Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

February 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"One needs to be armed with information in order to successfully navigate any venture. Information is your compass. If you know better, you will do better."

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV

UK-Africa Investment Summit announces UK’s ambition to be investment partner of choice for Africa

February 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Event Report

The UK-Africa Investment Summit on 20 January 2020 laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. Billions of pounds of new commercial deals were announced highlighting the strength of the UK’s offer and existing relationship with Africa. The UK also announced new initiatives and funding which will: strengthen the joint trading relationship, support African countries in their ambition to transform their economies, launch a major new partnership with the city of London, turbo-charge infrastructure financing, and enable Africa’s clean energy potential. Women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship was also high on the agenda. The UK’s ambition is to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and ensuring the mutual prosperity of all our nations.

Pumza Ndlotyeni, a powerhouse driving South Africa’s energy future

February 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

One of the big challenges facing South Africa and the region is maintaining power supplies for business and consumers. To achieve that goal requires continual specialist engineering construction and maintenance services to be provided from highly professional and experienced businesses that have a track record in getting the job done. In South Africa, one such company bringing such specialist solutions to the table is Gebane Engineering Services. This fully integrated and innovative Black Woman Owned (BWO) engineering services company is headed up by entrepreneur Pumza Ndlotyeni, who is steering the company to new heights in the industry, continuously expanding its capabilities, knowledge, personnel and geographical footprint.

Avoid the pitfalls of franchising

February 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa | By James Noble, Head of Wholesale, Retail and Franchising - Absa Business Banking

Absa’s Wholesale, Retail and Franchise Sector always strive to exceed the need of our franchise customers. Therefore, we display leadership in the industry by providing market leading solutions that will give you the opportunity to focus on your business.

Quote of the Day by Susan Mashibe

January 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Susan Mashibe, founder of VIA Aviation (Tanzania) — **Susan Mashibe**, founder of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

"To successfully support Africa’s rise, we must support Africa’s women."

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

Entrepreneur Advice from Rose Sibisi: Know what your passion and purpose is

January 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Know what your passion and purpose is....

"The first question to be able to ask yourself and have an answer to is: 'What is my purpose?' For as long as you are alive, you were created for a purpose to better the lives of others – it’s not about you. Women were created to 'birth' life and that is not restricted to human life. It means women have the creative and multiplying power to push boundaries with strength, resilience and focus in any area of business, communities and any sphere of influence they are assigned to. So – for you to get to the next level - know what your passion and purpose is and never give up!"

Rose Sibisi, creator and host of StylewithRoseS (Zambia)

Theo Khumo, a creative entrepreneur creating opportunities for Botswana’s talented seamstresses

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Theo Khumo, founder of African Wax Prints BW, (Botswana)

Startup Story

In Botswana, there is a tradition of highly creative women turning their sewing skills into beautiful products, but getting steady business for those skills can be a challenge. For entrepreneur Theo Khumo, founder of African Wax Prints BW, this market access gap was one to be filled, and today her business employs talented local seamstresses who are creating beautiful and unique items of clothing for customers around the world.

Wildpreneurs by Tamara Jacobi

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

For the rising number of free spirits seeking inspiration and a road map to leave their safe but soul-crushing day jobs and chase their dreams, Tamara Jacobi in her new book, Wildpreneurs, shares her insights on what it takes to successfully make the leap.

Quote of the Day by Chiinga Musonda

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"We decided to create a bean to bar chocolate company because of our love for chocolate, but also because we want to make an impact in Africa.”

Chiinga Musonda, co-founder of Savanna Premium Chocolate (Zambia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Carrie Leaver: Keep organized

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa) — **Carrie Leaver**, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Keep organized....

"Do your homework and plan your startup journey in bite sizes; many small steps keep one motivated. Talk to strangers and connect; the true magic happens in the connections you make with others. Write things down; ideas, dates, deadlines, everything! We need to keep organized and cannot afford to forget a thing."

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

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)

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.

The Golden Client

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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.

Choosing a Brighter Everyday

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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.

The Marriage of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Mentorship

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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.