The Invisible Backbone of Africa’s Economy: Women’s Unpaid Labour

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Daphney Klopper

In Africa, women’s unpaid labour is a powerful yet often overlooked force driving the economy. This essential work includes caregiving, household chores, and community support. The ILO (International Labour Organisation) and one.org Africa estimates Women’s unpaid work to be at 10% -39% of a countries GDP. To put this into perspective, this contribution is more than three times that of the South African agricultural sector (2.83%) and rivals the industrial sector (24.68%) Stats SA 2023.

The Importance of Elevating Marketing Governance on the Board Agenda

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.

High-Value Ideas - the power of thinking different

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

When Apple launched its legendary "Think Different" campaign, it didn’t just promote a product—it showcased a mindset that has defined the company’s success for decades. This campaign, with its bold celebration of creativity and innovation, exemplifies the power of innovative thinking and how being willing to step outside the box can result in high-value ideas. By daring to think differently, Apple not only redefined its brand but also set the stage for transformative growth that would shape the tech industry for years to come.

The Budget Balancing Act: Navigating Campaigns Without Going Over or Under

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Vuyelwa Gxakushe

Budgeting is the backbone of any successful marketing campaign. It’s not just about allocating funds—it’s about ensuring those funds are used effectively to achieve your goals. As a marketing manager, I’ve walked that tightrope between over-budgeting and under-budgeting more times than I care to admit. Both extremes come with their own headaches, and getting the balance right is crucial to not only hitting your campaign targets but also ensuring the long-term success of your business.

The Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating Your Own Website in a Weekend by Ruthann Bowen

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Entrepreneur Ruthann Bowen, author of the insightful and highly practical book, The Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating Your Own Website In A Weekend, believes that the quality of your website represents the quality of your business. She brings her extensive knowledge and expertise to the table to show other women entrepreneurs how to transform their websites from DIY Disaster to Design Diva in just a weekend!

Zaza Letsholo, a South African agripreneur building a business with community impact

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Zaza Letsholo, founder, ABM Farming Dreams (South Africa)

Startup Story

Zaza Letsholo is the founder of ABM Farming Dreams in South Africa. She is a passionate farmer and community builder specializing in livestock and dry bean production. Inspired by her late father, a dedicated farmer, Zaza grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work and resilience. In addition to her farming endeavours, she runs a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, including orphans. With over 12 years of experience in car sales, Zaza is also an award-winning top performer in her field. Her commitment to agriculture and community welfare reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Yolanda Isabel Langa, a Mozambican eco-preneur innovating with plantable seed paper

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Yolanda Isabel Langa, founder, Yo-Ecológico (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Yolanda Isabel Langa is the founder of Yo-Ecológico, an eco-business that innovates with “seed paper,” a recycled product that includes seeds from flowers, spices, and vegetables. Her company offers eco-friendly products such as gifts and invitations, and is expanding with personalized planners, sustainable keychains made from seed paper with rings, and chains made from recycled plastic bottles. Yolanda combines her entrepreneurial experience with a passion for sustainability to make a meaningful difference in the world. Yolanda is about to graduate from Eduardo Mondlane University with a degree in Public Administration. In addition to her academic career, Yolanda is also an active volunteer at an NGO focused on education, health, and the environment.

Titi Adewusi, an education innovator for children in Africa

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides African children with access to high-quality educational content

Titi Adewusi is one of the co-founders of 9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides children access to high-quality educational content through fun and engaging online games. Titi is an Engineer by training and a Management Consultant by experience, having worked with one of the Big 4 for over a decade before starting 9ijakids with two of her sisters. 9ijakids, which launched in 2918, has received several awards, both local and international. The business has created jobs for 24 people. Titi is also one of the conveners of Africa’s largest STEM gathering for children to spark a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in children aged 7-15 years through career talks, experiential STEAM activities, and games, which has taken place in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia

Starved For Success: Powerful Lessons On Resilience And Resourcefulness From An International Entrepreneur by Olivia Ansell

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Olivia Ansell, the author of Starved For Success: Powerful Lessons On Resilience And Resourcefulness From An International Entrepreneur, has been a successful entrepreneur since she was 10 years old, an age where unexpected tragedy sparked her unparalleled story of survival and success. As a young girl forced out onto the streets of Uganda, a side effect of an unforgiving African family structure, Olivia had to learn nearly overnight what it would take to thrive in a place that seemed to have the odds stacked high against her. But her incredible ability to recognize the significance of whatever little she had and use it to her advantage has since helped Olivia become the resourceful business owner she is today, starting multiple businesses in the U.S. and abroad that have collectively grossed millions of dollars in revenue.

