Leocádia Yurca Chau, a Mozambican environmental impact and sustainability change-maker

April 29, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Leocádia Yurca Chau, founder of Ecoplus Mozambique, Lda

Startup Story

Leocádia Yurca Chau is the founder of Ecoplus Mozambique, Lda, a business which operates in the environmental, agribusiness and provider of training and consultancy services with the aim of providing innovative solutions to the market in which it operates, through the use of work tools that produce superior gains to the investment made by the customer or partner. Since its creation in 2020, Ecoplus Mozambique has tried to become a leading SME of excellence in the services it provides, and with extensive experience in the design and implementation of Environmental and Business Sustainability projects. The business has created 5 jobs.

Saajidah and Mubinah Esat, entrepreneurs creating a great Indian food cafe experience in Zimbabwe

April 29, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Saajidah & Mubinah Esat, co-founder, Zen Cafe (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Saajidah Esat and her sister Mubinah are the co-founders of Zen Cafe in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Having being brought up in an Indian home, where the focus was always around food, they spent most of their time whipping up new recipes and cooking for the family. They first ventured into the food industry while living and studying in South Africa. They sold food at a popular Johannesburg food market and catered for several corporate events. Zen Cafe was born out of a desire to create and bring something different to the Zimbabwean market. The cafe employs 6 full time staff, including the 2 sisters and has been in operation for the past 6 months.

RAISE: The Female Founder's Guide To Securing Investment by Julia Elliott Brown

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you are a female founder, in need of investment to start or scale your business – and struggling to get it, author and entrepreneur, Julia Elliott Brown, says ‘You’re not alone.’ In her book, RAISE: The Female Founder's Guide To Securing Investment, she says that when it comes to funding, female founders are seriously up against it. In the pale, stale and male world of venture capital, less than 2 per cent goes to businesses led by women. But Julia says, it can be done.

Calm amidst the storm. How do great leaders do it?

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

“In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”

— Mark Twain

Many of us who have visited the UK will laugh at the shock felt by Mark Twain in his description of Spring in the States when this happens almost everyday in the UK, let alone in Spring (why else would the English be so obsessed with discussing the weather all year?). But it feels to us as if for the past 3 years this type of crazy volatility has also covered our business lives.

How to successfully use Google Business Profile for Small Business

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Heideli Loubser

Google Business Profile (GMB) is an invaluable tool for small businesses. It helps you to increase visibility and reach more customers. But it doesn't work automatically; you need to optimize it properly in order to get the most out of it. In this article, we will discuss how to successfully use Google Business Profile for Small Businesses so that you can reap the benefits of GMB optimization.

Choosing the correct dispute resolution method for your business

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Electing the most appropriate method of resolving disputes may be the difference between your business surviving this challenge or failing. In many instances, business owners need to be aware of the options at their disposal when resolving future disputes. As such, they do not contract correctly. In other instances, there is awareness, but a complete understanding of the implications of pre-selecting a specific dispute resolution alternative is needed. As such, business owners must better understand the other options and contract most appropriately from the outset.

The Pause

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Zodidi Gaseb

I took a break from my business towards the end of 2022. I was burnt out and felt the sparkle I once had fizzle out. The general sigh of frustration rang through social media when I made the announcement, and honestly, I didn’t know if I even wanted to come back. During that time however, I realized the importance of the pause, of restructuring and getting your affairs in order that running a business sometimes doesn’t afford us. It can sometimes feel contrary to what we are taught about “the hustle”, the grinding until there is nothing left.

What is a Brand Audit, and why you need it for your business?

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Cindy Maléombho-Codo

A Brand Audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a company's brand and how it is perceived by its target audience. It involves a systematic review of all the brand elements, including its visual identity, messaging, products, services, customer experience, and market positioning. The purpose of this specific audit is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a brand, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop a strategy to enhance its overall effectiveness and competitiveness.

Sany Weng San, an entrepreneur providing integrated office management services in Mozambique

April 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Sany Weng San, co-founder, MMO Facilities (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Sany Weng San is a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of MMO Facilities in Mozambique, and her exceptional leadership skills and dedication have earned her the Women Leadership Award. She founded MMO Facilities in 2018 to provide high-quality services to her clients and make their lives easier by providing top-notch integrated office management services. Under her leadership, MMO Facilities has become a leading provider of shared office spaces in Mozambique, serving a portfolio of multinational companies. Sany is committed to empowering women and has created job opportunities by hiring a team comprising 80% of women. With over 15 years of experience in the business industry, Sany's expertise in marketing, sales, human resources, procurement, budgeting, and project management has been instrumental in the success of MMO Facilities.

