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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Mkamboi Mwakale: Begin with the little you have

March 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics (Kenya)

Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics (Kenya)

Begin with the little you have…

“Do not wait any longer because you have found out the money at hand is not enough. I will tell you that very few people do have 'enough' Capital - the majority of us began with the little we had, just believing and making steps, and before long you will be rewarded for your diligence. So step out and create that dream from the unbelievably humble beginning!”

Mkamboi Mwakale, founder of Saru Organics (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Kulani Shiluvane: Hold on to your self-belief

March 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kulani Shiluvane, founder of Shiluvah (South Africa)

Kulani Shiluvane, founder of Shiluvah (South Africa)

Hold on to your self-belief…

“In business, like in life, it is important to hold to yourself when there is nothing and no one to hold on to. Ignore the negativity from any and all directions, and rather fuel that fire that got you going in the first place.”

Kulani Shiluvane, founder of Shiluvah (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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Quote of the Day by Narcissi Madisha

March 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

“If you plan to go into business, choose something that you are absolutely passionate about.”

Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Passion
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Entrepreneur Advice from Diana Opoti: Find your niche and turn it into a business

March 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Diana Opoti, founder of Diana Opoti PR, Kenya

Diana Opoti, founder of Diana Opoti PR, Kenya

Find your niche....

"Find a niche. Turn what you like into a business. Passion fuels business."

Diana Opoti, founder of Diana Opoti PR (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice
Comment

“Fashion cannot be made in Africa!”

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Brown 1.png

by Jacqueline Shaw, Director Africa Fashion Guide

When I launched my company 10 years ago this was the general consensus from the international fashion industry. The narrative that the experts believed and spoke was that you can’t produce, source or manufacture fashion in Africa AND that it cannot produce quality product.

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In Opinion Tags Jacqueline Shaw, Fashion
Comment

Coronavirus - Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Special Feature — by the Lionesses of Africa Finance Team

Coronavirus is hitting the Northern Hemisphere hard and will come to Africa and a city near you soon. Sadly, this is a fact. Indeed according to www.worldometers.info (careful this page is quite addictive and time consuming), a number of cases have already been reported in Africa and this number is increasing, albeit slowly for now. Still, for the time being, African countries thankfully are a long way down the list of countries hit. As a business owner, you have time to put your own emergency measures in place now, and that starts with ensuring your company survives the economic fall-out from this global pandemic.

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In Features, Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags Financial Management, BU Crisis Strategy
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Are you a Trader? Then you need these Top Cash-handling Tips

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

Receiving payment from a customer for a sale should be a relieving and fulfilling moment for any retailer. Stock is moving off the shelves and you‘re able to cover costs incurred to procure that item. However, successful businesses need to continually look for ways to optimise their cash and margins.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Financial Management
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Flora Mutahi, Kenya’s pioneering flavoured tea brand builder

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Flora Mutahi is the founder of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based family business that first began in 1995. Kenya’s first flavored teas were launched under the company’s renowned brand – Melvins Teas. Today, Melvins Teas serves millions of cups of tea a year. The product base has expanded to include not only flavored teas but herbal and fruit infusions.

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Flora Mutahi, Food & Drink
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Bukky Asehinde, a Nigerian entrepreneur with a platform that enables creative businesses to thrive 

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Getting products noticed by global consumers is always difficult for Africa’s creative women entrepreneurs, but this challenge represented an opportunity for Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana. Her platform is giving visibility to Nigeria’s creative business owners and their quality products.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Online Service
1 Comment

Ana Gonçalves, a Mozambican entrepreneur dedicated to providing specialist services to expectant families 

March 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ana Gonçalves, founder of Magambi – Consultoria (Mozambique)

Ana Gonçalves, founder of Magambi – Consultoria (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Every parent-to-be knows what an exciting time it is, awaiting the birth of that much anticipated new child. Yet it can also be a very stressful time, requiring lots of specialist knowledge, expertise and advice. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Ana Gonçalves, founder of Magambi – Consultoria, is that specialist service provider that parents-to-be need at this important time.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Healthcare
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Shepreneur: Business Lessons for the Determined Female Entrepreneur by Kristin Cripps

March 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kristin Cripps

Kristin Cripps

Book review

Entrepreneur and author, Kristin Cripps, founder of Cripps Realty, went from bartender and massage therapist to millionaire real estate mogul by 30! Her new book, Shepreneur, tells the story of how she did it.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Women entrepreneurs, stress and chocolate cravings

March 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Hlengiwe Moepe, founder of Marpemed

Have you ever wondered why, when we are stressed (and we know that the entrepreneurial journey can get stressful at times), some of us feel compelled to reach for the chocolate bars for comfort. Here are are a few possible reasons behind those chocolate cravings.

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In Guest Blog Tags Hlengiwe Moepe, Stress Management
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Reframing stress could extend your life 

March 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kathy Mann, Author & Speaker

Stress is pervasive. We are bombarded with deadlines, challenges at work and relationship conflicts. We are told by popular media that stress kills and indeed many people have developed chronic illnesses triggered by stress, including me.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathy Mann, Stress Management
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Can your business survive ‘Speak-Up Culture’?

March 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Thembe Khumalo

You’re busy. We get it. You don’t have time to listen to everyone, and frankly some contributions just don’t seem very bright, and you sometimes feel like you just wasted a lot of time and energy on nothing. Then there are the ones who have good ideas but need to be coaxed and cajoled into sharing them - makes you feel like a therapist or a journalist or both! What you really want is for every one on your team to speak up, speak swiftly, speak smartly, so you can make the right decisions promptly and move on to the next big thing. And then after that, you want to keep it moving.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice
Comment

Quote of the Day by Thabisa Mjo

March 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

“When we don't view each other as competition, but rather as potential partners, I think we have the ability to create beautiful compelling work that benefits us all.”

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Collaboration
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Andiswa Silinga: Recognize your weak points

March 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Andiswa Silinga, co-founder of Gemini GIS and Environmental Services (South Africa)

Andiswa Silinga, co-founder of Gemini GIS and Environmental Services (South Africa)

Recognize your weak points….

“Surround yourself with a team that will compliment your weakest points, collaborate with other entrepreneurs, and avoid working in silos.”

Andiswa Silinga, co-founder of Gemini GIS and Environmental Services (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Management Advice
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Devotha Ntuke Minzi: Mentoring is key

March 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

Mentoring is key....

"You need people to support you in one way or another. It can get very lonely at CEO level. People think you have made it, while you know how much there still is to pursue and solve. I have learned so much from good mentors in my industry."

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
Comment

Quote of the Day by Filipa Carreira

March 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

"There will always be a million reasons not to do it, so just start."

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bernie de Le Cuona: Stay focused on the important things

March 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Stay focused on the important things….

“… before you start doing any of the cool things like marketing or packaging, be damn sure the sales are coming in. Be aware of your financials. You might want to be creative and fun, but unless you know how much money you’ve got, how much you owe and how much you’re making on your products, you’ll never succeed. I know those things every day.”

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of De Le Cuona

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Bernie de Le Cuona, Management Advice
Comment

Quote of the Day by Dana Mroueh

March 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

“I would advise you to keep in mind that perseverance and patience will be greatly needed.”

Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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 Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
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

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