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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Hloki Raphuting, a South African manufacturer creating luxury shoes and handbags

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH (South Africa)

Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH (South Africa)

Startup Story

Who doesn’t love a beautifully crafted leather handbag or a stylish, eye-catching pair of leather shoes? In South Africa, entrepreneur Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH, is manufacturing high quality bags and shoes, all made from the finest leather, and for customers who want to look and feel good.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, an innovator transforming aquatic weeds into natural fibre products

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro

Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

MitiMeth, tackling a growing Nigerian environmental challenge and creating sustainable jobs.

Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro is a Computer Scientist turned Social Entrepreneur. She is also the Founder and CEO of MitiMeth, an award-winning Social Enterprise transforming waste and building livelihoods through the transformation of invasive aquatic weeds and agricultural residues. To date, MitiMeth has trained over 400 women from communities across Nigeria and Ghana to make eco-friendly home décor and lifestyle products from these natural fibres. She is passionate about creating employment opportunities through sustainable textiles and accessories from renewable materials and working with multi-stakeholders to push these into the mainstream. Her story has been featured on TED, BBC, Deutsche Welle TV, CNBC Africa and CNN’s African Start-Up.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Achenyo Idachaba, Social Entrepreneur
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South Africa’s Niche Integrated Solutions wins leading innovation management award

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Awards and Accolades

Emerging technology company, Niche Integrated Solutions, a100% Black women owned business, has won the Innocentrix South African Innovation League 2020 in the small enterprises category. The award was presented at a special ceremony held on 27 August 2020.

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In Award Winner Tags South Africa, Technology, Women in Tech
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Unpacking renewable energy technologies - Part 2 Solar Thermal

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In article two of a four-part series, Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, unpacks solar thermal with upcoming articles on wind as a technology as well as concluding the series with a view on the technologies which are changing the future state of the industry. With some houses using a much as 30% to 40% of their energy consumption on water heating, solar thermal is a popular means for many households of reducing their energy bills.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
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The importance of sharing your story

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Abigail K

You have a story tell. Whether you’re an author, and aspiring author or you’re neither of those. You have a story to tell. Your story has meaning. Your story has value. Your story exists for a reason.

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In Guest Blog Tags Abigail Klopper, Story Telling
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SARS Auto Assessments: What to Do

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste

As you might know in South Africa, SARS has rolled out auto assessments for the 2019/20 tax year, mainly for non-provisional taxpayers. In this video clip I explain what an auto assessment entails and the 3 important things you should do when you are auto assessed.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

Lioness Launch / Lilly Alfonso launches new safety combo packages

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso

Lilly Alfonso

Lioness Launch

Covid-19 has created the need to innovate and produce new products that help people to protect themselves in their daily lives. This challenge inspired multi-award winning Malawian fashion designer, Lilly Alfonso, to create a new range of safety combo packages, combining practical products such as face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Malawi, Fashion, Covid-19 Response
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Mental Health First Aider  

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kulani Shiluvane, Founder and Chief Consultant, Shiluvah

I recently came across the term Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) and as someone that works and owns a business in the Human Resource space this term immediately sparked my interest, especially with regards to how this concept could be used and benefit the workplace.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Kulani Shiluvane, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Pitch Books Part 3: The Home Stretch

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

So as we turn into the home stretch we have these left:

  • The Product

  • The Customers

  • Business Model

  • The Marketing Plan

  • The Ask

  • The Team

  • and finally

  • Company Overview

  • Mission/Vision of the Company

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Capital & Fundraising
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What to do if your business website is copied

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender, Co-Founders of pop.law

Today’s story of ‘life and law’ is enough to make any digital business owner’s eyeballs shrink to the size of raisins. If you own any online assets - a website, an online store, a social media feed - then this story might help you avoid pricey legal fees one day if the unthinkable happens: someone blatantly uses your content for their own commercial purposes without your permission.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sinal Govender & Claire Keet, Legal
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Everyone Knows Something That Is Teachable & Sellable

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Wuraola Ademola-Shanu

An Interview With Amba Eyang-Ajaikaiye on Digital Marketing For Fempreneurs.

A lot of businesses set out in the New Year with high goals and projects. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck and many businesses were caught in the “crossfire” with only a few surviving and pivoting to remain relevant in the game. One thing is for sure though: the pandemic has made many businesses realize the importance of leverage digital/online marketing.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Wuraola Ademola-Shanu, BU Digital, BU Marketing & Communications
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Being Social Makes Work Better

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

How are your virtual meetings going? Does your schedule include time to be social? Does everyone in your world feel closer, more connected, than they did before everything shut down because of the pandemic?

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Laura Camacho, BU Remote Working
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Quote of the Day by Juliana Nasasira

August 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh

Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh

“Being an entrepreneur in a field that I love is a blessing. It allows me the freedom to be creative every day.”

Juliana Nasasira, founder, Kwesh (Uganda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Innovation & Creativity
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Entrepreneur Advice from Afia Bobia Amanfo / Be prepared to work hard for your success

August 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Be prepared to work hard for your success!…

“Don't expect overnight success but rather, be prepared to put in the long hours of work to make your idea a success.”

Afia Bobia Amanfo, founder, Studentshubgh (Ghana)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
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Quote of the Day by Teresa Nanjala Lubano

August 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Teresa Nanjala Lubano, founder, The Nanjala Company (Kenya)

Teresa Nanjala Lubano, founder, The Nanjala Company (Kenya)

“We recognize that many local artisans and craftsmen are held back by a lack of exposure and opportunity. We are committed to helping them take their talents and wares to the market.”

Teresa Nanjala Lubano, founder, The Nanjala Company (Kenya)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Artisans
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nametso Matlhaga / Listen to your instincts

August 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Listen to your instincts!…

“Don't wait for someone to tell you when to start. The right time is now! Listen to your instincts.”

Nametso Matlhaga, founder, Matthan Jewellery Collection (Botswana)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Quote of the Day by Diandra Vaal Neto

August 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Diandra Vaal Neto, founder, Clube Das Empresárias (Angola)

Diandra Vaal Neto, founder, Clube Das Empresárias (Angola)

“There’s never been a better time for female entrepreneurs to step into the limelight.”

Diandra Vaal Neto, founder, Clube Das Empresárias (Angola)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Women's Empowerment
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Entrepreneur Advice from Kathy Mann / Remember why you started your business

August 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

Remember why you started your business!…

“Connecting with the reason you started the business is a great method to kickstart your enthusiasm in times of struggle.”

Kathy Mann, author, speaker and stress management expert (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment

Quote of the Day Dana Mroueh

August 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dana Mroueh, founder, Mon Choco (Cote d’Ivoire)

Dana Mroueh, founder, Mon Choco (Cote d’Ivoire)

“I get great satisfaction seeing my team strongly espouse courage and persistence.”

Dana Mroueh, founder, Mon Choco (Cote d’Ivoire)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Elohor Thomas / Success is all about execution

August 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

Success is all about execution!…

“Remember, a business only becomes what you want it to become with the right execution.”

Elohor Thomas, co-founder, CodeLn (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Execution
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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

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 / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
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 / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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 Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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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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