Entrepreneur Advice from Suzie Wokabi: You must be patient and persistent

February 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya — **Suzie Wokabi**, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya

Patience and persistence are key....

"I have learnt to be patient. It took a long time to undertake research and develop the product range. I have also learnt to never say die. I have met people who thought I was crazy to imagine a project like this, but the passion I have keeps me going. I have never stopped believing in my dreams."

Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya

Quote of the Day by Kofo Akinkugbe

February 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Whatever you do, do well. You never know who is watching."

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tania Reid: Be coachable

February 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tania Reid, founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa) — **Tania Reid**, founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa)

Be coachable....

"Speak to other women in your industry, speak to industry experts, and find mentors who have knowledge on all aspects of business. Ask your family to be honest about your business idea and not worry too much about hurting your feelings. Be coachable. Know how to pitch your business in 1 minute and stop making excuses about your 'small' business, all empires started off small."

Tania Reid founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa)

Are You in Limbo?

February 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, founder of Picketfence Life

The year’s time clock has ticked over and we, as humans, settle our feathers for a new year - all the new challenges, the goals to achieve, the dreams to chase, scores to settle and proving of self-worth ... how necessary is this?

Entrepreneur Advice from Jacoline Wentzel: Start making things happen

February 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Start making things happen…

“Your dream will always just stay a dream if you do not start "doing". Put your phone down, stop living in that dream world of Instagram and Pinterest (don't get me wrong, I love them too!) and start making things happen around you.”

Jacoline Wentzel, founder of The Spa Warehouse (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Dr. Ola Orekunrin

February 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Here’s to the women who will change the narrative of African women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”

Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

Quote of the Day by Nathalie Kpanté

February 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Start with the educational system. We are conditioned to be job seekers. Entrepreneurship must be taught from childhood.”

Nathalie Kpanté, founder of Choco-Togo (Togo)

Focus on Women Entrepreneurs in African Agri Business

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Sector Feature

According to the IFC, by 2030, Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness markets are expected to triple to reach $1 trillion in value. Africa needs more than $10 billion in new investment annually to achieve the aspired expansion of agricultural output. As a result, there is now an increasing focus on extending agribusiness value chains, recognizing that 60 percent of Africans derive their livelihoods from agriculture.

1st Lioness Lean In event of 2020 celebrates Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Event Report

The first Lioness Lean In event of the year is always a special one, and this was certainly the case for 2020. On 7 February, women entrepreneurs came out in force in Johannesburg, gathering once again in the familiar surroundings of Volkswagen South Africa’s Sandton headquarters. The venue was the perfect spot for the event, with one of the best views of Sandton for attendees to enjoy.

Eugenia Langa, a procurement game-changer in Mozambique

February 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Eugenia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Over the past few years, entrepreneur Eugenia Langa, founder of Nweba, has built a significant reputation for herself and her business, providing world-class services in the highly specialized fields of Procurement and Logistics for the sectors of Construction, Oil & Gas, Mining and Energy. Nweba is the first Mozambican company of its kind, with an experienced team holding CIPP (Certified International Procurement Professional) credentials and more than 10 years’ experience providing solutions to the specific challenges of these sectors in Mozambique.

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.