Quote of the Day by Nelia Annandale

February 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“I think many people really want to do good, but they don’t necessarily know how, ... becoming involved with a product that does facilitates this need.”

Nelia Annandale, founder of Keedo Kids (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Adenike Ogunlesi

February 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"It has been a long journey, getting here has been challenging; it has been full of challenges as well as triumphs. This is why we have something to celebrate.”

Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Marlese Wallis: Just create!

February 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa) — **Marlese Wallis**, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Just create!...

"When it comes to the business side of things (admin, finances, bank accounts, accountants, social media, marketing), try to get all of that in place from the beginning because it is truly the spine of your business. When it comes to creativity.... there are no boundaries! Don't hesitate, don't imitate, just create!"

Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Some Will Buy, Some Won’t - So What’s Next in Your Sales Plan?

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

The great thing about creating a business is that there are no limits when it comes to launching new ideas and ways to improve - but one thing is for sure, selling is what keeps it running. The subject of sales gets everybody argus-eyed, searching and learning about it, because people want to sell and want to know how to sell their goods or services effectively.

Motherhood and entrepreneurship can live in harmony

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

There is nothing worse than being an entrepreneur and mother that does not have a working space; the children want to open the laptop, press it. They whine and want your attention. You have a deadline; it is a nightmare. Well, great news, I can relate. Replying to emails is a chore; drafting a proposal is just impossible.

Are your employees equipped to respond to rising cyber attacks?

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi (Ms) Cyber Law Consultant and MD of Orizur Consulting Enterprise

A cyber-attack is an intentional exploitation of computer systems, networks, and technology-dependent enterprises. These attacks use malicious code to modify computer code, data, or logic. Culminating into destructive consequences that can compromise data and promulgate cybercrimes such as information and identity theft.

Quote of the Day by Paula Quinsee

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Our values will always be reflected in our actions and behavior hence the cliché - actions speak louder than words.”

Paula Quinsee, a South African Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker, Mentor, and Author

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Networking really can help you

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder & CEO of Java Foods, Zambia — **Monica Musonda**, founder & CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

Networking is vital....

“It can get you through all the right doors. You need to learn to make new connections all the time. They can help a new business in one way or the other. Be careful of people coming into your inner circle just trying to bring you down. Know who your friends are. Take advice from the right people too.”

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

Presenting without PowerPoint

February 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

My favorite way to teach communication skills to my client companies is through a series of 2 to 3-hour workshops over many months. It’s hard to sit still all day and science shows that people have a really hard time paying attention after 90 minutes of teaching. Furthermore, it’s great when learners can build their body of knowledge on a topic over time.

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.