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Lionesses of Africa

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Brenda Katwesigye, a Ugandan tech innovator providing access to quality eye care

March 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye

Brenda Katwesigye

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Wazi Vision’s co-founder and ceo, Brenda Katwesigye, has a big vision for her business - to help everyone access quality eye care, without paying hefty sums for it. She and her team understand that good eyesight is critical to overall health and well being – especially for children and that is why the company has created affordable eyeglasses that are designed in Uganda and cost 80% less than what is currently on the market. Wazi Vision’s virtual reality (VR) testing kit also helps bring eye care testing to communities that do not have optometrists or access to affordable eye care services.

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In Cover Story Tags Uganda, Healthcare
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Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka receives prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment

March 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Gladys Kalema- Zikusoka

Dr Gladys Kalema- Zikusoka

Awards and Accolades

This week, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), headed by social entrepreneur and renowned gorilla conservationist, Dr Gladys Zikusoka, has been announced the winner of the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment 2020. The prize was set up by the University of St Andrews and ConocoPhillips in 1998 to recognize significant contributions to environmental conservation.

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In Award Winner, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda
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Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, the ecopreneur saving Uganda’s gorillas with her high impact coffee brand

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

A new generation of environmentally conscious women entrepreneurs on the African continent, or ecopreneurs as they are better known, are making a real and tangible difference by building socially and environmentally conscious, impact driven businesses. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee in Uganda, is one such woman.

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In Cover Story Tags Uganda, Coffee
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100 LIONESSES: Julian Adyeri Omalla - 'Mama Cheers' is Uganda's favourite juice maker

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Julian Adyeri Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited

Julian Adyeri Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited

Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

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In 100 Lionesses Project Tags Julian Omalla, Uganda
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Marjorie Atuhurra, a Ugandan social entrepreneur on a mission to empower marginalized women in her country

March 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

For countries and communities to thrive, they need to ensure that every person is empowered and equipped to fulfill their potential. In Uganda, Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation is working tirelessly to ensure that other women and young girls are given the opportunity to become fully participating, independent and contributing members of society.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Maria Auma, a Ugandan entrepreneur helping startups to build sustainable businesses with impact

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

For many startups, taking their businesses to the next level can be challenging. In Uganda, one woman entrepreneur is helping small business owners to increase their production capacity and access finance. Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments, is bringing her expertise and investment community to help startups to fulfill their potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Business Services
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Brenda Katwesigye, a Ugandan woman entrepreneur bringing affordable eye care to school children by harnessing the power of virtual reality technology 

October 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Making eye care accessible and affordable to everyone in Uganda, regardless of their income status, is the vision of Brenda Katwesigye, founder of high impact company Wazi Vision. She is on a mission to ensure that everyone who needs eye testing and glasses, no matter where they are located in the country, can get access to these life changing services.

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech, Social Entrepreneur, Uganda, Healthcare
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Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, renowned veterinarian, conservationist and social entrepreneur launches new coffee brand to save gorillas

March 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

With her entrepreneurial spirit, the renowned wildlife conservationist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, was determined to find a solution that could help coffee farmers on the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, while improving their attitudes towards conservation. The result: Gorilla Conservation Coffee—a social enterprise created through a partnership between Conservation Through Public Health and Worldwide Fund for Nature Switzerland. 

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In Newly Launched, Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Uganda, Food & Drink
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Bhavya Kalsi - The startup story of a Ugandan company and brand influenced by Indian roots

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

KONA, the name of a unique new accessories and homeware company in Uganda was inspired by a mixture of cultures, the word literally meaning CORNER in Swahili Luganda and Hindi. So, from a little corner in Africa, two women entrepreneurs, are creating an exciting new brand with a distinctive personality.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Uganda
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PODCAST: LoA talks with co-founder Nahida Bhegani, about advertising and exciting new times ahead for Kinaya, their Ugandan advertising agency

November 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

When two sisters and a close friend all met at school in Uganda many years ago, who would have thought their close friendship would lead to a series of highly successful business ventures in the future, one of which is Kinaya, a leading advertising agency in the country. LoA chatted to Nahida about the business, affiliations, new challenges and exciting times ahead for the company.

