by Teboho Seretlo
Fellow Lionesses, it’s been a minute! As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting deeply on my journey in 2024—the lessons I have learned and the priorities I am setting for the year ahead.
Read moreTwenty Twenty Thrive: Your Year to Flourish
by Margaret Hirsch
As the clock ticks toward the start of a new year, there’s an air of anticipation, a sense of possibility that anything can happen. This year, let’s go beyond mere resolutions. Let’s focus on thriving—both professionally and personally. Thriving means more than just surviving the day-to-day grind; it’s about flourishing, finding joy, and achieving your highest potential.
Read moreWhat we're loving this week
What we’re loving this week
At Lionesses of Africa, there is nothing we like to do more than celebrate all things Woman Made In Africa, showcasing the world-class products being created by Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs. Catching our attention this week are: Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, co-founders of Reform Studio in Egypt; Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa; Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS in Ghana; Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu in Nigeria/UK; and Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder of Dvyn Treat Batamba in Mozambique.
Read moreNow You're the Boss: A Complete Playbook for New Entrepreneurs by Sika A Lawson
Sika A. Lawson
Book Review
Now You’re the Boss, the new book by Sika A Lawson, is a complete playbook for turning your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality. Whether you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or already have an established business, this book teaches entrepreneurs how to successfully grow and scale their businesses, then leverage them as a vehicle for building generational wealth. It is packed with practical strategies and resources to guide you every step of the way. From getting properly set up, to building a personal brand that makes you unforgettable, to mastering the art of networking and scaling your venture, it provides valuable tips and insights to help navigate this journey.
Read moreCelestina Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about transforming society's diet and nutritional habits
Celestina Langa, founder and ceo, Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd (Mozambique)
Startup Story
Celestina Langa is the founder and ceo of Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd in Mozambique, a company dedicated to agro-processing and the valorization of local food products, with a focus on dietary health and nutritional well-being. Her entrepreneurial trajectory is marked by a strong dedication to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in the food sector. Celestina has a degree in Food Sciences from the Pedagogical University of Mozambique and, throughout her career, has continually dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and skills. She is currently completing her Master of Business in the Street (MBS) at Interweave Solutions Academy, which has provided her with strategic vision and improved skills in business management, further strengthening her profile as an entrepreneur and leader.
Read moreTaryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa
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.
Read moreNomso Kana, a pioneer harnessing technology to drive positive change
Nomso Kana
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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.
Read moreBridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance
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.
Read moreA Christmas Fantasy: Wishes Beyond Material Possessions
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:
Read moreMy Word for 2025: Collaboration
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.
Read moreThe Role of Processes in Delivering Outstanding Customer Service
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.
Read moreThe Apple Stand: How To Rekindle The Love For Your Business by Jennifer Dawn
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.
Read moreReflect, recharge and rev up: Ending 2024 with purpose and power
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.
Read moreThe Global Context Has Changed and Context Rules!
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
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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
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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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