Sofra Istanbul, a recipe for success

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Zohra Teke, founder of Sofra Istanbul (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content: Absa

Zohra Teke of Sofra Istanbul in Durban, South Africa, shares her first-hand experience of how Absa can help a restaurant deliver the exotic tastes of Turkey to local food-lovers’ doorsteps.

Marla Edwina Taquidir, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for creating 100% natural skincare products

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marla Edwina Taquidir, founder of Muthiana Orera (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Taking a very customer-centric approach to skincare that celebrates and takes care of every individual’s needs is what drives Marla Edwina Taquidir and her business, Muthiana Orera. Today, the company is building a reputation for creating natural, high quality, proudly locally produced skincare products that are appealing to customers.

Shaida Seni, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to help women fulfill their potential in life

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Shaida Seni, founder of Practiva (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many women have dreams, aspirations, and ambition, but not always the skills, knowledge and expertise to transform those dreams into reality. That’s where Shaida Seni and her company, Practiva, lda, make the difference, providing skills development and leadership support when it is most needed.

Succenergy by Tania Tome

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Activate your energy and discover the success inside you. That’s what Tânia Tomé hopes to help readers do with her newly released book Succenergy. Based on years of successful training, coaching, and workshops to companies and public and private organizations globally, Succenergy is an integrated coaching model for motivation and leadership, a method of support for personal and organizational development.

Entrepreneur Advice from : You need to be hands-on

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria) — **Wunmi Amokeodo**, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria)

You need to be hands-on....

"Research your business and don’t be too afraid to be hands-on. You need to get dirty to get gold. Gold is not found on the surface. If you are not ready to dig and scratch and find, you are not ready to go big."

Wunmi Amokeodo, is the founder of Design for Love (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Abai Schulze

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"…we want to be a widely recognized and sought after brand that equates “Made in Africa” with brilliance in craftsmanship, artistry, and deep cultural roots."

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

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.