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In Podcast Tags Advertising, Uganda
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Sarah Lambie - The startup story of an inspirational NGO in Uganda providing entrepreneurial training to startups in Africa

September 15, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Lambie, Work for Life

Sarah Lambie, Work for Life

We all know that life as an entrepreneurial startup can be tough, but with the right support, training and skills development especially in those early days, achieving business success becomes more of a reality. Work For Life is a focused NGO providing essential entrepreneurial training and support to African entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, just when it is needed most.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Uganda
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Monica Masiga & Justine Kiwanuka - The startup story of two micro-entrepreneurs bringing health and wellbeing to their communities in Kenya and Uganda

September 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Justine Kiwanuka (L) & Monica Masiga (R), Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs

Justine Kiwanuka (L) & Monica Masiga (R), Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs

Across the African continent, particularly in rural areas, promoting good community health and wellness to local people remains a challenge. Life-saving products and services don’t do any good unless they get into the hands of the people that need them and know how to use them. Social entrepreneurship venture, Living Goods, is helping to solve the “last mile” problem by recruiting, training, and managing the performance of Community Health Promoters. Monica Masiga in Kenya, and Justine Kiwanuka in Uganda, are two such Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs who are making a difference. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Impact, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Uganda, Kenya
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Maria Auma - The startup story of an African woman-owned investment management company looking to empower the continent’s entrepreneurs

July 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

At a time when access to funding and capital-raising for business start-ups in Africa is difficult and stressful at the best of times, one Ugandan woman entrepreneur is looking to forge a path where few African women tread. Maria Auma is taking her passion for economics and financial management and building her company, Blue Luxury Investments, as a platform for investment management solutions for entrepreneurial ventures that are environmentally conscious.

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In Startup Story Tags Finance, Uganda
Comment

Uganda ranked as the country with the highest level of entrepreneurship in the world according to latest research

June 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken

It might come as a surprise to some that an African country, Uganda, ranks first in the world for having the most entrepreneurs per capita, according to recent research conducted by UK-based business-networking group, Approved Index. Three further African countries, Cameroon, Angola and Botswana also occupy places amongst the top nine countries with the most entrepreneurs, many of them women.

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In Features Tags Uganda
Comment

InstaHealth - The startup story of a health-tech company providing vital access to health information at the swipe of a smartphone screen

March 3, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder InstaHealth, Uganda

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder InstaHealth, Uganda

Brenda Katwesigye is a tech entrepreneur with a passion for making a difference in Uganda’s health sector by harnessing her considerable telecommunications skills. Her company, InstaHealth, has developed a new mobile app which instantly connects users to health centres, medical specialists and ambulance services, using simple technology that ordinary people in Uganda can use. Together with her co-Founder, Elizabeth Kasujja, these are two African woman entrepreneurs finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges by using the power of technology.

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech Month, Uganda, Healthpreneur Month
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DEF.I.NI.TION Africa - The startup story of three talented fashion entrepreneurs redefining the value of 'African'

February 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Nahida and Nadia Bhegani & Olga Mugyenyi, founders of DEF.I.NI.TION Africa, Uganda

Nahida and Nadia Bhegani & Olga Mugyenyi, founders of DEF.I.NI.TION Africa, Uganda

Meet Ugandan sisters, Nahida and Nadia Bhegani who together with their childhood friend, Olga Mugyenyi are the founders of fashion sensation, DEF.I.NI.TION Africa. Their youthful energy promises an alternative approach to fashion, where everyday Ugandan life inspires each of their new designs. Their aim: to have products that are 100% African made, that redefine the market place, and importantly redefine the perception of 'African' fashion.

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In Startup Story Tags Design Month, Fashion, Uganda
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Juliana Nasasira - The startup story of a talented young woman realising her lifelong dream to build a fashion brand

February 21, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh

Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh

Many of us day-dream of fulfilling our lifelong ambitions and entrepreneurial dreams one day, but talented Ugandan designer, Juliana Nasasira, went from a career in property management to becoming a global fashion brand builder in the making. She is a testimony to the power of passion, drive and a real can-do attitude. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Design Month, Uganda, Fashion
Comment

BOLD Kampala - The startup story of three women entrepreneurs changing the face of fashion retail in Africa

February 18, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi (Top), Janet Mugume (L) and Angel Kalisa (R) , founders of BOLD Kampala

Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi (Top), Janet Mugume (L) and Angel Kalisa (R) , founders of BOLD Kampala

Bold Kampala is the brainchild of three vibrant and talented women entrepreneurs from Uganda who have a vision for raising awareness of, and retailing, African fashion brands. Their BOLD Kampala retail concept is truly world-class and provides affordable space and excellent exposure to buyers to talented African designer fashion brands.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Design Month, Fashion, Uganda
Comment

Julian Omalla - The startup story of a woman who against all odds became one of Uganda’s biggest business success stories

December 7, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Julian 'Mama Cheers' Omalla, founder of Delight Limited, Uganda

Julian 'Mama Cheers' Omalla, founder of Delight Limited, Uganda

This inspirational woman entrepreneur from Uganda shows the power of grit and determination to succeed in business, despite the many hurdles encountered, to build a highly respected, multi-million dollar drinks and foodstuff empire in Africa.

Read more
In Startup Story, Lionesses Tags Julian Omalla, Uganda, Food & Drink Month, Food & Drink
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa

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Featured
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf

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