5 Tips to financially survive Coronavirus

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Kathryn Main - Money Savvy Kids

We all know that life during COVID 19 is filled with countless unavoidable worries of the financial kind. Some may feel it more than others, but we all feel it non-the-less. We are losing our jobs, taking salary cuts and closing our once thriving business. Basically, we go into level 1 of survival mode when it comes to our finances due to the crunch we feel.

Business Model Innovation is the Key to Winning

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

The current circumstances have brought a new, unfamiliar and extraordinary market era. It is one where many are being guided to creatively re-think and re-construct their businesses to build resilient companies and bounce-back from any future boundaries. It is becoming clear that the contingency plans previously established are not enough to face the actual situation, and coming up with a plan that could strategically create a positive shift is where many have been focusing their energies. The urgency to implement might be higher than before as each day passes, and uncertainties seem to be greater than sureness.

Hustling And Maintaining a Full Time Job

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Tatenda Rungisa

The type of economies we live under have made it almost impossible to leave a full time job and start a business thereafter. It is easier when one has a stable income or savings, otherwise one has to “hustle” and work full time to establish a start-up. So, how does one hustle and remain focused on full time employment?

Entrepreneurs need to be strong

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Bomanga Ngoi Longango JouJou’, founder of EveLea Foods, Congo

I realized, over time, it is not enough to want to be able. Will as great as it is, not enough. There is a whole Journey and smart works to achieve a project. Success is a powerful blend of will, desire, patience, love, sacrifice, persistence, tears and determination. You have to be viscerally obstinate to achieve your dream. The modern success model is "quick and well done" in everything.

3 C’s of a Compelling Point of View

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho, PhD

A compelling point of view acts like a magnet for high-performing employees, top-tier investors, and ideal clients. In our time of purpose-driven profits, people want to know what you stand for, what your priority is, what drives you to action. The answers to these questions can be simmered down to a key message known as your Point of View.

Creating a people centric culture should top the agenda for business leaders

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Nomazibulo Tshanga, Ziyana Business Consulting

On 1 June 2020, we have seen South Africa move from a prohibitive national wide lockdown to a more economic active alert level 3. This means that millions of employees have returned to work as 70% of the economy has re-opened for activity.

Quote of the Day by Jacqueline Brown

June 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Africa is becoming a viable landscape for fashion manufacturing and its doors are open for business.”

Jacqueline Brown, Founder, Africa Fashion Guide Ltd, (UK)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lisa Videira / Be flexible with your business plans

June 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lisa Videira, founder, LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Be flexible with your business plans…

“Be flexible to adapt your plans to the reality and obstacles you will encounter on the way. Besides this, keep walking, it won’t be easy but it will definitely be worth it.”

Lisa Videira, founder, LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Quote of the Day by Phindile Tapula

June 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“You will not win a battle you have already lost in your mind.”

Phindile Tapula, founder & director, Bhekizenzo Foundation, (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lelanie Basson / You are your greatest asset

June 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lelanie Basson, founder, Twafiika Consultants, (Namibia)

You are your greatest asset…

“The one thing about this journey is that everything is up to you - you have no safety net, no back up, you are your greatest resource and asset.”

Lelanie Basson, founder, Twafiika Consultants, (Namibia)

Quote of the Day by Nonny Penelope Wright

June 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Business all starts with the birth. If you can’t stomach it, love it and gracefully deliver it, it will be meaningless.”

Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, Lopey Inc, (Botswana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Laura Struik / Being an entrepreneur is about daring and doing!

June 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Laura Struik, founder, ROF-Style, (South Africa)

Being an entrepreneur is about daring and doing!…

“Setting up your own business is not always easy, but the opposite! It’s about daring and doing! Great things can happen!”

Laura Struik, founder, ROF-Style, (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel

June 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“With hard work and the will to win, we can do everything.”

Kilamba Welwitschia Manuel, founder, Welila Cantelier, (Angola)

Entrepreneur Advice from Diana Sierra / Remember that you have what it takes!

June 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Diana Sierra, founder, Be Girl, (Mozambique)

Remember that you have what it takes!..

“No matter if you walk in a room full of overachiever men and women who shoot down all your ideas because your pitch was not perfect, because your projections did not meet their expectations, because you are not aggressive or “Alpha” enough, remember that you have what it takes!”

Diana Sierra, founder, Be Girl, (Mozambique)

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, a creative designer with a passion for silk

June 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder and creative director of EKI

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans is the founder and creative director of EKI, a luxury women’s fashion brand based in London designing ready to wear and bespoke pieces. Lionesses of Africa chatted to Hazel this month to learn more about this unique luxury brand that is winning fans from around the world with its celebration of silk and African heritage.

Rachida Melo, an entrepreneur in Mozambique creating a highly personal hospitality sector experience

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Rachida Melo, founder of Wonna Bay Vila (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For many people, when they travel they look for places to stay that remind them of the comforts of home, and in Mozambique, entrepreneur Rachida Melo has just what they need. Her business venture, Wonna Bay Vila, provides accommodation and restaurant facilities that make guests and visitors truly feel they are home.

Lelly Mntungwa, a South African entrepreneur empowering women through manufacturing skills

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lelly Mntungwa, founder of Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, unemployment and poverty are real challenges that need real solutions for local people. In KwaZulu Natal, Lelly Mntungwa, founder of Msinga Clothing, is creating much needed jobs and skills training for young women in order to empower them in life.

Lioness Launch / Angola’s NatHCare launches new app connecting natural haircare specialists with customers

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Elsa Tchicanha, founder of NatHCare (Angola)

Lioness Launch

For all those women who celebrate their natural hair and want to easily find great local service providers who are specialists in this field of haircare, help is now at hand in Angola. Entrepreneur Elsa Tchicanha, founder of NatHCare, has developed and launched a new app that connects customers with trusted, quality service providers, taking all the stress and hassle out of finding the perfect natural haircare specialists locally.

Business Empowerment: 8 Simple Steps to Master the Game by Rinat Keinan

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

According to author Rinat Keinan in her new book Business Empowerment: 8 Simple Steps to Master the Game, most idea generators quit in the early stage, 30% don’t vest after 1 year, and 50% don’t make it over time. She thinks too many great ideas fall because of wrong decisions.

Wakey, wakey sleepy head!

June 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Sadly those in a Leadership role simply cannot relax. Remember, if leadership were easy, everyone would do it. So while you have been pacing up and down your living room worrying about your business, employees and customers during this lockdown, your employees have not had such pressures. There is no doubt they will have had other pressures (and none of us ever can start to gauge the weight or worry others may carry and certainly not judge), but from a business perspective they are not the ones trying to work out where the cash will come from to pay for the salaries, lights or stock.

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25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

“Africa is becoming a viable landscape for fashion manufacturing and its doors are open for business.”

“Be flexible to adapt your plans to the reality and obstacles you will encounter on the way. Besides this, keep walking, it won’t be easy but it will definitely be worth it.”

“You will not win a battle you have already lost in your mind.”

“The one thing about this journey is that everything is up to you - you have no safety net, no back up, you are your greatest resource and asset.”

“Business all starts with the birth. If you can’t stomach it, love it and gracefully deliver it, it will be meaningless.”

“Setting up your own business is not always easy, but the opposite! It’s about daring and doing! Great things can happen!”

“With hard work and the will to win, we can do everything.”

“No matter if you walk in a room full of overachiever men and women who shoot down all your ideas because your pitch was not perfect, because your projections did not meet their expectations, because you are not aggressive or “Alpha” enough, remember that you have what it takes!”

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