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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Inez Ferreira, an entrepreneur building a one-stop-shop for property solutions in South Africa

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Inez Ferreira, founder, IF Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

Inez Ferreira is the founder of IF Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, a business with over 75 years of combined experience, and a trusted partner for all property-related services. This expert team excels in everything from building plans and town planning to architecture, engineering, and sectional title management, with clients’ glowing feedback speaking to the company’s commitment to excellence and quality. Inez launched the business in 2024, creating jobs for 8 people.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Architectural Design, Real Estate
Comment

Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Morongwe Mokone

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo's Crib, a sustainable homeware manufacturing company in South Africa turning handcrafted design into a multinational business

Mo’s Crib is a home décor and design company specializing in practical handmade items using recycled materials, based in South Africa. Mo’s Crib manufactures sustainable homeware for the global market and is currently the largest exporter of African crafts in Africa. Deeply passionate about sustainability, the company has turned Morongwe Mokone’s, Co-Founder of Mo’s Crib and winner of the 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot, love for handcrafted design into a multinational business with award-winning products in department stores around the world. One basket at a time, Morongwe weaves the way forward driving innovation and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Home Accessories, Artisan Enterprise
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What we're loving this week

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

In this week’s spotlight on all things Woman Made In Africa, we are showcasing Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating sustainable, quality products that discerning and impact-driven customers want to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Harem in South Africa, founded by Rayana Edwards, a business creating a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics; The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano, an online store creating customized gift items and eye-catching potted plants, all locally sourced and made in Kenya; Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde, a luxury fashion brand renowned for its signature soft silks and ethereal chiffons that form delicate drapings and flowing silhouettes; Dokmai Rwanda, founded by Bernadette Umunyana, a business producing a range of high quality leather fashion accessories that are proudly made and designed in Rwanda; and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, a fruit processing, packaging and distribution company focused on being the 'leading fruit agribusiness in Nigeria’.

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In What we're loving
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Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

Book review

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer’s new book, Afro-Optimism Unleashed, is just what the African continent’s women entrepreneurs need right now during these challenging and uncertain times. For all those women business builders who are passionate about driving their African businesses forward, but feel like they’re stuck in neutral, this is the book for you.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

World Backup Day: Who Makes Decisions Regarding Your Data Protection and Organisational Integrity?

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

World Backup Day, observed on the 31st of March, reminded businesses globally, to protect their data from theft, loss or corruption and focuses on how essential it is that data protections are as comprehensive as possible. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
Comment

The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Geopolitical Disruptions

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 90% of businesses worldwide, and play a pivotal role in economic development and employment. Given shifting geopolitical landscapes—from trade tensions to international aid cuts—these businesses must recognize and address the emotional and mental well-being of their stakeholders. This is particularly crucial at a time when geopolitical changes are already having an impact.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Creating a legacy through mentorship and leadership

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

Have you ever paused to think about the impact you are making—not just today, but in the years to come? Legacy isn’t just about wealth or status; it’s about the lives you touch, the lessons you pass on, and the path you pave for others. True leaders don’t just build businesses or careers; they build people. And the most profound way to do that is through mentorship.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
Comment

Performance Management: The Role of Metrics in Process Improvement

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” – Peter Drucker

Processes are the foundation of operational efficiency, but without measurable data, businesses risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than insights. Metrics provide a clear, objective view of how well processes are performing and where improvements are needed. By tracking the right metrics, one can identify inefficiencies, enhance performance, and drive continuous improvement.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

Lioness Launch / Feelgood Health, South Africa’s leading natural remedies company, launches new website for the holistic treatment of ADHD in children

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Michele Carelse, Founder, Feelgood Health and Clinical Psychologist (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Feelgood Health is a natural remedies company that specialises in herbal and homeopathic remedies and essential oils for babies, children, adults, and even the family pet. The company’s mission is to make natural alternatives widely available to everyone and to promote the use of safe, natural holistic alternatives for better health outcomes. Feelgood Health products are available online as well as in health shops, pharmacies, vet shops and retail stores throughout South Africa.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Health & Wellbeing
Comment

What we're loving this week

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

In this week’s spotlight on all things Woman Made In Africa, we are showcasing Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating sustainable, quality products that discerning and impact-driven customers want to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Brincadeira, a vibrant earrings brand with an exclusive design approach, located in Maputo, Mozambique and founded by Nuria Arbelo; Dounia Home the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper; Mariée Eventos, the specialist wedding planning and eventing business based in Mozambique, founded by Iris Lezi Munguambe; Mulandi Brindes, a niche floral design company based in Mozambique and founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete; and artisan chocolatier Mon Choco based in Cote d’Ivoire, founded by Dana Mroueh.

