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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
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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    • Events Homepage & Booking
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    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
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    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Taryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Taryn Blignaut (founder) & Senamiso Moyo, Legal Ninjas (South Africa)

Startup Story

Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Legal
Comment

Nomso Kana, a pioneer harnessing technology to drive positive change

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nomso Kana

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Simsciex Technologies, a leading provider of comprehensive broadband infrastructure solutions in South Africa

Nomso Kana, the founder of Simsciex Technologies in South Africa, is a distinguished nuclear scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the field of technology and innovation. With a passion for harnessing technology to drive positive change, Nomso established Simsciex Technologies in 2014 to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in broadband infrastructure, driving economic growth and development. Today the company has created jobs for 15 people. In addition to her role as founder, Nomso is a renowned expert in nuclear science, energy, policies, and connectivity. Her extensive expertise led to her appointment as a Commissioner for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the Presidency in 2019.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Technology
Comment

Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

As ESG factors become crucial to corporate success, boards all over the world are under stakeholder pressure to evolve. Investors, regulators, and the public are demanding greater transparency and accountability. Conversely, boards are yet to build the needed preparedness to address ESG risks, resulting in financial underperformance and reputational damage. This has created a significant gap, as revealed by the African Financial Investor Relations article, which found that fewer than half of global boards, particularly in Africa, fully understand ESG concepts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nkemdilim Begho, ESG
Comment

A Christmas Fantasy: Wishes Beyond Material Possessions

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

For dreamers like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in the wonder and magic of fantasy. I can let my imagination run wild and dream of the extraordinary. If I were to make an unconventional Christmas wish list, one that contains no material possessions (because if I told you the material things I wish for, you might faint!) here’s what would be on it:

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Dream
Comment

My Word for 2025: Collaboration

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As we approach the new year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past and the opportunities that lie ahead. Each year, I choose a guiding word that encapsulates my focus and intention for the months to come. For 2025, my word is collaboration.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Collaboration
Comment

The Role of Processes in Delivering Outstanding Customer Service

December 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

"Great customer service doesn't happen by accident. It happens by design." – Clare Muscutt

Customer service is important.  Consistency, efficiency, and responsiveness in customer service are essential to effectively serve and retain customers. Processes play a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes, ensuring that every customer interaction aligns with your business standards and goals.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

The Apple Stand: How To Rekindle The Love For Your Business by Jennifer Dawn

December 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Jennifer Dawn

Book Review

If the daily grind has dimmed your entrepreneurial fire, The Apple Stand: How To Rekindle The Love For Your Business by Jennifer Dawn will reignite your passion. This is a book that will help you to rediscover the joy of entrepreneurship. Jennifer’s insights and guidance will help to heal limiting beliefs, shift perspectives, and balance tactical action with self-care to rekindle your purpose, financial flow and original enthusiasm. This inspiring guide lights a torch from lessons learned on Jennifer’s own journey of setbacks and triumph.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Reflect, recharge and rev up: Ending 2024 with purpose and power

December 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the festive buzz, the shopping lists, and the year-end rush. But I’ve found that this time of year isn’t just about closing the books on another year—it’s about planting seeds for what’s to come. While we’re stringing up holiday lights, we should also be stringing together our plans and dreams for 2025. Let’s talk about how to finish this year with purpose and step into the new one with intention.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The Global Context Has Changed and Context Rules!

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Louise Mowbray

The power of context, why it always rules and how developing your Contextual Intelligence empowers you to adapt and thrive.

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In Guest Blog Tags Louise Mowbray, Strategy
Comment

The Gender Funding Gap in African Start-Ups

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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%.

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In Guest Blog Tags Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
Comment

It’s Christmas – Go Ahead and be Delusional!

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Dream
Comment

Mercia Bie, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to bring natural flavours to her customers’ cuisines

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Startup Story, Portuguese Content Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink
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Lusanda Omelo, a South African digital marketing and AI automation business helping SMMEs establish their online presence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme, three entrepreneurs empowering organisations in ESG excellence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien, Bella Ikeme, ESG
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Lorato Mosetlhanyane, an entrepreneur passionate about leadership coaching

December 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Cover Story Tags Botswana, Skills Training & Development
Comment

Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy by Mimi Kalinda

December 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Women are uniquely situated to be agents of change, so should we not be asking more of those who control the money?

December 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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’.

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In Team Lioness Tags Women's Empowerment
Comment

Veronique-Chantelle Mew, a South African entrepreneur building a superior quality clothing brand tailored for tall women

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
Comment

Lilian Maira, a Kenyan sustainable fashion brand builder creating high quality, uniquely designed, and handcrafted bags

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Fashion
Comment

Screen your house and pet sitters

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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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 · 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.

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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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