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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
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Inside Success: An Entrepreneurs Guide To Thriving From The Inside Out by Hope Celeste Howland

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Hope Celeste Howland

Book Review

When embarking on the entrepreneurial life, we all want to be believe that success is possible, but it can be a scary journey for many of us, and that’s where Hope Celeste Howland’s book, Inside Success: An Entrepreneurs Guide To Thriving From The Inside Out, can help. If we want to find fulfillment and joy as we build our businesses and our lives as successful entrepreneurs, we have to start with how we build our strength and resilience reserves on the inside.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Marina Prinsloo, a South African entrepreneur training clients to build their authentic brand essence

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Marina Prinsloo, founder, TICIA Group (South Africa)

Startup Story

For anyone wanting to get ahead in life and in business, having a confident, authentic personal brand is essential, as it encourages better relationship building and creates more opportunities. Marina Prinsloo, founder of the TICIA Group in South Africa, is helping clients to become better versions of themselves through confident and authentic communication, engagement and personal positioning skills.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Personal Brand
Comment

Tatyana Moeda, an Angolan entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a successful cake business

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tatyana Moeda, founder, Miss Cake (Angola)

Startup Story

If you appreciate how special a good cake can be, and how a great cake can make any occasion truly memorable, then Miss Cake, founded by Tatyana Moeda in Angola is a business you need to check out. It creates delicious cakes for every type of event, from an afternoon tea to a celebratory party, and is building a great reputation for her products with clients.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Food & Drink, PT
Comment

Lalita Purbhoo-Junggee, a sustainability focused social entrepreneur making an impact

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Lalita Purbhoo-Junggee

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Eco Hustle, a business focused on innovation, sustainability and recycling in Mauritius

Lalita Purbhoo-Junggee is a social entrepreneur and award-winning business leader, and the founder and director of Eco Hustle in Mauritius, a business focused on innovation, sustainability and recycling. Lalita studied business entrepreneurship at UNISA and the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and, she is currently pursuing her MBA. She’s a member at the Obama Foundation, serving as country coordinator and she also chairs on the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) regional committee as Sustainable Coordinator. Lalita is a multi-award winner in the entrepreneurship field on the African continent and her accolades include: Seedstar winner for “Recycle Moi Africa” project, May 2022; listed among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by the African Union Youth Program 2019; Winner of Africa most innovative idea - VivaTech 2019, Paris; National winner & Coup de Coeur Feminin; Total Startupper 2018/19; Women In Africa laureate for Innovative Start up 2018; National & Regional Winner for the 2018 Pan African Awards, SME Sector. On a personal level, she is a mother of three - two girls Elya 1 and Rya 9 and, a boy, Anshwyn, 13. Lalita is also wife to creative entrepreneur and young political activist, Nazeem Junggee.

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In Cover Story Tags Mauritius, Social Entrepreneur, Recycling
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Relationship Bankers in Profile / Absa / Sibongile (Bongi) Macholi

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content / Absa / Relationship Banker Profile - Sibongile (Bongi) Macholi

In this week’s edition of Lioness Weekender, we are publishing the first in a series of regular profiles featuring Absa Relationship Bankers whose role it is to support entrepreneurs. The first of our profiles introduces Sibongile (Bongi) Macholi, Area Coverage Manager: Relationship Banking Coverage, Somerset West: Small and Medium Enterprise, Commercial Business and Private Banking at Absa.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa
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To see the world in a grain of sand

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Having followed our own advice and taken some ‘Me Time’, re-reading a few books (‘1984’ was a bit scary even the second time around - all too real!) and turned to some new, we return this weekend refreshed and ready for whatever the world should throw at us. A book of collected poems was gifted to us some years back and recognizing that these should only be read when ready (too early would be a waste), we at last found the time and some might say, the maturity, to bathe in the beauty within.

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In Team Lioness Tags Community & Social Networks
Comment

Things they like

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

One thing a client will let you have is their opinion. Whether you asked for it or not! In the years I have made dresses for many people, I have gathered a few things that people want which I still don’t have full understanding of. Some of them I have been told why, others it’s just as is. Here is the list:

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Customer Experience
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How am I?

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ashika Pillay

It’s Monday morning, it’s been a rough weekend with a sick child, school activities, and your diary for the week ahead looks messy to say the least. As you walk to your favourite coffee spot and muster up the energy to face reality, you bump into someone you know, as you place your order for your regular latte. “How are you doing?” you ask as you patiently wait to pay. You listen somewhat (in)attentively and exchange niceties, as you both wait to get on your way. While by this point in the day, you may have some semblance of an idea of how your friend is, have you checked in on how you are?

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In Guest Blog Tags Ashika Pillay, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

If you want to go alone - think twice

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser

Reading trail signs might be confusing at the best of times. In order to play it safe, have a buddy. Whether you are in sunny South Africa during winter or summer, in Johannesburg and surrounding areas, in Cape Town with beautiful mountains, taking a stroll in Europe, maybe in wonderful Croatia or in beautiful Scotland - it just doesn’t matter where you go, you need to know the road that you travel on and the ultimate destiny.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Entrepreneurial Journey
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Cultivating a business image

August 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila

An image reflects the business. It is a mirror through which customers will see your business. A mirror provides a visual image which would be visualized in customers eyes. It is an identity to differentiate your business from all other businesses. The differentiation will enable your business to be reckoned with. Therefore, your business image places your business in a great competitive advantage through visual identification which could be easily differentiated from other businesses.

