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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
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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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Entrepreneur Advice from Emily Kandanga / Step into your greatness!

July 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Step into your greatness!…

“Free yourself from all those excuses that are keeping you from stepping into your greatness, fear tends to paralyze more than inspire.”

Emily Kandanga, co-founder, Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day, Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Claire Holden

July 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Claire Holden, Empowerment Coach (South Africa)

Claire Holden, Empowerment Coach (South Africa)

“Positive beliefs, produce positive action, that generate positive results.”

Claire Holden, Empowerment Coach (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Self Belief, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Deyzes Pereira / Challenge yourself

July 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

Challenge yourself!…

“The human being has the ability to develop various skills, so don't just stay in your comfort zone for one skill! Explore, investigate, be curious, experiment, and above all challenge yourself!”

Deyzes Pereira, founder, Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Lioness Business Agility Webinar series talks brand building post COVID-19

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Event Report

Many businesses are trying to relaunch following the recent lockdown in South Africa, and importantly ensure their brands are visible in an increasingly competitive marketplace. However, without having the luxury of big ad spend budgets to achieve that visibility and customer connection, some innovative thinking and reinvention is required. The 2nd Lioness Business Agility Webinar, in partnership with Absa, took place on 19 June 2020 - the aim was to bring together leading women entrepreneurs with years of experience in brand building, to share their very personal insights and experiences on how to build a brand to last, post the COVID pandemic.

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In Events Tags Lioness Business Agility Series, South Africa
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Shaida Seni, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating access to markets for small businesses 

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA (Mozambique)

Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA (Mozambique)

Startup Story

One of the toughest challenges facing entrepreneurs is getting products and services into the hands of customers. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Shaida Seni, founder of WELELA, has the answer, with her online platform showcasing companies and products to potential customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Meg Faure, a South African entrepreneur and author reimagining early childhood education

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense (South Africa)

Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense (South Africa)

Startup Story

Any parent with young children knows just how critical it is to encourage early emotional development as the basis for a strong learning journey. In South Africa, well-known author and entrepreneur, Meg Faure, founder of Play Sense, has created a unique business focusing on unique play-based learning programmes for 2-4 year olds.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Edupreneur
Comment

Kimberley and Priscilla Addison, pioneers of artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturing

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kimberley and Priscilla Addison, founders of ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Kimberley and Priscilla Addison, founders of ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Meet the founders of ’57 Chocolate, Ghana’s luxury chocolate brand

Africa needs women entrepreneurs who really understand the power of the entrepreneurial value chain in their countries, and in Ghana a great example can be found in Kimberley and Priscilla Addison, founders of ’57 Chocolate. The company’s philosophy is based on a bean-to-bar approach to manufacture and distribution, adding value to everyone along the value chain, from cocoa bean grower to consumer. ‘57 Chocolate is a world-class brand that believes in not merely trading the country’s natural resources in their “natural” state, but instead using creativity to transform these resources by developing made in Ghana products of premium value. Lionesses of Africa spoke to these pioneering sisters this month to find out more.

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In Cover Story Tags Ghana, Chocolate, Food & Drink
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Lioness Launch / South Africa’s leading sustainable and ethical product design brand, The Joinery, launches its Together Again essential care pack

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Natalie and Kim Ellis, founders of The Joinery (South Africa)

Natalie and Kim Ellis, founders of The Joinery (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

The Joinery, founded by sisters Natalie and Kim Ellis, together with their team of change makers, innovators, creators and activists, has built a formidable reputation for its ability to find impactful solutions to environmental and community issues through design. It achieves that goal by creating luxury products made from recycled plastic bottles, turning potential waste into something positive. In response to the current Covid-19 pandemic and the changing world we now find ourselves in, these enterprising entrepreneurs have now launched their impactful Together Again essential care pack for their customers.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Eco-preneur
Comment

Mumpreneur Evolution: On our terms: An inspirational book for women in business: 23 success stories of building businesses around family life

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
by Erin Thomas Wong

by Erin Thomas Wong

Book Review

Mumpreneur Evolution, by Erin Thomas Wong, is a collection of insightful and inspiring interviews with 23 women who share their stories of building businesses around family life. Millions of women around the world are choosing a different way of working. They are not opting to return to a full time career working 60 hours a week, but they are instead carving their own paths, building businesses which allow them to be a mother and a business owner side-by-side.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Be True to Yourself with the Lionesses of Africa Team!

