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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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The most dangerous phrase in business is: “We have always done it this way!”

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In South Africa, unemployment is sitting at a ridiculously high level. Many may argue that the informal sector is not included in the official unemployment figures. Still, in June 2022, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years, while the current official national rate stands at 34,5%.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid
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Irina Mayra Cremildo, a Mozambican entrepreneur making travel management easy for her clients

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Irina Mayra Cremildo, founder, Kusafiri Afrika LDA (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Making travel and tourism arrangements can often be stressful, particularly for companies and people with complex needs, but Irina Mayra Cremildo, founder of Kusafiri Afrika LDA in Mozambique, has the specialist services to make travel less of a chore and a real pleasure.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Travel & Leisure
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Adele Mans, a South African entrepreneur creating a food business catering for pets

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Adele Mans, co-founder, Bismark’s Bistro (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every pet owner wants the best for their beloved furry friends, including giving them healthy diets, and that’s where Adele Mans, co-founder of Bismark’s Bistro, is on hand to help. Her business provides pet owners with healthy and well-balanced food and customized eating plans to keep their dogs and cats healthy and happy.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Food & Drink
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Sandra Chukwudozie, a champion of renewable energy in Africa

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Sandra Chukwudozie

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Salpha Energy, a Nigerian renewable energy company bringing solar power to Africa’s underserved homes and businesses

Sandra Chukwudozie is the CEO and Founder of Salpha Energy, a Nigerian-based leading technology-enabled renewable energy company that provides stand-alone solar home systems to homes and businesses in off-grid areas in Africa. She started the business in 2017 and today it employs 30 people. Salpha Energy develops, produces, distributes and finances a range of solar home system products, from entry-level to large productive use systems. It provides a broad range of products aimed at the consumer market and small entrepreneurial businesses. The African energy market is bottom-heavy, so Sandra’s business strategy is to bring the underserved and unserved homes and businesses in rural and urban areas into and up the energy ladder.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Renewable Energy
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Viver o momento Presente

September 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Georgina Angélica

Não é de hoje que oiço a expressão viver o momento presente, aliás a primeira vez que despertei para o significado dessas palavras foi através do livro do Eckhart Tolle “O Poder do Agora.”

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In Guest Blog Tags Georgina Angélica, PT
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Abraçar o presente

September 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Edna Reis

Vivemos constantemente presas ao passado ou ao futuro e esquecemo-nos de viver no presente. Mas a questão é seguinte: temos de aprender a largar, temos de libertar as coisas de que já não precisamos, as coisas que nos magoaram, as coisas que já não vamos experienciar. Todas sabemos isto; já todas lemos livros ou deparámos com uma citação sobre o assunto. A psicologia tem vindo a mostrar-nos os factos sobre os perigos de vivermos presas ao passado e ao futuro.

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In Guest Blog Tags Edna Reis, PT
Comment

Vivam as mulheres!

September 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Catia Mondlane

Atualmente, a ideia de ser empreendedora tem sido o tema principal. Desde pequenas campanhas comunitárias a grandes plataformas internacionais que não só venderam a ideia de que o empreendedorismo é o caminho para o sucesso e a independência financeira, mas também adotaram recentemente o método inclusivo onde os programas de empoderamento das mulheres têm sido o principal alvo do momento, não só encorajando-as, mas também financiando os seus brilhantes projetos.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, PT
Comment

Marcar encontros connosco mesmo

September 9, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Wilma Cavaleiro

Vivemos numa realidade em que ser saudável passa por ser magro, embora as pessoas sintam uma forte pressão para aceitar todos os padrões , sobretudo porque o importante é o bem-estar físico, mental e emocional de cada pessoa. Este conceito vai exercer melhor os diversos “papeis” para a família.

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In Guest Blog Tags Wilma Cavaleiro, PT
Comment

Conhecimento como base para o desenvolvimento econômico empresarial

September 8, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Tatiana Casaca

Para Alejandro Pávez o conhecimento é «percepção e cognição da mensagem por parte do sujeito em torno do objecto», o conhecimento nasce do resultado da preparação consciente da informação. É um conceito mais amplo que a informação, para obter – lo, deve-se ponderar, avaliar e relacionar a informação, isto permite fazer previsões, combinação casuais, tomar decisão e partir para ação.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatiana Casaca, PT
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O burnout é real, mas não precisa de ser a sua realidade!

September 8, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Filipa Carreira

O burnout foi identificado nos anos 70 como um problema do local de trabalho. Hoje em dia, sabemos que os fatores que resultam em burnout vão além do fator profissional, incluindo a parentalidade, o cuidado de familiares doentes e o ativismo social. De facto, este problema é gerado por tudo o que exige cuidados e investimento de tempo e energia.

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In Guest Blog Tags Filipa Carreira, PT
Comment

Como saber o que o cliente quer, deve ser prioridade do negócio

September 6, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Massinga

A importância do retorno do cliente.

Mas afinal, o que significa feedback ou retorno e qual sua importância no nosso negócio? Ser empreendedor não é apenas vender e lucrar. Nos empreendedoras oferecemos produtos ou serviços que são vendidos com o objetivo de atender a uma demanda. Os consumidores possuem necessidades e compram o que lhes parece importante para eles, por estarmos nesta àrea de venda de produtos é aí muito importante ouvirmos ou sabermos o que eles querem.

