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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Dr Unami Elias-Mosepele, a primary healthcare provider for children in Botswana

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dr Unami Elias-Mosepele, founder and director Kgato Paediatrics Clinic (Botswana)

Startup Story

Dr Unami Elias-Mosepele is the founder and director of Kgato Paediatrics Clinic in Botswana, a company that provides primary health care to children and adolescents. The business has been running for 1 year 9 months and today has 3 permanent employees and 2 part-time employees. Unami is a Paediatrician with more than 10 years’ experience in the medical field.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Healthcare
Comment

Six Steps to Close the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider what unmet goals are gnawing at the back of your mind that are taking up precious headspace. Rather than beat yourself up for not taking action, ask yourself, 'When would now be a good time?' Now right?

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Harnessing the power of colour to elevate your mindset

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Everything we do is geared towards being happy and feeling good about ourselves - however in life sh*t happens, life hacks you down and your job is to get up, dust yourself off and do whatever you need to do to feel good again. Some people exercise, some drink, some go shopping, some just curl up and stay in bed- what do you do when you don’t feel good about yourself?

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Do You Need to Add PEP and Sanctions Tests to Your Employee Screening Policy?

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In South Africa, PEP (Politically Exposed Person) and sanctions tests are typically used by financial institutions and certain designated non-financial businesses and professions to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Anastasia Machobane, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses ensure they comply with the laws of the country

May 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Anastasia Machobane, founder and ceo, Mashobane Advisory Services (South Africa)

Startup Story

Anastasia Machobane is the founder and ceo of Mashobane Advisory Services in South Africa, a business focusing on providing specialist legal and business administration services to the mostly under-serviced SMME market. She works independently or within team environments, and has a diplomatic/assertive approach in dealing with EXCO and Board members of any organisation. She is passionate about skills development and does this through her mentorship program. The business has created jobs for 5 people.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Legal, Construction, Consulting Services
Comment

Milena Barroca, a Mozambican entrepreneur specializing in business consulting and event organization

May 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Milena Barroca, founder, WH Impact (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Milena Barroca is an entrepreneur and business consultant with a background in Economics, and the founder of WH Impact, a company based in Mozambique. The business specializes in Business Consulting & Event Organization. With over 8 years of experience in Business Administration and Marketing, Milena, and her team drive business growth for success, connecting companies and individuals through impactful events. WH Impact adopts a philosophy of sustainable management, promoting significant and lasting growth for its clients.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Consulting Services, Event Management
Comment

Adekemi Adeniyan, a Nigerian oral healthcare champion

May 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Adekemi Adeniyan

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Dentalcare Foundation, on a mission to advance oral health equity across underserved communities in Africa

Adekemi Adeniyan is a rural dentist breaking barriers to oral healthcare access in Nigeria. As founder of Dentalcare Foundation, she provides free dental services to underserved communities. Dr. Adeniyan also advances oral health literacy creatively through Nigeria’s first illustrated children’s oral health storybook “The Girl Who Found Her Smile” and the lively “Anita Says” animation series. Her innovative storytelling makes oral care engaging and accessible, empowering future generations. For significantly expanding healthcare access, Dr. Adeniyan has earned honours including Nigeria’s Woman of the Year in Healthcare and Leading Ladies Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women. The business was launched in 2019 and today has 15 employees.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Healthcare
Comment

Smooth Sailing: An Essential Guide to Legally Protecting Your Business by Cheri D Andrews

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Cheri D. Andrews

Book Review

Is your small business legally protected? In Smooth Sailing: An Essential Guide to Legally Protecting Your Business, attorney Cheri D Andrews lays out not only the crucial foundational steps ALL small businesses require to ensure their business is legally compliant and protected at the outset but also those legal protections that need to be added as a business grows and scales. This essential guide helps both brand-new entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners avoid common legal mistakes that put business and personal assets at risk.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

How Journaling Can Help You Sleep and Reduce Your Anxiety

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you struggle to fall asleep due to an overactive mind, or perhaps you fall asleep easily but wake up in the night with a mind full of racing thoughts, consider introducing the habit of journaling. Journaling is an incredible tool to get those circling thoughts out of your mind and trap them on the page so you can get out of your own way.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Should You Take Employment References at Face Value?

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

With unemployment rates continuing to escalate and the cost-of-living soaring people are increasingly desperate to find work and will stop at nothing to get their job application to the top of the pile.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Lessons from nature for humans and organisations – let your team flourish!