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In Guest Blog Tags Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila, Brand
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O segredo que você precisa para ter sucesso na vida

August 5, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Massinga

Ola leoas, hoje eu vim escrever sobre ter sucesso na vida, não que o que vou escrever seja realmente o caminho para o sucesso na vida mas, acredito que a partir do que vou escrever pode ajudar a cada uma de nos a encontar alguma luz. Eu acredito de todos nos somos bem sucedidos em alguma area das nossas vidas. Todos nos temos alcancado grandes objectivos e vitorias em areas da nossa vida. O sucesso esta em cada um de nos, nos temos e que aceitar a vida que nos temos e sabermos dizer que a nossa vida e um grande sucesso.

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In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, PT
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O Confinamento e a mente

August 2, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Zilia Ximenes

E sabido das dificuldades que todo o mundo atravessa por causa da pandemia, este artigo não é para falar especificamente da Pandemia, mas dos efeitos na mente de cada individuo.

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In Guest Blog Tags Zilia Ximenes, PT
Comment

A conquista de um sorriso

August 1, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Massinga

Para obter um sorriso do seu cliente, ou da pessoa que o procurou para a decoração do seu evento é preciso, em primeiro lugar que você a receba com um sorriso no rosto também. A forma como atende e recebe o seu cliente é primordial. Independentemente da área de trabalho em que se encontra, o atendimento ao cliente é um dos grandes elementos que faz com que as pessoas adiram ao seu trabalho e voltem sempre a requisitar os seus serviços.

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In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, PT
Comment

Lioness Launch / New motivational book launched in Botswana to inspire people in their daily lives

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Gaolapelwe Badumedi Matsetse-Mpete

Lioness Launch

For those people who are looking for some daily motivation and inspiration in their lives, entrepreneur Gaolapelwe Badumedi Matsetse-Mpete, founder of Bonton Botswana (Pty) Ltd, is launching a new book which promises to deliver motivation a-plenty to readers. The book is titled, “In Her Own Voice”, and combines personal memoir with motivational quotes to live by each day.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Botswana, Media PR & Communications
Comment

She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life by Jadah Sellner

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Jadah Sellner

Book Review

In her new book, She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life, best-selling author and business coach, Jadah Sellner, creates a new entrepreneurial model for women. The model is centered around sustainable leadership - a practical framework women entrepreneurs can use to create a business on their own terms, prioritize their well-being, and break free from the toxic culture that leads to burnout and overwhelm.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Rudo Kumirai, an education change-maker in Zimbabwe

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Rudo Kumirai

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Helena Schools, a trendsetting business making high quality education accessible to Zimbabwe’s children

Rudo Kumirai is a lawyer by profession, an educational entrepreneur and the founding CEO of a private educational group, Helena Schools, which was founded in 2010 in Zimbabwe. She has 11 years’ experience in banking and financial services, and has worked in various senior management positions in Southern Africa, having served as the Managing Director of a Micro-bank in Zambia, and a Corporate and Legal Advisor for the Botswana IFSC. Rudo is the Chairperson of Youth Bank, Empowerbank, serving as one of the youngest, female board chairpersons in a bank. Rudo founded the first leadership development curriculum for preschool and primary school, and has won several awards in recognition for her work including Ashoka Change Maker School Nominee, Young African Leadership Initiative Business Award, and Zimbabwe National Chamber for Commerce ZNCC Award for Outstanding Educational Institution, and Megafast Business Award. She is involved in various youth mentorship programs for pre-teens and teenagers from orphaned and vulnerable backgrounds. Her goal is to use education to empower the current generation to be relevant change-makers.

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In Cover Story Tags Zimbabwe, Education, Edupreneur
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Lily Katumba, a Ugandan entrepreneur building an impact-driven business giving hope to others

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Lily Katumba, founder, Zuri Styles (Uganda)

Startup Story

Lily Katumba is the founder of Zuri Styles, an accessories design and manufacturing business in Uganda creating jobs and restoring hope to vulnerable people. Lily’s mission is to stop Human Trafficking and empower those most vulnerable by creating sustainable employment, providing coaching and mentorship, and empowering girl children.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Social Entrepreneur, Fashion
Comment

Marita Walther, a Namibia-based social entrepreneur changing the future of sustainable mobility in Africa

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Marita Walther, co-founder & managing director EBIKES4AFRICA (Namibia)

Startup Story

As co-founder and managing director of award-winning social enterprise, EBIKES4AFRICA, Marita Walther represents a women-led entity that works to empower African communities through sustainable mobility and energy. With a background in media, journalism and social sciences, Marita is passionate about gender and youth empowerment, uplifting local communities and preserving the natural environment for future generations. The business, which was launched in 2015, now employees 20 people.

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Eco-preneur, Sustainable Industry
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Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Tshego Dludla

I love how people make being a boss lady and a mom look so glamorous, don’t you? They have routines that they stick to religiously. They have children who have tight schedules and nap times that they never miss. Oh and my personal favourite, they take lovely family vacations at the drop of a hat. Not to mention the exercise, healthy eating, plenty of self-care, hair and nails freshly done and on it goes. I mean they own their time right…WRONG!

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In Guest Blog Tags Tshego Dludla, Work Life Balance
Comment

The dead end - is that so bad?

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser

A wonderful person told me once that when you’re driving on a racetrack and you focus too much on the tires at every corner, not hitting them, at the next bend, mind the tires… you eventually end up hitting those tires.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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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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