Sheillah Siima, a Tanzanian entrepreneur publishing resources and tools to help make daily life more organized

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sheillah Siima, creative head and founder, Sheillah Publications (Tanzania)

Startup Story

Sheillah Siima is the creative head and founder of Sheillah Publications located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is also a self-publisher, author, and is professionally an editor for print media. Her company publishes a range of resources, tools, and journals to help businesses and individuals manage their lives more effectively.

Ana Alecia Lyman, a sustainable natural beauty brand-builder in Mozambique

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia, a natural skin and hair care business celebrating Mozambique's indigenous oilseed species.

Ana Alecia Lyman, born in California and residing in Mozambique since 2005, has more than 15 years of experience as a businesswoman and consultant in the natural products sector. She is the founder and director of Bio Óleos de Miombo, a natural skin and hair care products company, providing high-quality products that highlight Mozambique's indigenous oilseed species to the national market. As a member of PhytoTrade Africa, the Natural Products Business Association of Southern Africa, she served as Vice President from 2015 to 2018, supporting the implementation of advocacy programs and initiatives in Mozambique and the region. Graduated in Public Policy from Brown University (USA), she currently works with the National Directorate of the Environment as a consultant, supporting the review of Decree 19/2007, the Regulation on Access and Sharing of Benefits derived from the use of Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge, in collaboration with a multi-sectoral technical team.

Change that School Report!

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Our bedtime reading this week has been the UN’s school report on the SDGs 2024 (here). To call it a school report, of course, is a little generous, because the UN is reviewing its own efforts to galvanise the world behind the SDGs and deliver results, certainly not written by a stern third party.

ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR - An FMCG Case Study

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

A few days ago, I read an article by Ery Dimitrantzou of Cority titled “What’s the difference: ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR”. I agree with her views on the matter but because we ESG In Action Africa get that question a lot, I have decided to use a case study to help drive home the points she made:

My Journey as a Young Marketer: Embracing Growth and Learning

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thabisile Mabele

Navigating the marketing landscape as a young 23-year-old has been an exciting, challenging, and enriching experience. From my early days of exploring the marketing field to where I am now, I’ve come to realize that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about personal development, learning, and embracing new opportunities.

Leading from Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Gemiene Mueni

Passion is like a spark; it lights a fire that spreads. It's pure energy, the kind that comes straight from the heart. Leading a team for the first time can be a wild ride with no safety net—just you, your instincts, and a bit of excitement mixed with a dash of "What did I just sign up for?" My journey in leadership has often felt overwhelming, like stepping into a role far too big for me. It became clear that I needed to engage in some deep personal work to navigate these challenges.

What a journey!

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sibongile V. Mthimunye

What a journey it has been since I fully worked in my business in 2021 September. Before then I registered the business in May 2020, but continued working as a Corporate Executive. However, circumstances changed and allowed me to be a full-time employee of BWGL Group in September 2021. What started as me paying homage to my mother who was a cleaner and me being curious about the hygiene and cleaning space, has now become a fully-fledged business and has created several job opportunities for women and the youth from underserved communities.

A Beauty-Full Journey by Suzie Wokabi

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Celebrated Kenyan beautypreneur, Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty and SB Dada, knows what it takes to build and launch one of the most successful beauty brands in Africa. Her new book, A Beauty-Full Journey, shares her personal experiences and insights into the highs and lows, challenges and opportunities, that she has navigated on her own beauty-full business and brand building journey. This is an inspirational read for all those who want to understand the entrepreneurial journey that any current or future beauty brand builder will have to take to achieve success.

Jusaina Violanda, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping people green their homes and gardens

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Jusaina Violanda, founder, Nandzika Garden Center (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Jusaina Violanda is the founder of Nandzika Garden Center in Mozambique, a business dedicated to bringing nature closer to people’s lives through beautiful plants, green decor, and professional landscaping. She uses the power of plants at her garden center to help her customers create beautiful personal spaces and environments that enhance lives and fulfill the emotional need to be closer to nature.

Bophelo Mohapi, a South African mobile spa business builder bringing beauty therapy directly to her clients

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Bophelo Leah Mohapi, founder, ChamomileSpaAndBeauty (South Africa)

Startup Story

Bophelo Leah Mohapi is the founder of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in South Africa, a growing mobile beauty treatment spa. She is solely responsible for running her mobile spa but has a team of 17 therapists that she hooks up with for gigs. Bophelo also has 7 promoters helping her reach more clients as part of her growth journey. ChamomileSpaAndBeauty has been operating since 2015, originally as a side hustle. The business started operating under the name of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in 2022 and was formally registered in 2024.

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