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Lionesses of Africa

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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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Why high performing coaches and consultants rely on a strong personal brand

February 1, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Look, I realise how frightening it can be to step forward into a fast-moving marketplace that can sometimes also. be very confusing. But if you’re serious about professional growth and business expansion you’re going to have to overcome fears of being seen, making marketing mistakes, facing judgment, or stumbling in your pursuits. These apprehensions will rob you of your confidence and the elevation you desire. Try to make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes — everybody does after all, and then focus on building yourself a well-defined personal brand.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
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Natercia Jone, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a specialist artisanal liqueur brand

January 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Natercia Jone, founder, Dione’s Liquor (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Natercia Jone is a Mozambican entrepreneur and the founder of Dione’s Liquor, with more than 20 years of experience having operated in the cleaning and gardening, confectionery sectors. She is currently dedicated to building her business and brand,  Dione's Liquor, which is focused on the production of liqueurs based on fruits, herbs and currently operating in the national market.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink
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Eka Obaigbena, a Nigerian fast-casual dining pioneer

January 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Eka Obaigbena

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Toasties Limited, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain reimagining the way Africans experience meals on the go

Eka Obaigbena is the founder and ceo of Toasties, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain launched in 2016 in Nigeria that aims to reimagine the way Africans experience meals on the go. Toasties' menu consists primarily of fusion sandwiches, salads, and various specials. Eka is also the Founder and CEO of Board, a food gifting and food experience company that presents edible art to its customers. Before launching her businesses in 2016 and 2020 respectively, Eka began her culinary journey in New York City’s French Culinary Institute (now The International Culinary Center) where she trained as a chef in 2011.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Food & Drink, Restauranteur
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7 Questions to Plug Your Energy Leaks and Start the Year Strong

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

January has the special aroma of a fresh start combined with energy, enthusiasm, and new dreams. This feeling typically lasts until the end of March, and then your energy begins to dip, and before you know it, you're counting down to Easter because you need a serious break. It's not like you waste your energy intentionally or even consciously; it's a slow drip like a nail in a tyre; it leaks air so slowly that you don't notice until it is completely flat or inches from it.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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What's your favourite topic of conversation?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The quote by Elinor Roosevelt goes: “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” Once you know this you can stop yourself being pulled into the conversations discussing other people - they are not worthy of your time. Events also come and go but discussing ideas, now that’s not only thought provoking but can be mind-blowing.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Who is watching your back?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser 

I have a great view of the troupe. The monkeys are merrily playing and eating along the forestry. I move my binocular view over them, checking out the little ones playing and the moms keeping a watchful eye. Then I am met eye to eye with a big daddy. He is staring directly at me, gosh, it seems like he is literally on top of me! I yank the binoculars away from my eyes to get a normal view. He is definitely at a distance, far from me, yet he is dead focused on me. A chill runs down my spine. How does he know? Surely he cannot see this far?

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Financial Planning
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Guess what happened when I overcame the fear of doubling my rates?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Let’s face it, there are a whole lot of coaches consultants, and other service-based solopreneurs out there who are working for a lot less than what they are worth. Sometimes, it's because you hear so much about how bad the economy is that you try to avoid coming across as lacking empathy, or worse still, arrogant. Years spent in traditional employment can also limit our self-worth because we have pegged our value at whatever our last employer decided it should be. This undervaluation can lead to reluctance and hesitancy to share knowledge, and the pursuit of side hustles.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Management Advice
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Lilian Mapuranga, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur building a chemical company focused on green growth

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lilian Mapuranga, co-founder & COO, Chemexon Chemicals Pvt Ltd (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Lilian Mapuranga is the co-founder and COO of Chemexon Chemicals Pvt Ltd a chemical company focused on cleaning and sanitation chemicals. She is an MBA and Chemist with over 13 years industry experience and 4 years in the sanitation industry. Lilian was awarded as a TechWomen Emerging Leader 2014 (Hillary Clinton STEM Initiatives in Silicon Valley), was a ZimTrade EagleNest Top 22 Qualifier. Before Lilian became an entrepreneur, she was a business development manager at Integrated Hygiene Systems. Her tasks were oriented towards developing business, looking for new markets and increasing sales. Her focus was in change management and meeting customer satisfaction, something she has adopted into her own business and has helped her shape Chemexon.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Manufacturing, Green Business
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Vicky Chilli, a South African entrepreneur using film as a tool for social change

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Vicky Chilli, founder, eKasi Bioscope (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa)

Startup Story

Vicky Chilli is a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Umlazi in South Africa and the founder of eKasi Bioscope (Pty) Ltd. She established a movie cinema in her township and uses film as a tool for social change. She started this project in 2016 at King Shaka High School where she discovered that learners were facing social issues and needed a platform to relate too, open-up and learn. The cinema screens African-inspired movies and the youth watch movies for free. Vicky has screened approximately 20 African-inspired movies indoors and had 1 drive-in cinema.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Culturalpreneur, Social Entrepreneur
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Sell while you Sleep: Turn your knowledge into an automated online business and create a life of freedom by Krissy Chin

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Krissy Chin

Book Review

If you ever wanted to know how to effectively launch and run a profitable online business, Krissy Chin in her new book, Sell while you Sleep: Turn your knowledge into an automated online business and create a life of freedom, shares her insights and experience. She says it doesn't have to be complicated.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Evolution of the Bid-Slinger: A Maverick’s Guide to Mastering the Proposal Game

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Izane Cloete-Hamilton

During my wild ride in the world of bids and proposals, I’ve worked with all sorts – bid managers, bid coordinators, designers, and writers. I’ve gained insight into what really makes someone click in this profession. It’s not just about juggling tasks effectively or generating snazzy templates; it’s also about thriving under pressure and maintaining an eagle eye for each minute detail.

