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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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Entrepreneur Advice from Sophia Richter / Do not give up!

July 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

Do not give up!…

“It is not an easy journey, and can be a very lonely one at times, however do not give up. It is all SO worth it at the end.”

Sophia Richter, founder, Section Thirty-Five Legal and Business Solutions (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Tapiwa Matsinde

July 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tapiwa Matsinde, founder of atelier 55 (UK)

Tapiwa Matsinde, founder of atelier 55 (UK)

“Now more than ever is the time to stand firm in your values. Our values are like roots, they provide a firm foundation that enables our businesses to grow and flourish.”

Tapiwa Matsinde, Founder, atelier 55 (UK)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Values
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Entrepreneur Advice from Gisele Shabani / Execute your plan, step by step

July 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Execute your plan, step by step!…

“Do not be scared to take risks to start your own enterprise. Business comes from an idea, but you must take the next step which is execution of the plan, step-by-step. From there, prepare to be confident, work hard, and communicate your passion with an open mind.”

Gisele Shabani, founder, Giselle Q Accessories (Burundi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Priscilla Addison

July 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Priscilla Addison, co-founder, ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Priscilla Addison, co-founder, ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

“Never underestimate the importance of having a conversation and networking. Everyone is important, from the President of the country or organization, and the taxi driver.”

Priscilla Addison, co-founder, ’57 Chocolate (Ghana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Networking
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Entrepreneur Advice from Farida Yahya / Work hard and work smart!

July 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Work hard and work smart!…

“Work hard and smart enough to have those doors open for you. When you do succeed, look back and lift up others - mentorship and support is crucial for female founders.”

Farida Yahya, founder, Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
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Quote of the Day by Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera

July 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, Founder, Glo Creations (Rwanda)

Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, Founder, Glo Creations (Rwanda)

“Never underestimate your gift or talent - develop it and make use of it to the fullest.”

Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, Founder, Glo Creations (Rwanda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Personal Development
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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
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Lioness Business Agility Webinar series talks brand building post COVID-19

July 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
lioness-business-agility-webinar-19 June-2020-twitter-card.001.jpeg

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 / 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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
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
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o 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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business 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
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
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

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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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