Post-Pandemic Growth

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann, Author and Speaker

I recently wrote the story of my grandparents’ love and their life together that spanned seven decades. I travelled to the coast early January and interviewed my 94-year-old grandmother about her life and how they fell in love. My husband stayed behind to feed the cats and to work, so the week was an opportunity to soak up the female company of my grandmother, mother, aunt and my two little girls. We laughed, we shared and we bonded. There is something special about being in the presence of multiple generations of women.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Siwela Wines launches its exciting 2020 Chenin Blanc

July 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Siwela Sweetness Masoga, founder of Siwela Wines (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

There is an exciting new South African wine, a Chenin Blanc, about to tempt the palettes of discerning consumers, produced by Siwela Wines, one of the few youth female black owned wine businesses in South Africa. Founded by Siwela Sweetness Masoga, Siwela Wines is a wine company focusing on the production of quality accessible wines. Siwela also runs a wine academy focusing on education and training within wine and hospitality.

7 Reasons Why Content Marketing Is Queen

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Wuraola Ademola-Shanu

If you run a business in today’s day and age, one simple fact remains - you cannot turn away from digital marketing to survive and thrive. One of the best ways to grow in the online world is Content Marketing.

What entity is best for running my business

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender, Co-Founders of pop.law

Deciding which entity to use to run your business is a lot like buying a car. There are quite a few options and it can be a bit overwhelming working out if you need the Range Rover or if a good old bakkie will do. There are many things to consider depending on if you run a business on your own or with partners, what your appetite is for personal liability, and what tax implications you may be in for.

In the darkest nights, the stars still shine

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser

I am sure if anybody writes another article about COVID-19 you will surely swipe on and away. Seriously we’ve had enough constant reminders of a thief amongst us. What if we were so deeply affected that we are still reeling and trying to grasp for air? What if we still don’t have an idea of how our business is going to survive or even where to start again? What if you have lost more than you could ever imagine? What if all you can see right now is the darkness and the stark reality of you can’t “see” where to turn to next?

Credit is ALL about the 5 C’s

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

So we’ve all heard of the 4 C’s of Diamond buying (cut, colour, clarity and carat) and now thanks to a fabulous Lioness Co-Lab we have the 5 C’s with an amazing collaboration between Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds and Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza, meaning we now have Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat and Chocolate! Who could ask for more?

Managing distressed business during Covid-19

July 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager: Distribution, Relationship Banking, Absa

The Covid-19 pandemic has left many businesses distressed, with some businesses scrambling for survival. It’s important for any business to think of business resilience during Covid-19 and post. If your business is currently in distress it’s crucial to first assess the situation and develop a practical insolvency plan and avoid any false movements which can ultimately impact the business performance.

Entrepreneur Advice from Cátia Mondlane / Stay loyal to your vision

July 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Cátia Mondlane, Founder, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Stay loyal to your vision…

“Unfortunately staying loyal to ones’ vision regardless of the tough times is a quality held by few and it is already time for people to understand that there is no such thing as an easy business”

Cátia Mondlane, Founder, Isabella - Estética & Cosméticos (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Meg Faure

July 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Being an entrepreneur is one of the most powerful ways to create jobs and empower people in Africa, and I think it lies with women to be a very key part of that journey.”

Meg Faure, Co-Founder, Play Sense (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Khumbanyiwa / Don’t be afraid to ask for advice

July 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Linda Khumbanyiwa, Founder, Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice…

“Start where you are and start with what you have. Also do not be afraid to ask for advice because every successful business was a start-up at one point and it's only by sharing our knowledge and stories that we can flourish.”

Linda Khumbanyiwa, Founder, Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Quote of the Day by Shaden Abushaera

July 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Shaden Abushaera, founder of HeraCloset Online (Algeria)

“Being an entrepreneur is really hard, yet learning new things is part of what's so fun and exciting about being an entrepreneur.”

Shaden Abushaera, Founder, HeraCloset Online (Algeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mariana Agness Francisco Eria / Invest in your skills development

July 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

Invest in your skills development...

“Be curious and invest in your own skills development and that of your team. Your brand is only as good as the people behind it.”

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

The Loneliness…and the Bravery

July 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

“You're always one decision away from a totally different life”…

There is a book by Alan Sillitoe called: “The loneliness of a long distance runner” that was then made into a film. It’s about a boy who had made wrong decisions (who hasn’t somewhere in their lives!) and was then sent to a youth detention centre / school in the UK, one of many so called ‘Borstals’. While there he found a passion in long distance running and single-mindedly pursued this becoming very good indeed. The problem was that the people in charge wanted him to bend to their will and run just so that they could brag and boast about beating the local private school in a big race that was due. They wanted to control his power to further their agenda. They were determined to use this boy’s skills and bend his will for their own glory. This became not about him, but all about them.

