by Louise Mowbray
The power of context, why it always rules and how developing your Contextual Intelligence empowers you to adapt and thrive.
Read moreThe Gender Funding Gap in African Start-Ups
by Daphney Klopper
“Africa: The Big Deal” serves as a vital resource for understanding the dynamics of start-up funding in Africa, providing stakeholders with the data and insights needed to make informed decisions and foster a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Compiled by Max Cuvellier Giacomelli and Maxime Bayen, the report covers various types of funding, including equity, debt, and grants, but excludes exits. Despite the influx of capital into African start-ups, the gender disparity in funding remains stark and troubling. In 2024, less than 5% of the funding has gone to start-ups with a female CEO, a decline from 5.6% between 2019 and 2023. This trend is even more pronounced when examining the gender composition of founding teams. Only 1% of the funding went to all-female founding teams, down from 2.1% in the previous years, and 9% to teams with at least one woman, a significant drop from 17%.
Read moreIt’s Christmas – Go Ahead and be Delusional!
by Thembe Khumalo
Listen, I fully understand why it’s important to be realistic, especially with business goals. As an entrepreneur, it is how you plan your income and your life after all. But I am also a fan of the occasional delusional season - where you give yourself permission to dream - and I mean really dream, to imagine success and impact beyond what you generally, well, dream about. Why? Because when you stimulate your imagination, you move things that were otherwise impossible into the realm of the attainable.
Read moreMercia Bie, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to bring natural flavours to her customers’ cuisines
Mercia Bie, founder, Sabor Caseiro 2A (Mozambique)
Startup Story
Mercia Bie, founder of Sabor Caseiro 2A in Mozambique is building an agri-processing business where each seasoning tells a story and each dish is an experience. Her mission is to bring natural flavor and authenticity to customers' tables, whether at home or at special events. Mercia’s vision is to create a line of seasonings that not only enhance the flavor of dishes, but also make a nutritional contribution to our lives. The company’s brand values focus on ethics and transparency, appreciation and involvement in human capital, respect and trust in customers.
Read moreLusanda Omelo, a South African digital marketing and AI automation business helping SMMEs establish their online presence
Lusanda Omelo, founder, findaiforthat (South Africa)
Startup Story
Lusanda Omelo is the founder of findaiforthat, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.
Read moreNkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme, three entrepreneurs empowering organisations in ESG excellence
Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
ESG In Action Africa Ltd, a consortium dedicated to empowering African organisations in their journey towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence.
Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme are the founders of ESG In Action Africa, a Nigeria based consortium of seasoned consultants and subject matter experts, committed to guiding African organisations on the transformative journey towards sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence. ESG In Action Africa’s mission is clear: To partner with African entities on their ESG journey to sustainability and business excellence, by democratising and localising access to ESG insights, resources, tools, training, and advisory services. Together, the ESG In Action Africa team will help to unlock the full potential of ESG by elevating strategy execution and good governance, thereby building institutions renowned for best practices who will push the envelope on ESG in Africa to the highest international standards and creating lasting value for all stakeholders as well as the communities they collectively serve.
Read moreLorato Mosetlhanyane, an entrepreneur passionate about leadership coaching
Lorato Mosetlhanyane
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Pinnalead, a leadership development organization coaching the next generation of business leaders in Botswana
Lorato Mosetlhanyane is a renowned Professional Certified Coach and the founder of Pinnalead in Botswana. Prior to forming her business in 2013, she worked in the corporate world as a Chartered Accountant in different capacities for over 17 years. She left her formal employment at the position of Chief Finance Officer for a leading Life Insurance Company in Botswana, having contributed to its growth and success. The writings of John Maxwell awakened a passion in her that saw her embarking on a completely new journey and certifying as a John Maxwell Certified Coach, after five years of continuous mentoring by the internationally acclaimed leadership guru, John C Maxwell.
Read moreEchoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy by Mimi Kalinda
Mimi Kalinda
Book Review
In her new book, Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy, author Mimi Kalinda provides an essential guide to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of global business, where technological leaps and socio-political shifts redefine traditional leadership paradigms. Mimi is a seasoned expert in global public relations and strategic communications, and her book explores the profound power of storytelling to transform leadership from a mere role into a resonant, impactful presence. Mimi’s insights teach leaders how to deeply connect with their teams, align with evolving organizational values, and navigate the complexities of a dynamic corporate world.
Read moreWomen are uniquely situated to be agents of change, so should we not be asking more of those who control the money?
by Lionesses of Africa’s Operations Department
Lionesses of Africa is now ten years old. An incredible decade of serious work and deep-rooted support from so many inspirational leaders, not only across the continent, such as our 100 Lionesses and many, many others within our incredible community, but also the various Governments, banks, DFIs and corporates. All of them have tirelessly supported us and driven to the fore the need for African female founders to be taken seriously by all who profess to care about building our incredible continent from within, and with African businesswomen at the helm strengthening communities and delivering sustainable tax-paying businesses and of course, ‘good jobs’.
Read moreVeronique-Chantelle Mew, a South African entrepreneur building a superior quality clothing brand tailored for tall women
Veronique-Chantelle Mew, founder, Tall Story (South Africa)
Startup Story
Veronique-Chantelle Mew is a Chartered Accountant, a certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer, a breast cancer survivor, and the founder of Tall Story, based in South Africa. While working as a Chartered Accountant in the corporate world, she felt limited by conforming to someone else's vision and knew deep down that she wanted to start something of her own. In 2016, she resigned from her directorship position at an international company, and decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She was determined to pursue her passion, knowing that this was where her heart truly belonged. Veronique launched Tall Story in 2022.