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In Guest Blog Tags Izane Cloete-Hamilton, Proposal Writing
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How to Make Self-Care a Lifestyle Without Guilt

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Diets don't work because they're temporary; they are a pseudo-commitment. For sustainable change, it's your lifestyle that must change. It's your identity that changes. You start to call yourself a healthy person and then act like healthy people do. More importantly, your mindset shifts from a victim mentality of punishment to an owner mentality of freedom. Ultimately, your way of being changes. It is not one thing you do but a stacking of choices over your day that contributes towards your weight loss goal. It's not just one meal but sleep, water, nutrition, and your emotional world – everything in the periphery done consistently will help you achieve this.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Is Fear Holding You Back from Living the Life of Your Dreams?

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The only thing holding you back from living the life of your dreams is FEAR. Now fear comes in many different forms. I always tell my team members that it can either be:

False Evidence Appearing Real … or… Forget Everything And Run

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Fear
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Decoding Market Success: A Guide to Choosing Winning Products

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

In the heart of the entrepreneurial wilderness, discovering the ideal product that not only survives but thrives in the market is a journey akin to an epic quest. Picture this: I once sold an array of products - soaps, lotions, oils, and facial masks - all coexisting in a bustling marketplace, each one vying for attention, much like lionesses hunting for the juiciest prey. However, faced with tough decisions, I strategically shifted my focus to a single product: the powerful Moringa soap.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Product Development
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Genius Ideas - Business Plan Workbook: A Roadmap to Success by Tiffany Johnson

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Tiffany Johnson

Book Review

If you have ever felt daunted by the process of working on your business plan, then help is at hand with Tiffany Johnson’s new Genius Ideas - Business Plan Workbook: A Roadmap to Success. This book is designed to help you build your business plan, step by step, breaking the whole process down into bite size chunks - keeping the process of building a business plan simple and easy to achieve. Designed to be fun and upbeat, Tiffany’s workbook simplifies the business planning journey to make it approachable for every entrepreneur.

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In Essential Tags Books, Business Plan
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South Africa wellness company, Wellchemco, launches new Colour Me Calm Adult Colouring Book

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mauricia Cox

Lioness Launch

Wellchemco is a South African wellness company created by entrepreneur Mauricia Cox and focused on mindful beauty and holistic wellness. It has just announced the launch of an innovative new Colour Me Calm adult colouring book designed to bring creativity and mindfulness into your life. Founder Mauricia encourages users to immerse themselves in the therapeutic art of colouring as they embark on a journey of self-expression and mindfulness. The new colouring book is aimed at helping users to experience gratitude, boost intelligence, reduce anxiety, and enhance holistic wellness in just a few minutes a day with the book’s innovative collation of mindful art, journaling, and positive quotes. Mauricia says it's the science-backed path to a happier you.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Thaila Botes, a South African entrepreneur creating a hub for surf skate enthusiasts

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Thaila Botes, founder, Danuz and Charger X (South Africa)

Startup Story

Thaila Botes is the vibrant force behind Danuz and Charger X, a hub for surf skate enthusiasts in South Africa. As a devoted mom, fitness enthusiast, and lover of summer, family, and Jesus, Thaila brings boundless energy to both her family life and her entrepreneurial venture. Discover a journey where fitness, family, and faith intertwine, creating a life uniquely driven by passion and purpose. Welcome to Thaila's world, where each day is a celebration of health, happiness, and the sunny spirit of summer.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Sportspreneur
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Natasha Mohunlal, a powerhouse trademark attorney in South Africa building a boutique law firm

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Mohunlal, Trademark Attorney & founder, Natasha Mohunlal and Associates Inc. (South Africa)

Startup Story

Natasha Mohunlal is a Trademark Attorney, the founder and Managing Director of Natasha Mohunlal and Associates Inc. based in Pretoria, South Africa, also known as NMA. She is a prominent entrepreneur, community activist, and visionary. She won the Women in IP award in Utah in July 2022. Her law firm won the SA IP law firm of the year 2022 at the Middle East Africa Business Awards. Her firm also won the Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year 2023 at the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Global Awards. She was also crowned title partner at the Influential Women of the Year Awards in March 2023, which took place in Cape Town. In the same year, she won the Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2023 and Prominent Women in International Law Award - WLA2023 Dubai. In July 2023, she was awarded the Top IP Leader award in Dubai, and was also selected for the 'Top 25 Exceptional Women in Trademark.’

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Professional Services, Legal
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Francine Munyaneza, a Rwandan green energy impact-maker

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Francine Munyaneza

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Munyax Eco, a solar power business creating access to clean and affordable energy in East Africa

With a master’s degree in business and administration and 15 years of experience globetrotting, Francine Munyaneza skilfully managed operations in international private organizations and later in the humanitarian sector. Her accumulated expertise led her to return to Rwanda and establish Munyax Eco in 2013, an impact focused solar energy company. Through Munyax Eco’s endeavours, she has positively impacted nearly 1,000,000 beneficiaries, reduced carbon emissions by over 5,000 tons annually, and importantly created 30 permanent jobs and over 100 temporary jobs. Notably, the majority of Munyax Eco’s staff and beneficiaries are women.

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In Cover Story Tags Rwanda, Green Business, Renewable Energy
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Lionesses of Africa Privacy Policy

January 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lionesses of Africa Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2024

This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.

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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

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


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
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.

Read more →
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

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.

Read more →
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
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.

Read more →
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
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.

Read more →
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
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.

Read more →

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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
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
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o 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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business 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
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.

Read more →
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
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.

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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.

Read more →
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

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.

Read more →
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

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

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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