Thabisa Mjo, a creative entrepreneur telling stories through design

July 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mash. T Design Studio, creating a contemporary craft-driven aesthetic for Africa

Thabisa Mjo is the founder and owner of Mash. T Design Studio in South Africa, a furniture and design studio with the main focus and philosophy to tell uniquely South African stories using the medium of design.

Josie Van Aswegen, a South African bespoke floral design entrepreneur taking creativity to the next level

July 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Josie Van Aswegen, owner of Fabulous Flowers (Cape Town, South Africa)

Impact Partner Content: Absa / Startup Story

Every business has a heart – a core to its operations. The soul and drum beat to the golden thread that runs throughout the works. Fabulous Flowers would not be where it is today without the owner - Josie Van Aswegen. We had the privilege of catching up over the past week. And what a week! Her beautiful new studio in Toffie Lane, Claremont, South Africa, is a pleasure to visit and the creativity happening there is infectious.

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, an entrepreneur introducing the world to natural and organic skincare from Africa

July 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Startup Story

More and more consumers are becoming conscious of the products they put onto their skins, and are demanding more natural and organic products that are kinder to both skin and the environment. Uhuru Botanicals, founded by entrepreneur Neo Chatyoka, is a brand that celebrates Africa’s natural raw ingredients and turns them into skincare products that are both ethical and sustainable.

Lioness Launch / New online platform pop.law aims to democratize the law for everyday people across South Africa.

July 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Claire Keet Pollock (L) and Sinal Govender (R) co-founders of pop.law (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Accessing affordable legal advice and information in South Africa is a challenge for most people. But two women entrepreneurs are about to change that with the launch of their new online platform pop.law which will be a portal to a range of affordable legal products and services. Personal experiences and inside observations left co-founders Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender disappointed with South Africa's legal system - enough to drive them both to do something about it independently. When they met, Claire was designing a web app to help people navigate the legal aspects of death; Sinal was running a consultancy focused on cost-effective legal advice. They realized that they were trying to solve the same problem - access to the law - and so they launched pop.law.

Anatomy of building a business that works for you by Naomi Alabi

July 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you want to stop over thinking and start your business but are experiencing analysis paralysis because you are overwhelmed with information, then author and entrepreneur Naomi Alabi has the answers. Why? Because she has personally been there. In her new book, Anatomy Of Building A Business That Works For You, she says that our world was built by people who dared to dream bigger. People who took their ideas, were patient through a number of small tasks which ultimately grew into the big businesses that we all love to celebrate.

Protecting your Intellectual Property as an entrepreneur

July 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Seno Namwandi

Intellectual Property (IP) is widely spoken of but not always well understood. The IP ecosystem is complex, broad and has to balance varying interests from creators to financiers to consumers. It is relevant to the songwriter, medical technician, architect, software coder, business owner etc. IP is loosely defined as a legal right granted to a property that arises as a result of intellectual activity or creative input. It is inherently a legal right granted by a government body to exclude unauthorized third party use. Enforcement varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction which can be complicated. However, through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), there are a set of uniform legislations and regulations to govern IP.

Recruiting in Femicide South Africa

July 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kulani Shiluvane, Founder and Chief Consultant, Shiluvah

One of the services that we offer at Shiluvah is recruiting the best talent for our clients, a majority of which are SMMEs. SMMEs that do not have the budget for offices in high rise buildings in well known locations; SMMEs that are still trying to make a name from themselves and grow into the well known organisations people have come to know and trust, and whose authenticity is unquestionable. And while such facts shouldn’t be a problem when it comes to sourcing talent – in Femicide South Africa, it is and here’s why.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

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.

“Unfortunately staying loyal to ones’ vision regardless of the tough times is a quality held by few and it is already time for people to understand that there is no such thing as an easy business”

“Being an entrepreneur is one of the most powerful ways to create jobs and empower people in Africa, and I think it lies with women to be a very key part of that journey.”

“Start where you are and start with what you have. Also do not be afraid to ask for advice because every successful business was a start-up at one point and it's only by sharing our knowledge and stories that we can flourish.”

“Being an entrepreneur is really hard, yet learning new things is part of what's so fun and exciting about being an entrepreneur.”

“Be curious and invest in your own skills development and that of your team. Your brand is only as good as the people behind it.”

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