Priscilla Musenge, a Zambian entrepreneur creating sustainable animal feed solutions for greener business

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Priscilla Museng, founder, Entomo Farm ( Zambia)

Startup Story

Priscilla Musenge is a Climate Change activist and a budding entrepreneur, who is the ceo and founder of Entomo Farm in Zambia, a business launched in 2018. It has since created jobs for 7 people. She was one of the top 10 Finalists of the inaugural cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in 2020, a White House Initiative. Additionally, in the same year, Priscilla’s start-up also received a grant in sustainable waste management from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Zambia. Most recently, she also won 2nd prize in the world’s largest green business ideas competition - the 2021 Climate Launchpad business competition and was one of the recipients of the inaugural 2022 ZANACO (Zambia National Commercial Bank) awards in Zambia.

Anotida Nyowani, an entrepreneur creating a natural and affordable skincare company in Zimbabwe & Mozambique

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Anotida Nyowani, co-founder, Luxury Junkies (Zimbabwe & Mozambique)

Startup Story

Anotida Nyowani is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Luxury Junkies, a natural skincare company in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. She is also a physiotherapist by profession, with a talent and a passion for formulating natural, cruelty free skin and haircare products. Her sister Chido Mhindurwa has a psychology degree with years of human resources management and business development experience under her belt. Together they teamed up to create a luxury non-toxic skincare company that runs in Mozambique and in Zimbabwe. Their drive is to offer sustainable, healthy and clean skincare at an affordable price.

Lee Billy Chisale, a wellness and beauty brand-builder in Malawi

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Belle Afrique, a market leader promoting healthy lifestyle and beauty treatments in Malawi

Lee Billy Chisale is the founder and ceo of Belle Afrique in Malawi, a business that promotes healthy lifestyle and beauty treatments. She is an experienced entrepreneur with a focus on promoting wellness in the pan-African market. She founded the business over 20 years ago in 2001 and now employs 15 people. She is a stomatologist with a background in accounting and business management. Today, Belle Afrique provides outstanding clinical and client relations skills for delivering advanced services in aesthetics wellness and training education in the wellness and hospitality industry.

Mércia Cossa Bomba, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur creating unique accessories that celebrate capulana

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mércia Cossa Bomba, founder, N`sky Arte Da Felicidade & Serviços (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Mércia Cossa Bomba is the founder of N`sky Arte Da Felicidade & Serviços in Mozambique, a small company with four workers focused on manual arts and crafts, and which has been in the market for 5 years. She started her company at the time as a hobby whilst also employed as a secretary for a cosmetics distributor. But because she has a son with chronic atopic dermatitis, she was forced to quit her job in order to take care of her son. However, as she always tried to be financially independent, she started to make handmade invitations and bracelets, and her business was born.

Dr Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi, a Tanzanian serial entrepreneur with a big vision

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

KOM Group, on a mission to be Tanzania’s leading local manufacturing and supplier company for industrial and agro-processing products

Dr Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and an education and business consultant in Tanzania. She serves as the ceo of KOM Group of companies and is also the Director of KOM Food Products. The business started in 2002 and today employs 300 people. Currently, KOM Group has investments in oil processing, cotton ginning, agriculture, steel, plastic and pipe manufacturing, food, and beverages. She has expertise in business development, business management, consulting, business strategy, supply chain management, food processing, small and medium enterprises, project management, human resource management, negotiation, analytical skills, Microsoft office, Accounting, Finance and Public Speaking.

Lioness Launch / Lifestyle brand, Africana Woman, launches its first international retreat for women

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Chulu Chansa, founder, Africana Woman (Zambia)

Lioness Launch

Africana Woman is a lifestyle brand, founded by Chulu Chansa in Zambia, that helps women of African descent connect, collaborate and celebrate. Chulu believes in pursuing holistic health in order to attract true wealth. The brand’s range of products support women in their mental, emotional and spiritual health, with Retreats, Workshops, Courses, and Community on offer. This month sees the announcement of the first International Retreat to Marrakech, Morocco. The Retreat is slated for 2-7 July, 2023 and will take the women through a signature program called KNOW your Roots, Grow your Purpose. This is a guided, deep self-reflection where women will rest, reflect and reconnect with themselves.

Developing an Entrepreneur Mindset for Success: Essential Habits for Building Motivation and Financial Freedom by Lisa Corbitt

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you have ever wondered what it takes to build a successful business, it’s all about Developing an Entrepreneur Mindset for Success, so says author Lisa Corbitt in her new book of the same title. She believes you need to find your Inner Gem, and uncover success from within by designing your ideal life, no matter your age, resources, or experience.

5 Secrets to inspiring and motivating your dream team to bring their A-Game to work

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Farida Yahya

The world we live in today transcends far beyond just hiring people to perform tasks. As a business owner, you need people who can think on their feet, who are creative and are highly motivated. We need people who can deliver beyond expected results.

Does the Human Resources department add value to your organisation?

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Sonya Skipp

Sadly, in many discussions, dreadful terms are used to define the HR department and their role in a company. HR Dive recently conducted a survey and found that according to the HR leaders, 58% considered their department to be highly valued while 8% said they were not valued at all. At iFacts, we believe that one of the ways HR can add immense value to the organisation is to ensure that they employ the right person and minimize the insider threat in the business.

Burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to be your reality!

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Filipa Carreira

Burnout was first identified in the 70’s and it was a workplace problem. Nowadays we recognize that factors leading to burnout go beyond the professional to include parenting, caring for sick family members, and social activism. In fact, anything that requires you to care and invest your time and energy.

5 Taxes business owners should know about

September 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

For many business owners, the concept of tax and complying with tax rules and regulations can be daunting. Tax compliance however plays a vital role in the success and growth of your business. When you apply for funding, banks and funding houses require a tax compliance certificate. Many bigger organisations that you want to do business with, require a tax compliance certificate. Most tender or business proposal processes require a tax compliance certificate. As business owner you limit your opportunities if you are not submitting your returns and paying your taxes when required. Also remember that SARS keeps you as business owner responsible. Arguing ignorance or blaming your accountant will not set you free as far as SARS is concerned.

Launch the Legacy: Creating a business brand that builds generational wealth by Dr. Ali Griffith

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

As women entrepreneurs, we all have experienced unexpected set-backs and challenges, and in her new book, Launch the Legacy, author, Dr. Alisha “Ali” Griffith believes the best way to deal with such unpredictable times is to launch your own legacy.

Where is inspiration?

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

One question you will be asked as a creative is where do you draw inspiration? And I have sensed people want a deep answer, some philosophical long encyclopedia statement. If you have a way with words, give it to them; but if you are like me here is a simple list:

Successful Pitching to the C-Suite (and other scary audiences)

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

The first step of any successful pitch is to understand your audience.

While all your audiences need accurate, timely, and curated information, the C-Suite audience has far more responsibility and much less time and brain space than others in the organization. Being highly organized and structured helps them retain and remember your recommendations. Winging it is for amateurs. These questions can help you help THEM!

Why you need to set up an emergency saving fund

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

The term “emergency fund” refers to money put away that people can use in times of financial distress. The purpose of the emergency fund is to improve financial security by creating a safety net to help cover unforeseeable, high-cost expenses which, in its absence, could have catastrophic effects on your financial situation.

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%.

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.

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.

Sandra Chukwudozie, a champion of renewable energy in Africa

September 11, 2022 Melanie Hawken

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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