the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
by Catia Mondlane
The fear of failure is one of the greatest obstacles many entrepreneurs face. Whether at the beginning of their journey or during critical moments of growth, this fear can paralyse, undermine confidence, and even prevent great ideas from moving forward. However, learning to overcome this fear is essential for achieving business success. Let’s explore how you can tackle this feeling and turn it into a driving force for your entrepreneurial journey.
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by Sarah Dusek
As a founder or leader, you quickly realize that the role extends far beyond setting strategy or managing operations. It’s fundamentally about leading people—understanding their motivations, managing team dynamics, navigating conflicts, and fostering a supportive, productive environment. Founders and CEOs often take on the role of “chief psychologist” in their organizations, responsible for optimizing team performance and maintaining the mental and emotional well-being of their employees. This becomes even more crucial in fast-paced environments, where high stakes and constant challenges amplify stress and emotional responses.
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Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, founder, Indico Fish Farm. EI (Mozambique)
Startup Story
Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the founder of Indico Fish Farm. EI in Mozambique, where she is currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Population and Development. Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of animal production. Her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.
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Catherine Connelly
Book Review
Designing Success by author and entrepreneur Catherine Connelly offers a fresh perspective on achieving true fulfillment and balance in a world where burnout has become the norm. This book is your blueprint for creating an environment that fosters growth and empowers you to succeed on your terms.
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Mmakgabo Dlomo, founder, iNtombi (South Africa)
Startup Story
Mmakgabo Dlomo is the founder of iNtombi in South Africa, an all-natural hair care line dedicated to empowering women with afro-textured hair. With a background in psychology and communications, as well as extensive experience working in mental health in both the UK and South Africa, she has a deep understanding of people and their needs. Driven by her own journey of self-acceptance and motherhood, Mmakgabo created iNtombi in 2022 to provide nourishing, high-quality hair care solutions that promote a sense of pride and connection to one’s natural beauty. Her mission is to change the narrative around afro-textured hair, fostering a community where women celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their identities.
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by Brigette Mashile
The other day I saw a reel that said to get something new you have to do something you have never done before. Simple, and yet so massive. I tell my friends that by changing one small thing in your day, you are shifting the entire day, week and month. If you decide to wake up 30 minutes earlier, you will soon realize you need to sleep 30 minutes earlier, which will affect the time you make supper, the time you get off work, etc. It will give you a new experience and something new about you.
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by Lori Milner
It’s not that one choice will define your whole day or suddenly generate anxiety and overwhelm. It’s that over time, a stacking of habitual choices starts to build up and inevitably leads to exhaustion, frustration, and even burnout. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to self-observe these seemingly innocent habits so we can begin to self-correct. Here are the five most common anxiety-fueling habits to let go of to create calmer days that you don’t want to escape from.
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by Jenny Reid
The Festive Season is coming up and it’s time to consider the casual staff you intend to hire for the holiday rush. Casual staff are a necessity to help when business picks up in various seasonal industries. However, like full-time staff members, casual staff also need to be screened and vetted prior to employment, even in a short-term capacity.
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by Marjon Meyer
Spring is in the air! Time to plant seeds. Nurture talent like growing seeds.In the constantly changing business environment, the idea of “planting seeds of thought” has become increasingly significant. This metaphor highlights the need to cultivate ideas and promote a growth-oriented culture, especially as leadership styles evolve and a new generation joins the workforce. You don’t have to be a manager to be seen as a leader, each person is a leader when they allow people around them to flourish and grow.
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Cecilia Birkenstock
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Bright Idea Projects 2100 T/A Function Foods - Thembela Venue, a leading hospitality company and unique event venue in South Africa
At Thembela Venue in South Africa, the philosophy that true growth comes from stepping out of the comfort zone and into challenges which inspires greatness, and it is this philosophy that drove founder, Cecilia Birkenstock, to pursue her lifelong dream - of creating a unique venue on the North coast in KZN in South Africa. Recognizing a need for exceptional event spaces in the area, she set out to fill this gap with elegance and innovation. Cecilia is the founder and CEO of Functionfoods, and brings three decades of experience in hospitality to her business. With this wealth of experience, Cecilia embarked on her most exciting venture yet - establishing Thembela Venue. Thembela Venue is the culmination of Cecilia's dream. Through her dedication, innovation and clear vision, she has transformed her dream into a reality. Patrons place their trust in Cecilia and her team, confident in their ability to turn dream weddings into stunning realities. Cecilia's commitment to excellence ensures that every celebration reflects her client's vision, making Thembela Venue the ideal choice for unforgettable experiences where dreams truly come to life. The business, which was launched in 2008 has created jobs for 30 people.
