the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
Victoria Marie Gallagher
Book Review
If you are an entrepreneur ready to break free from financial limitations and unlock the secrets to wealth and financial freedom, then Victoria Marie Gallagher’s new book, Practical Wealth Attraction: The Enlightened Entrepreneur's Guide to Manifesting Business Success, is a great read. She believes that financial success isn’t just about hustling and grinding harder—it’s about aligning your vision, energy, and actions with the flow of abundance.
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by Jenny Reid
In today’s competitive job market, where talent is often scarce and companies must act quickly to secure top candidates, the candidate experience during the hiring process has become a crucial element in the overall success of recruitment strategies.
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by Seanice Lojede
In a world where the pace of change shows no signs of slowing, the concept of intelligence is evolving beyond traditional measures of IQ and even the well-known Emotional Intelligence (EQ). As we navigate increasingly complex social, cultural, and environmental landscapes, new forms of intelligence are gaining prominence, each offering unique insights into how we can thrive in a dynamic world.
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by Ntsoaki Sibiya
In my own experience, success hasn’t always come from working harder, but from working smarter. And one of the most impactful decisions I made was investing in a mentor. Mentorship, I’ve learned, is so much more than just an exchange of knowledge. It’s a partnership that fosters personal growth and empowers you to become a better leader. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or are a seasoned business owner, I can honestly say that mentorship is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
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by Dr Michélle Booysen
“Speed is the currency of the modern world.”
In general, customers expect speedy, and even instant responses. Businesses must prioritize speed without compromising quality. Automation provides the solution, streamlining workflows and reducing response times to meet and exceed customer expectations. Start by mapping your customer lifecycle process and then consider the following.
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Marwa Soudi
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Ideasgym, a multifaceted business dedicated to fostering innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Egypt
Marwa Soudi is the co-founder of IdeasGym, leading initiatives to enhance STEM education across Egypt. She is a dedicated researcher and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently a doctoral student at Tallinn University, she specializes in Digital Transformation and Responsible AI, focusing on creating tools to help SMEs comply with international AI standards. Marwa is passionate about empowering women in technology and has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the InspiringFifty Africa, IEEE Entrepreneurship Impact Award, Women in Business Innovation Award, "ICT for Women" award and the Tony Elumelu grant for entrepreneurship in Africa. She actively engages in various professional organizations, promoting ethical AI practices and fostering innovation in education. Her business was launched in 2011.
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Lioness Spotlight
According to the IFC, Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness markets are expected to reach $1 trillion in value by 2030. As a result, there is now an increasing focus on extending agribusiness value chains, recognizing that 60 percent of Africans derive their livelihoods from agriculture. In the Lionesses of Africa community, there are a growing number of women entrepreneurs who are playing key roles in Africa’s growing agribusiness story, country by country, community by community. They are building successful growth businesses that harness the potential of the raw materials grown on the African continent by transforming them into high quality, nutritious food products that consumers both locally and globally want to buy. In our special focus on trailblazing women entrepreneurs in Africa’s agribusiness sector, we introduce some of those who are making their mark in this important industry sector across the continent.
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What we’re loving this week
In this week’s Woman Made In Africa showcase this week, we introduce you to Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating world-class products that the world wants to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak in Kenya; Maureen Obaweya, founder of Morin O Designs in Nigeria; Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique; Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, cofounders of Reform Studio in Egypt; and Alice Kivuva, founder of Five Stars Africa in Kenya.
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Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, founders, The Professional Mind Resilience Institute (South Africa)
Startup Story
The Professional Mind Resilience Institute, empowers legal practitioners to attain unparalleled excellence, find balance in their personal lives, and transcend the boundaries of traditional legal practice in South Africa. The business, which launched in 2024, is on a mission is to enhance cognitive abilities, personal resilience, and professional expertise through comprehensive courses and workshops tailored specifically for legal professionals.
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Nonkululeko Williams, founder and CEO, Luminous Era (South Africa)
Startup Story
Nonkululeko Williams is the founder and CEO of Luminous Era, a South Africa-based skincare brand dedicated to addressing the unique skincare needs of individuals with diverse skin tones, focusing on effective solutions for issues such as sunburn, aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Her vision is to expand the brand internationally and tap into the pan-African market. With over six years of entrepreneurial experience, Nonkululeko has dedicated herself to researching the skincare industry, identifying her target market, and honing in on her passion and niche.
