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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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How safe are you in your office park?

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ntsoaki Sibiya (née Kortjass)

The office complex model is marketed as the security solution for small businesses. As a result, tenants can become complacent about security, believing 'the guard at the gate' will protect both staff and assets.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Security Services
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Sofia Pedrosa, an entrepreneur developing special tea blends for health conscious consumers in Mozambique 

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of  Mokcha (Mozambique)

Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha (Mozambique)

Startup Story

As the world becomes increasingly health conscious, so consumers are constantly on the look-out for products that will contribute to their sustainable lifestyle. In Mozambique, entrepreneur and nutritionist Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha, is introducing consumers to soothing and relaxing teas and natural infusions that aid health and wellbeing.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Health & Wellbeing
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Sibonelo Gamnca, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses reduce their carbon tax footprint 

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Startup Story

As the world looks to reduce CO2 emissions in order to address the growing threat of climate change, one South African business is playing its part. EcoDiesel, co-founded by Sibonelo Gamnca, is making the process of choosing biodiesel easy for customers who want to be more environmentally conscious.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Alternative Energy
Comment

Quote of the Day by Nonny Penelope Wright

September 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, founder of Lopey Inc. and Sereledi Dairy Brand (Botswana)

Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, founder of Lopey Inc. and Sereledi Dairy Brand (Botswana)

“What gives me satisfaction is knowing that something I have nurtured is blossoming and becoming a reality. Watching it grow even in tough situations makes my everyday life worthwhile.”

Nonny Penelope Wright, founder, founder of Lopey Inc. and Sereledi Dairy Brand (Botswana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Lisa Videira / Keep moving

September 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Keep moving!…

“Whenever you feel you are sinking, ask for help, advice, tips - scream and cry if necessary - but keep in mind that the storm will pass and you will keep moving.”

Lisa Videira, founder of LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Meet Botswana's exciting women entrepreneur brand builders

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Spotlight / Botswana

When people think about Botswana and business, what might immediately come to mind is travel and tourism, diamonds, and agriculture, to name but a few. But there are many exciting businesses and brands being built in the country by women entrepreneurs who have other products and services to offer to both local and global consumers. These include fashion designers and textile manufacturers, legal and business services companies, aviation businesses, food processing companies, floral designers, beauty and wellness product manufacturing businesses, and so much more. Not only are they business success stories in their own right, but they are also inspiring a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who want to follow in their footsteps.

Read more
In Features Tags Spotlight, Botswana
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Courageous Enough to Launch by Dr Cheryl Wood

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Book Review

Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship requires massive courage, and launching a new business can seem particularly daunting. In her new book ‘Courageous Enough to Launch’, Dr Cheryl Wood speaks to 47 women who developed the tenacity, persistence, determination, commitment and resilience to launch and stay the course to building successful businesses. Their stories are personal, powerful, authentic, and above all, inspiring, and encourage other women to take decisive action to realize their own entrepreneurial visions.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Lioness Launch / LifeBank announces first expansion outside Nigeria into Kenya

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Temie Giwa-Tubosun

Temie Giwa-Tubosun

Lioness Launch

LifeBank, the innovative business founded by Temie Giwa-Tubosun in Nigeria that uses data, technology, and smart logistics to improve the discoverability, delivery, affordability, and safety of essential medical products like blood and oxygen for health systems across Africa in order to save lives, has announced its first expansion outside Nigeria. The company’s next city of operations is Nairobi in Kenya as it strives to continue saving more lives while strengthening the supply chain engine for health systems across Africa.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Nigeria, Healthcare
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 Let’s go ‘Lean!’

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

We ended last week by introducing the term ‘Lean organisation’. To create more value for customers with less resources. What you are aiming for is to provide perfect value to the customer through perfect value creation with zero waste. As we pointed out ‘perfection’ cannot be attained, but by aiming for perfection, so we get incredible results…

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Recovery
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Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, a respected and influential security industry player

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula

Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Securico Security Services, the Zimbabwean security services company transforming the industry landscape.

