Can you see the way forward from within?

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

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by the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Kaizen is Japanese for ‘continuous improvement’, literally Kai (change) Zen (good) and has a great following amongst the business community in Japan for whom large scale, sudden and ‘disruptive’ moves are not often encouraged. Kaizen allows them to adapt and grow their businesses over time to keep ahead of the competition. It should be pointed out that ‘Over time’ is a little different in Japan where nine of the oldest companies in the world sit.

Time wasted can never be regained

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Thobile Nyawo

Invest time now and not tomorrow. The saying that “time and tide wait for no man” means different things to different people. To some, it is precious and important while to many others, it is common and available when the need arises. The right essence of time is really in the doing and not in the waiting. A time spent in doing something worthwhile always comes back fruitfully. What cannot be allocated time is indeed not worth doing. Certainly, a person who invests time reading and writing is expected to acquire sound knowledge and writing skills. Time is life. He who wastes time has not only wasted life but has also injured eternity. A person who wastes time in doing nothing will eventually end up being nothing. There is no two ways about that.

The New Normal

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Manini Mbongwa

The year 2020 brought about a lot of changes worldwide. Not only did we have to be cooped up in our homes and separated from our loved ones, but some people also lost their love in the fight against COVID-19. People also lost their jobs which meant that they also had to lose their assets like houses and cars, even worse kids had to be taken out of schools not only because of COVID-19 but because parents could not afford to pay school fees anymore.

Making Lemonade

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade! We’ve all heard this before, but I had a magnificent enlightenment to make this cliché my slogan for the crazy times we all live in. A dear friend living in Dubai visited us some time ago and presented me with a lemon tree as a gift. The fruits this tree bears is a precious gift!

Fundamentals of WhatsApp Updated Privacy Policy

January 23, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Lufuno Khorommbi

Why are people receiving messages from WhatsApp informing them to agree to the updated privacy policy terms and conditions? What is happening? Facebook has made changes to the current WhatsApp privacy policy to introduce amongst others the integration of three platforms: WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.

Quote of the Day by Marta Mulongo

January 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken

“I get satisfaction when I see women move out of their comfort zone, face their fears, and create a life full of purpose”

Marta Mulongo, founder, MM Coaching (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary Nyaga / Be confident in yourself

January 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Be confident in yourself!…

“Do your research, network, get a mentor, be confident in yourself, and do not be afraid to speak up.”

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

How To Create Micro Wins In Your Life

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

It's still possible to step into 2021 with confidence!

“The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance – and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning”- Oprah Winfrey

Aasiyah Ravate, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning her passion for cooking into a business

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Aasiyah Ravate, founder of Home Cooking With Love (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For many people, cooking is an expression of love, and for entrepreneur Aasiyah Ravate, founder of Home Cooking With Love in Mozambique, that is certainly the case. Every day, she prepares delicious meals and snacks for her customers that are both delicious and convenient.

New Year’s Resolution - Less plastic, please

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

We were shocked to read this week (here) that plastic, or to be more correct, plastic microfibers, have not only been found at the lowest depths of the ocean in the Mariana Trench, at the highest points of our Mountains on the top of Everest, but now even across the Arctic. We as humans have now polluted the entire planet with plastic!

My Piece Of The Pie: A Collection Of Stories From Black Women Entrepreneurs by Shanicia Boswell

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

One of the best things an entrepreneur can do is tell her story, and that is what author and mompreneur Shanicia Boswell is doing in My Piece Of The Pie: A Collection of Stories From Black Women Entrepreneurs. When a creator vocalizes how she has turned lemons into lemonade, it will in invigorate another to keep going. My Piece of the Pie delivers eight dynamic experiences and perspectives of entrepreneurship from passionately engaging African American female entrepreneurs. Each author curates a piece of her story to reveal the triumphs and sacrifices to demand her piece of the pie.

Jane Bisset, a South African food entrepreneur passionate about business as a force for good

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Jane Bisset, founder of We are Food (South Africa)

Startup Story

A passion for cooking on the part of Jane Bisset collided with a demand for high quality convenience meals and a desire to create impact. All of this led to the creation of We are Food, a frozen meal production wholesale and retail business launched in South Africa.

Monica Musonda, Zambia’s nutritious food manufacturing visionary

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Java Foods, a food-processing market leader in affordable nutrition

Corporate Lawyer turned entrepreneur, Monica Musonda is the Founder of Java Foods, a Zambian based food-processing company that provides affordable nutrition to the Southern African market. Monica currently serves as non-executive director on a number of boards including Airtel Networks Zambia Plc & Zambia Breweries (where she is chair). She is the recipient of the 2017 African Agribusiness Entrepreneur of the Year award, a 2013 Young Global Leader (World Economic Forum) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow. Forbes Magazine and Africa Investor named her as one of the leading Young Power Women in Business in Africa in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Knowledge as a basis for business economic development

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Tatiana Casaca

For Alejandro Pávez, knowledge is perception and cognition of the message by the subject around the object. Knowledge is born as a result of the conscious preparation of information. It is a broader concept rather than information, and to obtain it one must ponder, evaluate and relate to the information. This allows us to make predictions, make decisions, and take action.

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, a South African agri-processor with a taste for chillies

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Chilli relishes and sauces have long been a favourite with food lovers, and no more so than in South Africa where they often the accompaniment of choice at mealtimes. For entrepreneur Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics, this love of the chilli presented an exciting business opportunity. Today, her brand and much loved range of chilli sauces, chutneys and mayos are exciting palettes around the country.

5-Style and health secrets to help you thrive in business

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Suret Alive

Female entrepreneurs are often under considerable pressure to not only create businesses, in what was previously known as a man's world, but also to generate steady income all whilst looking beautiful. This adds pressure to the many roles we already fulfill as women.

What does your EQ look like in everyday life?

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

EQ is not natural for most people and needs to be consciously developed. Fortunately, as we grow older, wisdom also sets in. Using simple terms, EQ is being mature and wise.

Quote of the Day by Adele Dejak

January 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken

“My big dream would be to become the Coco Chanel of Africa. It doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Siwela Sweetness Masoga / Be passion driven

January 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken

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

Be passion driven!…

“Always do what you are passionate about. Being passionate about what you do will always force you to work hard and remain persistent when times get tough.”

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

Let’s change the ‘R’ number to an ‘I’ number for ‘Impact’ in 2021

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken

By the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

One of the things we all learnt in 2020 was what was meant by the ‘R’ number - the rate at which a sick person will pass on (in this case) COVID-19 to others. According to ISGlobal the average ‘R’ for an infected person with CV19 is around 2.5 in each 5 day period of incubation. An ‘R’ of less than 1 is good because it means that the number being infected is growing smaller, but over 30 days will still infect others, and thanks to the brilliant Visual Capitalist looks something like this…

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

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.

“I get satisfaction when I see women move out of their comfort zone, face their fears, and create a life full of purpose”

“Do your research, network, get a mentor, be confident in yourself, and do not be afraid to speak up.”

“My big dream would be to become the Coco Chanel of Africa. It doesn’t get bigger than that.”

“Always do what you are passionate about. Being passionate about what you do will always force you to work hard and remain persistent when times get tough.”

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