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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Quote of the Day by Nilsa Ribeiro

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

“Don’t ever let your insecurities stop you. People out there need you to try!”

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Build teams and partnerships…

“I would advise other women to build teams, partnerships, and also find a mentor. Going it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup”

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Team building
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That silly little emotion called Guilt

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

If you're anything like me, then perhaps you are already starting to feel the impact of being in lock-down. Most days I wake up enthusiastic and ready to tackle my day and task list, but it does seem to be getting harder and harder each day as we head further into our extended lock down.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Paula Quinsee, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, a Ghanaian entrepreneur building a luxury, global handbag brand

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Discerning buyers in some of the most cosmopolitan fashion capitals of the world are already familiar with the brand, A A K S, and its talented creative founder, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi. She regular exhibits at some of the most prestigious fashion and accessory showcase events around the world, always capturing the attention of the media, as well as enthusiastic followers and buyers.

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In Cover Story Tags Ghana, Fashion, Artisan Enterprise, Handbags
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Alison Kirk, a South Africa entrepreneur and brand specialist helping clients to market their businesses 

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every entrepreneur appreciates the importance of getting their businesses and brands noticed in the marketplace, but it can be hard work for many. In South Africa, serial entrepreneur Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy, is coming to the rescue, with her extensive brand marketing expertise.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Startup Story

Many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential, and that is where Cewon comes in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio is creating a platform which empowers women to make the change they need in their lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Democratic Republic of Congo, Social Entrepreneur
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Is confidence really, inside out?

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

As women we love clothes, we want our hair and skins to always look refreshed and healthy. I recently had an event themed around the frustrations and blessings of being a woman. The ladies shared that weight really influences their confidence. Skin problems was a topic where the ladies wanted to have more information on skincare as pimples and uneven skin really influences their confidences.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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The marriage of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Mentorship 

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Yolanda Ndhlovu, founder of Essy Sandisiwe

When I was in university, 2 years ago, I wondered how my life would end up. I was worried. My academics were bad as I was involved with student activism and part-time jobs. I was a full-time student that studied part-time.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Ndhlovu, Leadership
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Domestic Work. Like it or not it has to be done!

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In this time where most of us are ‘stuck’ at home, there are a lot of things we suddenly have to do ourselves. I have seen many many posts about how tedious it is to have to cook every day and more than once a day. A lot of us were at work, in an office for most of the day; we either packed lunch to work or just grabbed a sandwich from the tuck shop. Well, suddenly we have to cook breakfast, lunch and supper. For some, it is for an entire family vs you living alone for most of the year.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Brigette Mashile, BU Remote Working
Comment

Perspectives on black female producers in South African agriculture

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Dr Langelihle Simela, Business Development Manager, Absa AgriBusiness and Wessel Lemmer, Senior Agricultural Economist at Absa Agribusiness

Perspective on black women in agriculture: participation, support and prospects. — In South Africa, agriculture is known as male dominated industry - a fact well supported by the 2017 census of commercial agriculture. Therefore, it must be understood that black women who aspire to be become successful farmers enter largely unchartered waters.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Agri-business
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Budgets in the time of Coronavirus

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

With everything changing daily, with suppliers going bust and customers canceling orders, how can we possibly budget? Is it not simply better to stick our heads in the sand and hope when we come up for air, the Sun is shining and that Spring has arrived? Does that actually help with your sleeping patterns? Sorry - no such luck!

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In Business Unusual Tags Team Lioness, BU Management Advice
Comment

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Dennis

Jessica Dennis

Book Review

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis, is an inspirational manual for entrepreneurs. It is relevant for those who are just starting out on their business journeys to those who are seasoned business owners. Jessica shares her experience and advice on how other women entrepreneurs can build successful businesses whilst at the same time living their best lives without qualification.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Quote of the Day by Juliet Madamombe

April 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

“There is no next opportunity that is better than the one you have at this moment. Too often we spend too much time attempting to perfect something that we haven’t started. Don’t let past mistakes define who you are.”

Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Georgina Angélica / Have a clear vision

April 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Have a clear vision…

“I strongly believe that you need to have a clear vision and mission to drive all your steps, so you don’t get lost when challenges come. I feel that a mentor to guide you is also a great asset to success.”

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Minimise Cyber-Attacks During Covid-19 

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Adv. Lufuno Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD: Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Did you know that using public WiFi increases your online vulnerability? Public WiFi comes as a great relief to many internet users since it relieves them from the burden of having to pay for data to access the much-needed internet services. These free services are conveniently available in public places like airports, restaurants, hotels, malls, etc in that promoting amongst others users’ productivity and mobility.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, BU Management Advice
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Regenerative Economics. Rethinking your business and life options.

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Natasha Singh-Ally

Together we are conceiving of the complexity and fragility of the living ecosystem we have always been a part of, but perhaps never before so harshly experienced.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Natasha Singh-Ally, BU Crisis Strategy
Comment

How to find your happy place at home

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Michelle Wilbraham, Entrepreneur and Virtual Assistant at VA Connect

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing at present I thought that it would be very appropriate to encourage everyone to find that place that you can call your happy place.

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In Business Unusual Tags Michelle Wilbraham, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Payment holiday. What you should know.

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

Covid-19 certainly calls for extreme measures. The financial impact on individuals and businesses is extreme. The impact on the economy is extreme. Individuals and businesses are desperately looking for solutions to carry them through the lockdown period as well as the recovery phase thereafter. Most banks and other credit providers have offered payment holidays. Payment holidays are a welcome relief and definitely one solution to consider. It is however important to fully understand what a payment holiday entails and what the impact is over the longer-term.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Relief Programs Business Support
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Quote of the Day by Sian Louw

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

“Remember to believe in yourself and hold the clarity of the vision all day, every day. You have what it takes to live your best life and make your business a huge success.”

Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Femi Oyedipe / Have big goals

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Have big goals…

“Show up every day, no matter what. Have the BIG goals but break them down into smaller ones that you can execute day-to-day.”

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals
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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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