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Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez
Book Review
Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez, authors of the new book, Mother / Founder: 68 Women on the Trials and Triumphs of Starting a Business and Raising a Family, share that starting a business can be daunting, scary, and exciting, all at once; so too can starting a family. But they also believe they can successfully coexist. Their new book is an inspirational and empowering celebration of more than sixty women who are both dedicated mothers and successful entrepreneurs who show what’s possible.
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Dr Michelle Muhanda
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
One Health Medical Centre, a modern, healthcare services provider on a mission to promote wellness, preventive care, and healthy living
Dr Michelle Muhanda is a medical doctor trained at the University of Nairobi in Kenya with 18 years’ experience in Healthcare, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, Pharmaceuticals, Health Economics, Insurance, and Marketing working with the Ministry of Health, Private Sector, NGOs and other organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medicine & Surgery, a Master’s in Business Administration from United States International University, a Masters of Philosophy in Palliative Care from University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Insurance from CII. She is also an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the Ministry of Labor. Her objective is to improve the health and quality of life of people by developing and implementing health and safety strategies geared to health promotion that will provide leadership in healthcare services. Michelle started the business in 2018 and today it has created jobs for 12 people.
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Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, founder, Herconomy (Nigeria)
Startup Story
Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti is the founder of Ife is the founder of Herconomy (formerly AGS Tribe), a community she developed driven by her own experience. Herconomy is a community for empowered women combined with a financial platform with a mission to empower women through Financial Services, Capacity Building, Jobs and Networking. She is also an Author, Entrepreneur and young global leader with over 10 years of management and leadership experience working in the fashion, marketing and manufacturing industries. Ife holds a first degree in Biochemistry and an MBA in Global Business. Her business has created jobs for 30 people.
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Masada Terverite Deconnick, Director and CEO, MTD’s Auto Electrical Pty Ltd (Botswana)
Startup Story
Masada Terverite Deconnick is the Director and CEO at MTD’s Auto Electrical Pty Ltd located in Mochudi in Botswana. Her vehicle repair workshop was officially opened March 2023 after operating as a mobile business for close to a decade. MTD’s Auto Electrical currently has 6 employees - 2 mechanics, 2 auto electricians,1 apprentice, one security guard, and a Chief Operations Officer.
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by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
Our title this week comes from the highly respected Trove Research that is now part of MSCI Carbon Markets. A long term study of the carbon credit usage based on a sample of 4,156 companies over 5 years within which they found that “‘Heavier’ users of credits are found, on average, to be decarbonizing more quickly than ‘lighter’ users of credits [and] [U]sers of higher integrity / higher priced credits are, on average, reducing their emissions more quickly than users of lower integrity / priced credits.” (here)
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by Jenny Reid
Many companies have effective pre-employment screening policies, but the need for screening doesn’t end after hiring. Regular rescreening of existing employees at all levels is essential to protect the company from unforeseen issues and to ensure preparedness.
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by Margaret Hirsch
In retail, we all know that challenges are part of the journey—whether it’s an economic downturn, shifting consumer habits, or global disruptions. But what sets successful retailers apart isn’t avoiding tough times—it’s how we respond to them. I’ve always believed that the challenges we face are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, innovation, and comebacks.
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by Lori Milner
What astounds me when working with female entrepreneurs is how each conversation shares so many similarities and consistent themes despite each person's unique journey. Rather than writing my usual blog format, I would like to share my most gifted advice. I have removed any personal details and names so confidentiality is not compromised. What remains is the raw truth of what we all feel, experience and face daily. My invitation is for you to find your truth and where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, but above all, I want you to know that you are not alone.
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by Yolanda Isabel Langa
Sustainable businesses are essential in our communities, balancing profit with social and environmental responsibility. Each choice can have a significant impact on the environment.
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Olubukola Abitoye, Managing Director and CEO, Digital Space Capital (Nigeria)
Startup Story
Olubukola Abitoye is the Managing Director and CEO of Digital Space Capital in Nigeria, a comprehensive financial services provider covering Investment Banking, Asset Management, Insurance, Micro Banking, and Fintech, with her own digital savings solution app, Digikolo. The business launched in 2020 and today employs 104 people. Olubukola is a highly accomplished finance professional with a wealth of experience in the banking and finance industry. She is also the CEO of WeBrandIt Limited and the owner of Eco Cleaning Services Limited.
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