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In What we're loving
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Nokuphila Gumede, an impact-focused entrepreneur integrating drone technology with precision agriculture to help farmers improve their businesses

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nokuphila Gumede, CEO and founder, Field Tech Environmental Solutions (South Africa)

Startup Story

Nokuphila Gumede is the CEO and founder of Field Tech Environmental Solutions, a pioneering South African company that integrates advanced drone technology with precision agriculture. Since founding the business in 2021, she has led its growth, providing farmers with cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions for crop management. Under her leadership, Field Tech has expanded to employ 10 permanent staff and deliver services such as pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, and farm mapping. A recognized leader, Nokuphila has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Green Youth Innovators Pitch, and was a finalist in both the Standard Bank EmpowerHer Awards and National Presidential Awards.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Agri-Tech
Comment

Pretty Kubyane, a South African award-winning techpreneur transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Pretty Kubyane, Co-Founder, eFama App (South Africa)

Startup Story

Pretty Kubyane, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and Tech Lead, is the Co-Founder of eFama App, launched in 2023. Inspired by her late father’s business ventures, she began her entrepreneurial journey at six. Holding 20+ certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain, she leads eFama in transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain. Under her leadership, eFama has secured backing from major companies in the USA, UK, and South Africa, including banks and tech firms. Named a Rising Star in 2022, Pretty drives innovation and social impact across Africa, together with her team of 7 employees, supported by a strong network of industry experts, investors and advisors.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-Tech, Apps
Comment

No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Catherine Cowart Roe

Book Review

In her new book, No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back, author Catherine Cowart Roe challenges the expectation in society that, as entrepreneurs we need to be available 24/7. She says, this isn't true! Being on call for your business is actually undermining your growth and productivity. Setting and maintaining boundaries and limits is the key to success. No More 24/7 provides a path with actionable steps for busy entrepreneurs like yourself to reclaim your freedom. Through these practices, you will take control of your life and become more efficient than before.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Tshego Molefi

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Moli & Mela Group, a business providing innovative and sustainable waste management solutions in South Africa

Tshego Molefi is the co-founder and Managing Director of Moli & Mela Group, a specialist waste management business in South Africa, founded in 2017 and today employing 60 people. A former journalist turned business leader, she is now an award-winning entrepreneur, fostering change in the male dominated waste management industry. She is bold, resilient, and driven by faith. Her success goes beyond business—it’s about impact. Her humble beginnings have inspired her philanthropic work, particularly in the education sector, where she uses her resources to provide education for those that are less fortunate. She believes education is indeed the key to success.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Green Business, Recycling
Comment

Does your employee screening policy address cyber crime risks in your organisation?

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

As cybercrime continues to surge in South Africa, the importance of effective employee screening to address this risk is paramount. 

In 2024 alone, Interpol reported over 3,300 global cybercrime incidents affecting governments, banks, and the general public each week, reflecting a growing threat landscape. With cyber threats increasingly targeting organisations across South Africa, businesses must prioritise comprehensive screening processes to safeguard against potential breaches stemming from internal and external sources. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
Comment

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts – The SME Perspective

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

The Inspiration: Seeing the Impact of Geopolitics Up Close

I had the privilege of attending NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a guest of NBA Africa. There I joined the annual Newsmaker Breakfast. The session discussion was moderated by journalist Stephanie Ruhle and featured media giants Tom Friedman, Rashida Jones, and David Brooks. It resonated deeply and Roland Martin and Michael Eric Dyson were in the room. However, it was the question "How does what is happening domestically in the U.S. reflect globally?"—posed during the Q&A—that struck me.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Performance Management: Aligning Processes with Business Goals to Drive Performance

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Every process is an opportunity for performance improvement.” – Michael Hammer

Over the past ten blogs, we have explored how processes play a crucial role in delivering outstanding customer service. The next series shifts focus to how aligning processes with business goals drives performance, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Management Advice, