• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Purpose, Planning and Productivity 

February 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1005.png

by Thembe Khumalo

I have been very conscious of purpose in my adult life and tried to ensure my big decisions aligned with my life purpose. But what I didn’t give much attention to, until recently, was my daily purpose: embarking on each day with a clear and singular purpose in mind. Most people know roughly what they need to get done in the course of a week or a month. But often, the more senior you become the more you are required to attend to a wide variety of responsibilities. And as you become a generalist, you can easily start to find your days gobbled up by a myriad of small moves that leave you far from your original destination.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice
Comment

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)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice

Are your employees equipped to respond to rising cyber attacks? 

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-991.png

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.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, Management Advice
Comment

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)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

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)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

Finding the best operating model for your fashion business

January 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-973.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

When I started Roka Roko, I didn’t consider my options as to how I wanted to operate. I didn’t think that far ahead. My main goal was to make clothes people felt and looked amazing in. I had been postponing my dream for at least 10 years and finally the opportunity was here. So, I just dove in. As the years passed, I became more and more exposed to other fashion businesses and ways of operation. I toyed with a few operating models and realizedthat it is better to find one and stick to it. I mean,  you can 80% do one, and maybe 20% another; but your cash cow needs to be clear and strictly followed.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Management Advice, Fashion
Comment

Creating a cyber aware workforce

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-967.png

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

Have you ever wondered why some businesses are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than others? In the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) where everything is connected to everything, information has become the most valuable asset for every organization, big or small. It is unfortunate, however, that though cyber threats are growing both in their prevalence and in their disruptive potential, cyber security remains an afterthought for many organisations.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, Legal, Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Johanna Mukoki: Bring in smart people

January 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair

Don’t be afraid to bring in smart people…

“… you need the courage to employ people who are smarter than you. During the early years, the founder is head of human resources, financial manager and the CEO, and has to come up with the right answers to every question. But, at some point you have to recognize that the business is bigger than you, and it is time to let go and appoint other people to lead these functions.”

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Johanna Mukoki, Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye: Focus on your product

January 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision, Uganda

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision, Uganda

Focus on the product....

"A lot of questions will come up about how you make money. But if you focus on creating a quality product that people will use to solve real life challenges, there will always be opportunities to monetize your solution."

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

Business without a business plan

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-887.png

by Catia Mondlane, founder of Isabella Estetica & Cosmeticos

Fortunately, today we have many people who talk about business and how a business plan can make your abstract ideas become a reality. There is also a range of business plan samples that are available online for free, meaning, anyone can sit down and write a business plan. Before I started my natural cosmetic company, Isabella Estetica & Cosmeticos, I tried many businesses but couldn’t get them off the ground - not because they were bad, but I was creating blockages as soon as I started to write a business plan. Let me say that I have got nothing against business plans as such, and I’m not saying that people shouldn’t plan because planning is very important when one wants to take proper steps towards achieving goals and having a successful business. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Brigette Mashile: Make your business hours work for you and your clients

July 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Make your business hours work for you and your clients…

“When I started this business I tried to adhere to the rules of 9 to 5.  It’s a lie. A whole scam.  Your business hours are the ones that work in your business for you and your clients.”

Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

Quote of the Day by Monica Musonda

May 16, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

It's okay to start small....

“It’s always good to take baby steps and grow with time. There is no rushed success that lasts.”

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

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Monica Musonda, Management Advice
Comment

Identifying Roles to set effective Goals

February 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
setting-goals-2019.jpg

by Claire Holden, Empowerment Coach

How many hats do you wear? How many roles do you fill? As an entrepreneur you’re a business owner and likely a finance manager, marketing director, accounts receivable clerk and operations manager too. Many of you will also be a wife, mother, daughter, sibling, team or group member, friend, volunteer…. The list goes on! The risk is that we spread ourselves so thin trying to be all things to all people, that we fail to prioritise the things that are most important to us personally and to our businesses. So, how do we change this? How do we cultivate a life where we clearly articulate our goals and set clear action plans in place for success?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Claire Holden, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

October 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

“The follow-through is just as important as the first action, if not more important!” 

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula, Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Keep reinvesting in your business

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Keep reinvesting in your business…

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Divine Ndhlukula, Finance, Management Advice
Comment

Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

“It’s always the finances. I constantly had to find the balance between having enough money to expand, and not sinking into so much debt that I would not be able to sleep at night.”

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Management Advice, Carrol Boyes, Finance
Comment

Quote of the Day by Phindile Ndlovu

August 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)  

Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)  

"... we ought to remember that the way in which we do our business is important for the next entrepreneur who is in the same position as us. When we fail clients, we make an impression.”

Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)  

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Ethics, Management Advice
Comment

The importance of giving clients the experience they deserve

May 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
great-customer-service.jpg

by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer, Ithemba Office Solutions

I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for the past 18 years.  A few minor things had changed, the shampoo lady seemed grumpy all the time, I was no longer being offered my regular cup of tea and my hairdresser was more often rushed, because appointments were overlapping.  But because of my long relationship with my hairdresser, and the fact that my hair always looked good, I could overlook all the minor irritations.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Tania Reid, Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye: Keep it simple and build teams

March 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Keep it simple and build teams....

"The best thing I have learnt is to always keep your business simple. One of the reasons my first startup did not go as planned is because I thought the more complicated it was, the better it would be. The market did not think so and it was also difficult for myself and the team to execute well. In addition, I would also advise other women to build teams, partnerships and also find a mentor. Going at it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup."

- Brenda Katwesigye is the founder of Wazi Visionin Uganda, A mobile app that uses virtual reality technology to perform visual acuity tests. Brenda's mission is to bring quality eye care closer to communities, providing better and more affordable eye care for every school going child between the ages of 6-18 years. She holds a BSc Telecommunications Engineering (Hons) from Makerere University, is an ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditory, Information Security and Audit member, and has a post graduate qualification from Virginia Commonwealth University in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Ally Angula: Structure your planning and goal setting

February 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Structure planning and goal setting…

“In terms of planning, set goals for the month, broken down into weeks and then set three main goals for the day to help you be intentional. Do block sessions during the day focusing on these goals.”

- Ally Angula is a qualified chartered accountant and co-founder of Leap Holdings, a group of companies involved in the growing of fresh produce, garment manufacturing and retail in Namibia. She is also the founder of My Republik Brand, Namibia’s first locally designed, manufactured and retailed clothing brand with a flagship store situated in the Grove Mall in Windhoek's Kleine Kuppe suburb. Ally was chosen as a Desmond Tutu Fellowship Programme Associate in April 2013 and was one of two Namibian entrepreneurs selected to attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama in Kenya.  More about Ally.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Ally Angula, Management Advice
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.