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Mimi Whyte Femi, founder, Skin Therapy Beauty and Spa (Nigeria)
Lioness Launch
Skin Therapy Beauty and Spa, the Nigerian skincare brand launched by Mimi Whyte Femi in 2012, and known as a sanctuary for skin healing and beauty enhancement, announces three new revolutionary products in its range. Founded by someone who understands the personal battle with skin issues, the brand’s mission is to provide holistic, personalized skincare solutions. From inception, the brand has been dedicated to transforming skin health through organic, scientifically-backed treatments and products, offering everything from facials to advanced laser therapies, all tailored to individual skin types and concerns.
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Carrie Kerpen
Book Review
The Whisper Way: The Secret Formula for Women Entrepreneurs to Scale and Sell for Life-Changing Money by Carrie Kerpen is a game-changing guide for women to turn their lifestyle businesses into sellable life-changing assets, closing the exit gap, and ensuring they earn as as much as their male counterparts—if not more.
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by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
Firstly, an apology. We had previously written that the amount of investment from the VC world that flows into all-women founded businesses each year was stuck firmly at 2%. There was nothing it seemed we or the world could do. No matter how large the amount of money that ticked the 2X Challenge boxes, no matter the amount of time spent on this iniquitous issue, and no matter the amount of times we highlighted this, 2% always seems to be the result. The other 98% consisted of a mixed founding teams (usually around 20% of total) or all male (making up the balance of 78-80%).
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by Margaret Hirsch
January is here, and with it comes the buzz of big goals, vision boards, and promises to ourselves that this year will be different. But let’s be honest—setting goals is the easy part. The real magic happens in the small, daily actions that bring those goals to life.
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by Sharon Castle - Lifestyle and Wellness Coach
This year has been the year where I heard and adopted the phrase “MY QTR” - My quality time remaining. There comes a moment in life when we realize the clock is ticking - not in a way that feels rushed or urgent, but in a way that whispers of the preciousness of the time we have remaining. It’s a sobering and clarifying truth: life is finite. And in that realization lies a profound opportunity to live with greater intention, vitality, and joy.
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by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA
The World Economic Forum (WEF) often seems to be the domain of large public policymakers and multinational corporations (MNCs). However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can learn from the conversations and insights shared at events like Davos—this year, particularly around geopolitics, the future of work, sustainability, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence (AI).
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by Dr Michélle Booysen
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates
Customer complaints are an inevitable part of business, but how an organization responds defines its reputation and future success. A process-centric approach to complaint handling ensures consistency, builds trust, and turns negative experiences into opportunities for growth.
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Catherine Wijnberg
Book Review
The Art of Acceleration, the groundbreaking new book by Catherine Wijnberg, entrepreneur and founder of Fetola, is a blueprint for entrepreneurs transforming economies. It provides key insights into how small businesses, driven by resilient entrepreneurs, can be the key to fostering economic growth, reducing inequality, and uplifting communities.
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Kim Williams
Lioness Launch
South Africa’s vibrant heritage deserves to be celebrated every day, and the newly launched Kim Williams RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range powerfully encapsulates this essence. First unveiled at Decorex Cape Town in 2024, the range was born from the dynamic collaboration between esteemed Cape Town based interior designer Kim Williams and acclaimed fashion designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi. The collection, inspired by the essence of togetherness and the powerful role of South African women in our lives, beautifully blends the rich symbolism of local culture with modern design, showcasing a commitment to community, heritage, and beauty. Part of the stunning selection of home décor items includes elegant placemats designed to instantly elevate any table setting, along with a beautifully crafted carpet collection in partnership with Airloom.
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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: Wunmi Olufeko, founder, Design for Love (DFL) Nigeria; Ana Alecia Lyman, founder, Oleos de Miombo, Mozambique; Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder, ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya); Adenike Ogunlesi, founder Ruff n Tumble (Nigeria); Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder, Afrobotanics (South Africa).
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