Through hard work, determination and focus, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula has built her company to become the most respected and sought-after player in the security industry in Zimbabwe and internationally. She is the founder and Managing Director of DDNS Security Operations (Pvt) Ltd, the holding company under which SECURICO SECURITY SERVICES fall. Through her leadership, SECURICO now employs over 4 000 people and has become a multiple award-winning organisation. Divine herself has been listed among 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2020 by Reputation Poll International and was also named by Forbes magazine among the Most Influential Women in Africa.

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In Cover Story Tags Zimbabwe, Business Services
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How can you create wealth through residential property investment?

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Matthew Edwards

The idea of investing in residential property is considered so intimidating by some, it’s often avoided entirely as a vehicle for wealth creation. The thought of finding the perfect property, applying for a sizable loan, navigating taxes and transfer duties, and finding an acceptable tenant, is enough to make any aspiring new investor turn to easier options – with far lower barriers to entry and less commitment.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Wealth Management
Comment

Influencers and contracts 

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Claire Keet Pollock and Sinal Govender, Co-Founders of pop.law

Based on a few chats we’ve had with people in our community, it appears there’s a bit of a vibe around freelance contracts. Especially when it comes to influencers and the contracts they do and don’t sign with the brands that they work with. (We know there’s also a bit of a vibe around the term “influencer” - call it what you will: digital creator, mom-fluencer, curator, online ambassador). What we’re talking about are people who market or review things to their online communities in exchange for a product, payment, trade exchange or sponsorship.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sinal Govender & Claire Keet, Legal
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If you’ve had enough of COVID, then you need to read this…

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it”. - Mary Engelbreit

In 2018, I got the opportunity to tick off an item that had been on my bucket list for the past 8 years – to do a TEDx talk. Around the fifteenth draft, I was finally ready to send this off to my coach for review. At this point, I thought I had nailed it and was ready to move onto the next phase of preparing for the stage.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, BU Inspiration & Motivation, Mindful Entrepreneur
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Send the elevator down

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Moyosola Kara

Women empowerment shouldn’t be a fad, a trend you embody because you feel you ought to; as a black woman charting her path to success I’m about to say what needs to be said - an unpopular opinion you didn’t request but which I will give to you anyway.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Moyosola Kara, Women's Empowerment
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Making change – that most difficult yet essential thing

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Sharon Castle

It’s been a month since I had the energy or the motivation to write this blog. Normally I love writing and sharing with my audience but it’s been a time of challenges and some things just weren’t my priority.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Sharon Castle, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Kathy de Araújo, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for personal development and self knowledge 

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For all those people in Mozambique who want to develop and improve their quality of life and find greater harmony with their communities and the environment in which they live, help is at hand. Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal, co-founded by coach Kathy de Araújo and yoga instructor Adriana Jamisse, offers a holistic approach through yoga and coaching workshops, and positively changing lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Health & Wellbeing
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Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur changing the lives of amputees with her prostheses  

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Inspired to find a solution to the problem of 90% of amputees in Mozambique never getting access to prosthetic limbs to improve their lives, young entrepreneur Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec, came up with a plan. Today, she is changing lives through her innovations.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Healthcare
Comment

Quote of the Day Bathabile Mpofu

September 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

“I had a lightbulb moment, and I knew what my purpose in life was and I made up my mind to do something about it.”

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Purpose
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Thembe Khumalo / Listen to your employees

September 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director, Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director, Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Listen to your employees!…

“Your employees may not realize how important it is that they be heard. Help them understand that diverse views make for better decisions.”

Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director, Brandbuilder (Zimbabwe)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags People Management
Comment

Quote of the Day by Thiitu Karega

September 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

“Our desire is to give value to our customers and remind them that Africa has always valued its natural beauty which we must reclaim.”

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Values
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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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