Read moreLilian Maira, a Kenyan sustainable fashion brand builder creating high quality, uniquely designed, and handcrafted bags
Lilian Maira, founder, Pambo Letu (Kenya)
Startup Story
Lilian Maira is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion with nearly two decades of experience in the Kenyan fashion industry. As the founder of Pambo Letu, Lilian combines traditional African craftsmanship with modern design to create eco-friendly, handcrafted bags. She collaborates with a team of talented artisans to produce high-quality products using sustainable materials, empowering local communities through fair wages and global exposure. Driven by a deep commitment to environmental and social impact, Lilian continues to champion ethical practices and innovative solutions in the fashion world. The business was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 15 people.
Read moreScreen your house and pet sitters
by Jenny Reid
The holiday season is coming up and it’s time to start thinking about house sitters and pet sitters. These people will have unsupervised access to your home and your pets for the duration of your holiday. Many things could happen in a couple of days you’re away.
Read moreDiscover Your Passion and Turn It into a Business
by Catia Mondlane
Discovering your passion and turning it into a sustainable business is a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and, above all, action. It's not uncommon to feel the pressure to follow a conventional path, but it's when we connect with our true passions that we find personal and professional fulfilment. On this journey, we not only learn how to generate income but also how to impact lives.
Read moreThe Myth of Risk Aversion: Women in Business
by Daphney Klopper
In the world of business, the narrative that women are more risk-averse than men has persisted for decades. But is this perception rooted in reality, or is it a convenient stereotype that overlooks deeper, systemic issues?
Read morePlan for Your Personal Growth
by Ronel Jooste
It was the question “What is your plan for your personal growth?” that made world-renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell ponder about his career aspirations and that has ignited his journey becoming one of the most respected authors about leadership and personal growth.
Read moreThe Unstoppable Woman's Manifesto by Rochel Marie Lawson
Rochel Marie Lawson
Book Review
Author and entrepreneur, Rochel Marie Lawson, has written a book for all those women who are eager to elevate their entrepreneurial journeys. Dive into the pages of "Unstoppable Women's Manifesto", and harness the power of principles, perfectly curated for black women business leaders, to transform mere ideas into profitable ventures that run seamlessly without daily intervention. Join the journey with a seasoned entrepreneur as she unveils her potent formula, making this one of the essential small business books for women. Discover how to sculpt an unstoppable empire, designed particularly for ambitious women, without nearing the brink of burnout.
Read moreEchika Obijiaku, a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria
Echika Obijiaku, founder, Mwanga (Nigeria)
Startup Story
Echika Obijiaku is the founder of Mwanga - a digital-first ethical debt recovery and business process outsourcing (BPO) firm dedicated to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. Trusted by some of the continent’s leading lenders, Mwanga is on a mission to get at least 10 million Africans out of debt by 2030. Echika’s Obijiaku background is multidisciplinary with experience in leading high-performing teams across industries. Echika is also a chartered accountant with the ACCA, UK . She has 16+ years of combined consulting experience with leading firms like Deloitte & Touché, Alexander Forbes Nigeria & South Africa and others.
Read moreIrina Samade, a floral design entrepreneur creating beautiful flower arrangements and gifts for every occasion
Irina Samade, founder and floral designer, Frangipani Flores (Mozambique)
Startup Story
Irina Samade is the founder and floral designer at Frangipani Flores in Mozambique. She has been working with Floral Art for 15 years having taken a number of specialist floral arrangement courses in Portugal, Brazil, USA and Mozambique. Her passion for flowers started very early with her mother growing violets in their garden. Then, unconsciously, she started toying with making floral arrangements for family and friends' birthdays, but at that time was very far from thinking about being a florist or opening a floristry business. However, all that changed with the launch of her floral design business, Frangipani Flores in 2014. Today, she remains curious in this specialist area of floral design and is constantly inspired by the work of renowned florists around the world.
Read moreZebeline Ertance, an impact driven agribusiness builder in Madagascar
Zebeline Ertance
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Videeko Vanilla, a business growing and exporting the highest quality premium Vanilla in Madagascar and creating economic opportunities for local women
Zebeline Ertance is the founder and managing partner of Videeko Vanilla ZP in Madagascar. Videeko Vanilla is a licensed exporter in Madagascar that grows, cures, and exports premium vanilla beans from its farms, it’s family-owned farms, and its cooperative in the Mananara Madagascar. Videeko support the local community in Mananara by employing over 100 local families, specifically woman, with high paying wages. Zebeline founded Videeko in 2019 and now employs over 100 people, many of them women from local communities. She has 20 years of experience in the vanilla industry.
Read moreThe Power of Integration: Aligning Passion and Purpose in Entrepreneurship
by Sarah Dusek
Embracing who we truly are unlocks our true potential. As women entrepreneurs, we often face immense pressure to fit into certain molds—to appear a specific way, to act within socially accepted boundaries, and to pursue goals that align with what’s considered appropriate for us. We’re encouraged to be successful, but only in ways that fit society’s expectations. The truth is, when we bring our whole, authentic selves to our businesses—beyond those imposed limits—we can create opportunities not just for growth but for building something deeply aligned with who we are and the impact we want to make in the world.
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