to just start, with baby steps at first, and then grow organically from there - but, ultimately, just start."

Teta Isibo founder of  Inzuki (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Teta Isibo, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Sayu Abend

January 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sayu Abend, founder and ceo of Spacepointe (Nigeria)

Sayu Abend, founder and ceo of Spacepointe (Nigeria)

“Women need to be bold, strong and driven to pursue their dreams. Create your own future and not one society has mapped out for you.”

Sayu Abend, founder and CEO of Spacepointe (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Quote of the Day by Flora Mutahi

January 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

“If we are to realize our development goals, we must stop hurtling down this import path towards being a consumer nation; we must produce.”

Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Flora Mutahi
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Entrepreneur Advice from Janet Rhys: Grow organically

January 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa)

Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa)

Grow organically....

"When you are starting out, grow organically and take it slow.  Don’t fall into the trap of taking out high interest loans and getting into unmanageable debt. Another thing I learnt is not to be seduced by big turnover. If the bottom line is not worth it, it is often better to walk away."

Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
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South Africa’s High Growth Women Entrepreneurs Lean In For Business Success

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

Over the past 5 years, women entrepreneurs in South Africa who are looking to grow their businesses have harnessed the power of the Lioness Lean In events to expand their business networks. In the second half of 2019, a new impact partnership between Lionesses of Africa and Absa, took the Lioness Lean In Enterprise events to a whole new level in the country.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa
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Acting Up: Winning in Business and Life Using Down-Home Wisdom by Janice Bryant-Howroyd

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Janice Bryant Howroyd

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Book Review

Growing up in the segregated American South in a family of eleven children, entrepreneur Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder of ActOne Group, and author of new book Acting Up, faced racism and sexism in addition to the challenges faced by every new business owner. None of that stopped her from becoming the first black woman to own a billion-dollar business. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lioness Launch / South Africa’s LUNAR launches new eco-fashion collection in London

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nicola Luther, CEO and Creative Director, LUNAR (South Africa)

Nicola Luther, CEO and Creative Director, LUNAR (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Adding to the entrepreneurial buzz of Start-Up Night Africa London which took place on 16 January in the heart of the West End of the City, South Africa’s leading eco-fashion brand, Lunar, launched its new SpringSummer2020 collection.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
Comment

High-Level Roundtable in London looks to Unlock Private Investment across AfCFTA

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Event Report

On 17 January, Lionesses of Africa Founder & CEO, Melanie Hawken, joined other senior business and government leaders at a High-Level SDG Investment Roundtable in London, hosted on the margins of the UK-Africa Investment Summit. The focus of the roundtable was to discuss how to unlock private investment across the African Continental Free Trade Area to realize Sustainable Development Goals. 

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In Events Tags United Nations, London
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Suzie Wokabi, leading lady of Kenya's beauty industry

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Lioness Weekender Cover Story

The African continent represents a rapidly growing marketplace for the beauty and wellness industry. What is really exciting is the emergence of a generation of African women beauty brand-builders who are creating world-class beauty and skincare products that are specifically formulated to meet the needs of African women consumers. In Kenya, Suzie Wokabi is one such trailblazer with her SuzieBeauty brand that is winning legions of consumer fans, both at home and abroad. 

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Beauty & Wellness
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Mara Cancune, a Mozambican entrepreneur dedicated to human capital development in her country 

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Developing people and human capital is the key to the successful economic development of any country. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação, is playing her role to ensure that young people are trained to enter the labour market. 

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Abueng Leepile, a South African agripreneur providing healthy and delicious vegetables to the country 

January 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa has a long tradition of growing some of the world’s finest fruit and vegetables. In the North West province of the country, agripreneur Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms, is playing her part in the important food production value chain in the country. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Camara: Find your path

January 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Find your path…

“Do not let anyone discourage you. Take time to learn. Spend as much time as possible in the field. You may face discrimination sometimes, but always remain professional and persevere. Know that you represent yourself and those women who will follow your path. Find your path, work hard and let the universe do the rest.”

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Tiguidanke Camara, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Personal Development
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Quote of the Day by Lynn Worsley

January 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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“Be creative, be unafraid, and take that step off the mountain. I assure you it’s worth it.”

Lynn Worsley, founder of All Women Recycling (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day
Comment

Customer First Talk vs Delivering Value

January 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Mandisa Makubalo, founder of Unlimited Experiences 

What is "Customer First Talk"? How does this look, tangibly, and how does a company recognize that it’s moved beyond ‘customer first talk’ to delivering value for its customers?

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In Guest Blog Tags Mandisa Makubalo, Customer Experience
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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 / Mon Choco

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

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

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

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

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

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

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

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

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

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

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

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri

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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