Quote of the Day by Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka

September 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“It is not an easy journey but it is worth every struggle.”

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

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Camara / Never give up

September 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tiguidanke Camara, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Never give up!…...

“Surround yourself with experts, work hard and always remain professional. Most of all, never give up.”

Tiguidanke Camara, founder & CEO of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Changing the future of the energy sector

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In his fourth and final article, Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, shares his views on the technologies that are changing the future of the energy sector, allowing for even greater adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Evolution or Revolution? Part 2

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

from the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

So last week we looked at easy wins on the Sales side to reduce your Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and who would have thought that one of the easy wins, in automating the process of sending out invoices, would have such a huge impact!

Meet Africa’s Leading Women Edupreneurs Changing Lives Through Education

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

In Focus / Education

Africa needs great educators, committed people who are passionate about helping children and young people to learn and fulfill their potential, equipping them to make a positive difference in the world. At Lionesses of Africa, we are celebrating women entrepreneurs who are creating leading-edge technologies and new approaches to education in order to make a real difference to the lives of new generations of children and young people across the African continent.

The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur: An Unconventional Success Plan for the Highly Creative, Secretly Sensitive, and Wildly Ambitious by Christine Kane

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Christine Kane, author of The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur, is living proof that it’s possible to succeed in business when your strength is more about sensitivity than swagger, and when you are moved by meaning more than manipulation. In other words, she believes that it’s possible to succeed while still being you.

Lioness Launch / Mozambican natural skin care brand, Isabella-Estética & Cosméticos, launches its exciting new range of products

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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

Lioness Launch

There is a growing interest by consumers in natural skincare products that are both kind to the skin and the environment. In Mozambique, one woman-owned company is launching a new, expanded range of quality products to meet that need. Cátia Mondlane is the CEO & Founder of Isabella-Estética & Cosméticos, an innovative Mozambican company which brings natural skin solutions based on locally sourced organic and fresh ingredients.

When Corporates Ask You To Work For Free

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender

Picture this. A bright-eyed, bush-tailed creative, maybe a year or two into their career, gets a call from a massive multinational company to do some work for them. (Who me?! Yes, of course, I’d love to! What’s that? You’ve got a limited budget? No problem, it’d be an honour to work with your brand). Maybe this young gun is a photographer or a designer. Or a music producer. They’re told that money is tight on the job and are dangled the “exposure” carrot.

How to overcome working mom’s guilt

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Usha Maharaj

As a working mom I’m sure you’ve felt that pang of guilt when sitting at the office while you leave your children in someone else’s care. As a working mom who needs to work, who feels energized by working, who loves what they do, and who also loves raising their children – working mom’s guilt, is an obstacle.

Faking It?

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Ashika Pillay

Recently, I have had contact with a few brand names that prompted me to think a bit deeper about how companies represent their brands and strategy. Why do some brands come across true to their inherent value proposition? Why do employees of some companies truly LIVE the brand? On the other hand, why do some customers come back truly disappointed as soon as they have interacted with a company leaving them with a stark contrast between their expectations and the reality?

How to Keep Your Sanity As A Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tapiwa Matsinde

Do you find yourself constantly generating ideas that you find too irresistible to ignore? And as a result, you become distracted with all these ideas begging to be brought to life. Welcome to the life of the multi-passionate (also referred to as multi-hyphenate).

Grace Gichanga, a South African legal techpreneur transforming lives through the law

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Startup Story

Speak to Grace Gichanga, founder of Luma Law (South Africa), and she will tell you that she loves, loves, loves the law, because of its power to transform lives. As an attorney with over 10 years of experience, not surprisingly Grace has built a business which allows her to share her love of the law and how it works with the people of South Africa. The business was founded 2 years ago and LUMA the legal literacy chatbot officially went live on Facebook Messenger at the beginning of April 2020. Grace is committed to the vision of an empowered Africa through technology, innovation and the principles of social justice.

Nosisa Dhlomo, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to mobilize the country’s tech scene

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa needs vibrant, bright young women with ideas and entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential to transform the economic landscape of the country and bring with it a wealth of opportunities. Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech is one such pioneering woman entrepreneur. She believes in building African female leadership through industry platforms and hubs to produce more female leaders.

Gércia Sequeira, a leading techpreneur in Mozambique improving businesses and lives

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Gércia Sequeira, co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS (Mozambique)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

ITIS, creating local, innovative technology solutions for business and people.

Gércia Sequeira is a leading techpreneur in Mozambique and the CEO and co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS. As President of the ICT Association in Mozambique (AMPETIC) and Master trainer in business development service providers, as well as a trainer of various associations and single business owners concerning the use of ICT and Management tools, she is an influential tech voice in the country.

Quote of the Day by Marta Vânia Uetela

September 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“What gives me the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur is to solve problems, somehow improve people's lives, and surely profit during the process.”

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder, Minimal (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Dempah / Find your sweet spot

September 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Linda Dempah, founder, Adeba Nature (Cote d’Ivoire)

Find your sweet spot!…

“Find your sweet spot, build a determined team and jump right in!”

Linda Dempah, founder, Adeba Nature (Cote d’Ivoire)

Quote of the Day by Keren Pybus

September 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“We believe the creation of stable employment, particularly for women, is an incredibly powerful driver of sustainable change.”

Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo, Ethical Apparel Africa (Ghana & Benin)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mellisa Mazingi / Build a tribe

September 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Build a tribe!…

“Build a tribe - there is nothing more powerful and valuable than a group of friends in business for whom you are each other's personal cheerleaders, motivators and reference-givers.”

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Quote of the Day by Anja van Beek

September 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The only way to grow is to get out of your comfort zone and learn as you go.”

Anja van Beek, founder, Anja van Beek Consulting and Coaching (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Wuraola Ademola-Shanu / Create value with your brand

September 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Wuraola Ademola-Shanu, copywriter, content strategist and creator (Nigeria)

Create value with your brand!…

“Let’s remember to always add value and focus on helping people. Every brand strategy should be to always provide value.”

Wuraola Ademola-Shanu, copywriter, content strategist and creator (Nigeria)

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

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.

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

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.

“It is not an easy journey but it is worth every struggle.”

“Surround yourself with experts, work hard and always remain professional. Most of all, never give up.”

“What gives me the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur is to solve problems, somehow improve people's lives, and surely profit during the process.”

“Find your sweet spot, build a determined team and jump right in!”

“We believe the creation of stable employment, particularly for women, is an incredibly powerful driver of sustainable change.”

“Build a tribe - there is nothing more powerful and valuable than a group of friends in business for whom you are each other's personal cheerleaders, motivators and reference-givers.”

“The only way to grow is to get out of your comfort zone and learn as you go.”

“Let’s remember to always add value and focus on helping people. Every brand strategy should be to always provide value.”

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