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In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, PT
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A chave para o sucesso

September 6, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Elizandra dos Santos

Não sei qual é o seu sonho, mesmo não lhe conhecendo, sei que existem algumas coisas que temos em comum e que acabam sendo verdades não absolutas, mas arriscaria em dizer coletivas: todos queremos ser felizes e buscamos ter resultados em alguma área da nossa vida, alguns, no amor, na saúde, no profissional, espiritual, financeiro, na aparência física, no intelectual e assim segue uma infinita lista de coisas em comum. Alguns acreditam que sucesso é realizar aquilo que se deseja e outros defendem outras correntes, todos elas estão certas desde que faça sentido para o protagonista da sua própria história.

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In Guest Blog Tags Elizandra Dos Santos, Entrepreneurial Mindset, PT
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Como definir uma meta?

September 6, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Deyzes Pereira


Muitos empreendedores têm noção que uma das coisas mais importantes para iniciar um negócio é a definição de metas, mas o que acontece muitas vezes é que muitos deles não percebem muito bem a importância e nem como a definir correctamente.

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In Guest Blog Tags Deyzes Pereira, PT
Comment

Cuidar de quem cuida!

September 5, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Georgina Angélica

E se fosse possível mudar o mundo através da capacitação pessoal e profissional dos educadores infantis e assim impactar positivamente a vida das crianças. Muito se fala do bem-estar das crianças, mas pouco se fala ou se cuida do bem-estar daqueles que passam horas, dias, semanas, anos a cuidar dessas mesmas crianças.

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In Guest Blog Tags Georgina Angélica, PT
Comment

Mulheres e resiliência 

September 5, 2022 Melanie Hawken

por Elsa Figueiredo Tchikanha

Graças à crise financeira que o país enfrenta em resultado da queda dos preços do petróleo e, mais recentemente, da pandemia de Covid-19, parte da estratégia das empresas para evitar a falência e permanecer competitivas é reduzir os custos, entre os quais se encontram os despedimentos. Esta situação tem lançado um número significativo de pessoas para o desemprego, pelo que muitas mulheres não têm outra escolha senão tornar-se empreendedoras e criar pequenas empresas, desde a restauração a compradoras pessoais e influenciadoras.

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In Guest Blog Tags Elsa Figueiredo Tchikanha, PT
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Roomila Roothoorodoo, an award-winning Mauritius-based creative audio-visual entrepreneur

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Roomila Roothoorodoo

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Focus Events Ltd, a specialist photography, audio-visual and event management services business in Mauritius

Roomila Roothoorodoo is the founder and director of Focus Events Ltd in Mauritius, a business providing specialist audio-visual and event management services. The company is also a Training Centre providing photography and videography courses at Floreal. Roomila is an active member of the associations, AMFCE, Association Mauricienne des Femmes Chefs d' Entreprises and YES, Youth Engagement in Society. She is currently in her final year for a bachelor degree in Business Administration and completing her Gold Award for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

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In Cover Story Tags Mauritius, Business Services, Multimedia
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Ana Belmonte, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for gardening into a business

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Ana Belmonte

Startup Story

Creating a unique service offering is always a great starting point for a successful business, and Ana Belmonte is certainly doing that with Malachi Garden Service Lda. She brings her considerable expertise and passion for gardening to every job she undertakes for her clients, and her reputation for great service is growing as a result.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Green Business
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Dr Mejury Chipato, a Zimbabwean medical doctor and entrepreneur building multiple businesses

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Dr Mejury Chipato

Startup Story

Dr Mejury Chipato is a Medical Doctor, a Microbiologist, a Philanthropist, and a growing force in the world of entrepreneurship through her multi-faceted business, ProMJ Incorporated Company. She is also a Pastor, a Life & Business Coach, a Mentor, a Leader, a Published Author of the Book “I’m in charge of my Narrative“, and a multi-Award Winner both in Business and as an Author. Recent recognition includes the Zimbabwean Achievers Award Winner for Fashion Designer of the Year 2021 (China Edition). She was also honoured as one of The Most Inspiring Women Awardees of 2022, won The Young Achievers Award presented by the Pride of Africa Awards and received The Leadership & Inspiration Award from Gumiguru Achievers Awards 2022. She is also the Founder of Patience of Hope Foundation which is a non-profit organization whose aim is to pay school fees for orphans and underprivileged children in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Fashion
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Beyond computer screen engagements with the Lionesses of Africa

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Langelihle Simela, Business Development Manager, Absa

Since the onset of COVID-19, many engagements went to electronic platforms such as Zoom and MS Teams. One benefit from this experience is that we learnt that we do not have to drive, fly or Uber to each and every meeting; there are some instances where it is sufficient to engage over virtual platforms and save on travel time and costs. By the same token, the downside is that digital meetings constrain the establishment of meaningful connections. The human part of the relationship is not as easy to establish across the screen. So, following the successful Business Agility Webinars and taking advantage of the decline in COVID-19 infections and the easing of social distancing measures, Absa and the Lionesses of Africa (LoA) are moving to face-to-face engagements, where authentic professional relationships can be established. After all, Absa is a relationship-driven bank.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags absa
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Nailed It!: How one woman turned a dream business into a huge success by Jeanette Sklivanou

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Building your own business and brand in a competitive market can be intimidating and scary, but entrepreneur and author, Jeanette Sklivanou, has written Nailed It! to give you some solutions. This inspiring book is packed with practical, step-by-step strategies for breaking the cycle of fear and creating a dynamic brand that can compete with the best.

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In Essential Tags Books
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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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