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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from the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

“Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t,

Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t,

Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes,

It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul.”

….and that was what greeted us as we arrived in our office this morning, blaring from our Head of Finance’s open door!

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Marketing & Communications, BU Management Advice
Comment

Building Awareness of Covid-19 Cyber-Attack Ransomware 

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Adv. Lufuno Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD: Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Did you know that internet users are not only having to protect themselves from Covid-19; but from online vulnerabilities as well? During the wake of Covid-19 being declared a world crisis; cyber criminals (hackers) jumped at an opportunity to deceive internet users? It does seem that internet users are not only having to fight against Covid-19 virus, but against cyber-attacks as well. Since everyone is genuinely seeking to know more about Covid-19, they saw an opportunity to defraud internet users.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, BU Management Advice
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Trusting in you is key

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Nadia Marillier, founder of Tranquil & Tenacious Minds

How am I going to cope? Will I be able to sustain my business and see to my family? How will I remain relevant? These are questions many entrepreneurs, including myself, asked when COVID-19 became our reality.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Nadia Marillier, BU Crisis Strategy
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5 Business Models for Creatives During Lockdown

July 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Robyn Keet

A strategy for Creatives to earn an income during location restrictions.

Are you a Creative at home waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so you can go back to work? Or you can get back to work but your clients are a little concerned to be going out or going ahead with your services? If this is you, then I might have an idea or two on how you can either add or adapt your current creative business to service your audience while making a living during these uncertain times.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Robyn Keet, BU Management Advice
Comment

Screen time vs Play Time - A working mom’s dilemma

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Facing the same dilemma too? We actually don’t have to. A few weeks ago, I wrote on how moms can use screen time to get some work done. Screen time is awesome in the sense that your child gets entertainment, learns and sees new things but too much of it can really disempower your child. So, what do we do?

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Work Life Balance
Comment

Hearing is a sense. Listening is a skill

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Dr Ashika Pillay

My training as a medical doctor initially unearthed in me, the great desire to solve mysteries and problems - and make puzzles fit. I would listen to patients for clinical signs and symptoms and be quick on the button with solving the “issue”. As I trained though, I started to really sense into “why is this person really here?” What is the unsaid, unseen, and unheard symptom that they are wishing to reveal - given the right time and attention. I suppose this is where my “coaching” started early on. In a GP practice that I worked; I was known for taking an incredibly long time with patients. Patient’s moved from “needing weight loss medication” to revealing deep insecurities about themselves, their marriages, and lives.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ashika Pillay, Leadership, Personal Development
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Why You Shouldn’t Keep Customers Waiting and How Route Planning Software Can Help

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Nancy Ernesto, founder of Avon Nancia Comércio Geral (SU) LDA (Angola)

The biggest problem facing any industry that is required to go to the customers’ location, is that people are becoming increasingly impatient. A survey sponsored by Interparcel out of the UK, found that 50% of Brits admitted to becoming more impatient in the past 5 years. While it’s no surprise that patience is waning in our society, there are ways to monitor and measure customer satisfaction, and also improve the accuracy of your daily schedules.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nancy Ernesto
Comment

Quote of the Day by Maria Auma

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

“As an entrepreneur, being able to give back to society is the most rewarding experience. You can make billions of money, but it all means nothing if you can't lend a hand to the less fortunate.”

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Social Impact
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Entrepreneur Advice from Ngozi Opara / What’s your why?

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

What’s your why?…

“You should figure out your “why?” first. It’s probably the most important aspect of your business because, as you scale, things get tougher and tougher and your reason for beginning your entrepreneurial journey is something you will always come back to.”

Ngozi Opara, Founder, Heat Free Hair (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Quote of the Day by Stella Langat

July 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Stella Langat, Co-founder, Double Dee's (Kenya)

Stella Langat, Co-founder, Double Dee's (Kenya)

“Growing up, we didn’t call it entrepreneurship, but we knew about ‘hustling’.”

Stella Langat, Co-founder, Double Dee's (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Snoekie Mabena-Saleh / Believe in yourself!

July 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

Believe in yourself!…

“Know where to focus based on your capabilities and strengths, hold yourself responsible and accountable in acts in your business. Never fear to ask for assistance from your stakeholders (banks and associations related to your industry). Never be afraid to fail for failure exposes you to learning. Believe in yourself.”

Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, Founder and Director, S.MAB GROUP (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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

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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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