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training engagements took us to Malelane, a beautiful town on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa – one of our beautiful country’s biggest assets and tourist attractions.  Over the weekend we meandered through the park and marveled at the wildlife, beautiful vegetation, and landscapes we admired from hides along our way.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marjón Meyer, Management Advice
Comment

Are you a Beneficial Owner or a Person who holds Beneficial Interest? Is your Company or CC Compliant?

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicola Mullineux

In response to South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) for non-compliance with the international standards aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, the legislature elected to amend Companies Act, 71 of 2008 (“Act”). The purpose of these amendments is to rectify the deficiencies identified by the FATF, with the ultimate aim of eradicating the greylisting imposed.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicola Mullineux, Legal
Comment

Luisa Hussene, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a specialist floristry and floral gifting business

May 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Luisa Hussene, founder, Doce sal Serviços (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Luisa Hussene is the founder of Doce sal Serviços, a business dedicated to floristry, catering, and gift services in Mozambique. The company specializes in commemorative events offering clients a wide range of decoration, catering, and florist services. Luisa is based in Maputo, and also works as a marketing and advertising manager in a software company.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Floral Design, Event Management
Comment

Mabusang Malotane, a South African entrepreneur building an event and entertainment project management business

May 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mabusang Malotane, founder and ceo, Shai Boi Project Management Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Startup story

Mabusang Malotane is the founder and ceo of Shai Boi Project Management Pty Ltd, a company founded in 2017 and registered in South Africa, Rwanda, and Mauritius. She is also the founder of Shai Chai Organic Tea, an organic luxury tea brand design and the ultimate in artisan-crafted teas, exemplifying the level of elegant ambiance. She has over 14 years’ of experience in the event and entertainment industry and the financial industry.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Event Management
Comment

Kathryn Malherbe, a South African breast cancer diagnostics innovator

May 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Kathryn Malherbe

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

MED AI SOl PTY LTD t/a MedSol AI Solutions, a business creating affordable, diagnostic AI and Deep machine learning systems for breast cancer diagnosis

Kathryn Malherbe is the founder and ceo of MED AI SOl PTY LTD t/a MedSol AI Solutions in South Africa, a business at the forefront of the AI-driven healthcare market by utilizing cutting-edge technology and collaborating with researchers to produce innovative solutions. It’s focus is on patient-centered outcomes sets the business apart from other vendors in the market. The company launched in 2019 and today has 10 employees.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Healthcare
Comment

Want Impact? Back a Lioness, not a Unicorn!

May 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

“You don't want the institutions incentivized to go big and expensive when you could maybe have more impact, smaller and less expensive”, so said Margaret Kuhlow of the US Dept of Treasury at one of the side meetings at the recent World Bank Spring Conference (see here 1:30:05).

Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Managing Director of Operations confirmed the key message of the meetings (here): “A key component…is measuring outcomes rather than inputs and focusing on results that further our aim to improve people's lives and livelihoods.”

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In Team Lioness
Comment

Seeding Innovation: The Path to Profit and Purpose in the 21st Century by Robyn O’Brien

May 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Robyn O’Brien

Book Review

In Seeding Innovation: The Path to Profit and Purpose in the 21st Century, veteran entrepreneur, award-winning author, global strategist, speaker, and Rice University Innovation and Entrepreneurship professor, Robyn O’Brien, delivers an insightful and data-driven roadmap to authenticity and smart leadership in the face of accelerating technological, environmental, and social change. In the book, you’ll discover how to build resilience, authenticity, market share, and purpose into your business plan and move beyond box-ticking, virtue signaling, and one-dimensional metrics, in a way that strengthens your business model, enhances your bottom line, attracts investors, fortifies employee retention, and more.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

How to Strive Satisfied

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you don't have a 'pause' button, you're probably a Striver. We associate being a Striver with a badge of honour. It's linked with traits like being a high achiever, disciplined, organised, and successful. It's the mark of the go-getter and having it all together. These superpowers may have led to our success, but as with anything, there is a shadow side.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

How to turn your fear into fuel for entrepreneurial success

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Sometimes when you’ve taken a big leap, you are so conscious of the magnitude of what you’ve done that you don't think you can or should take any more major steps. That was me after leaving home at 22 years old - I was so determined to make my life work and validate the choices I had made, that I found it difficult to think beyond my immediate activities. This kind of paralysis can also hit entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their business, particularly when a huge risk has been taken to get to the start-up stage.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Fear, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The power of mentorship on this lonely entrepreneurial journey

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Mentorship has always been a critical topic in most personal development discussions on career paths. There has been so much to gain from it that I started researching on how this methodology can be used in my entrepreneurial sally.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Mentoring, PT
Comment
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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 / 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 / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
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 / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle

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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