Neidy Carvalho, a Mozambican environmental consultant helping businesses become more sustainable

April 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Neidy Carvalho, founder & general manager, Imbe-Consultoria, Serviços e Soluções, Lda (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Neidy Carvalho is the founder and general manager of Imbe-Consultoria, Serviços e Soluções, Lda, also known as Imbe CSS. Her business, which was founded in 2019, is located in Mozambique. In the beginning, it was focused only on environmental consultancy, but then expanded to water treatment, HSQ and Energy sector (renewable and non-renewable energy). Imbe CSS helps other companies to become more green and environmentally aware in their day-to-day practices. It also provides environment permits, audits, monitoring and evaluations, environmental studies, assistance, and more as they need. The business has grown as it became more serious in its focus. Neidy considers herself persistent and studious, traits developed over the past few years. She now has almost 7 years of experience in the environmental area, and is surrounded with a young and vibrant team of 3 people. In the future, Neidy aspires to grow the business further, and help companies and others to be more sustainable as the planet requires of us.

Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups by Donna Griffit

April 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Donna Griffit’s new book ‘Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups’ answers one of the big challenges for startup founders. You dream of standing in front of a group of investors pitching your startup while they shower you with money and praise. The reality, unfortunately, is vastly different as most founders fail to raise capital from venture capital firms or angel investors. A lot of this is down to an underwhelming pitch in a crowded sea of startups. Donna has a solution by learning the alchemy of storytelling.

Gwen Addo, a Ghanaian entrepreneur passionate about hair processing

April 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

The Hair Senta, a leading human hair processing and wig manufacturing business in Africa

Gwyneth Gyimah Addo, often called Gwen by many, is the ceo of one of the leading Human Hair processing/manufacturing companies in Africa, The Hair Senta, headquartered in Ghana and shipping across the globe. The business was started in 2012 and today employs 40 people. Gwen is also a wife, a mother, a philanthropist, and a business strategist.

Pichulik celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary with the launch of an iconic Silver Jewellery Collection

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Pichulik is an ethical jewellery atelier based in Cape Town, South Africa and founded by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, and is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary in style - with the launch of a new Silver Collection featuring five of its most iconic jewellery pieces. Inspired by ancient cultures and mythology, Pichulik uses the language of African artistry and ornamentation to create sculptural accessories that celebrate empowering feminine narratives. Each piece is a talisman, handcrafted from its signature rope, combined with cast-brass elements, precious stones and unexpected organic materials, to create distinctive and unique forms.

Are employees feeling burnt out already?

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

We're hearing a lot of feedback in our networks that so many people are feeling exhausted already and it's only April....what are they going to feel like when we get to December....burnt out, stretched and hanging on for dear life?

Some do’s and don'ts when it comes to your bank account

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

We often read about banks, clients and scams. Often we see litigation between the bank and its Client. So, where does the reciprocal duty start and end?

Marketing Strategies Explained

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila

It is said that, it is not known until it is said, seen or shared. Therefore, as entrepreneurs, we should make our businesses known to others. We do this by using various marketing strategies. We should do this for all customers to be able to know our businesses using an inclusive approach of using both traditional and modern marketing strategies.

4 Ways to say no without saying no

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Saying no is challenging; most of us dread it because it questions our identity as being a good person. We fear saying no because we are afraid people won't like us or will let them down and disappoint them. We attach so much guilt and dread to this little word that we end up giving away our yes too quickly.

The IMF and World Bank Spring meeting - should we care?

April 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Melinda French Gates writing in the FT recently and ahead of the IMF/World Bank spring meeting was quite clear (here): “There are two interlocking stories to be told right now about the forces shaping the economic outlook in the world’s poorest places. One is of billions of people on the cusp of crisis — reeling from climate change, pandemic fallout, skyrocketing food prices and crushingly heavy national debt burdens. The other is about the enormous unrealised economic potential of the women who live within these communities…”.

Ifeoma Uddoh, a Nigerian fintech entrepreneur positively changing lives

April 16, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Shecluded, a female-focused fintech dedicated to creating economic prosperity for women through access to financial services.

Ifeoma Uddoh is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Shecluded, a female-focused FINTECH dedicated to creating economic prosperity for women through access to financial services. Since inception, Shecluded has been recognized internationally and was selected as one of NASDAQs milestone makers for its contribution to reducing inequality. Ifeoma is a Halcyon Fellow and her career spans over a decade in Consulting, Analytics, and Seed Funding for notable companies including PwC, and IROKO Partners Limited. Thanks to her hands-on experience with gender-lens financing, Ifeoma has featured on several entrepreneurship panels and master-classes hosted by First Bank, JohnHopkins University, Tekedia Institute, etc. She started her business in 2019, and today it employs 15 people.

Absa to extend energy grants to SMEs amid crises

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronnie Mbatsane, Managing Executive, SME Business, Absa Relationship Banking

Struggling businesses will soon be able to apply for their share of the R50 million in grants to keep their businesses running. In a move aimed at supporting and growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Absa will be providing up to R50 million in energy subsidy under its Green Asset Finance programme for qualifying SMEs.

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

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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.

“In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”

— Mark Twain

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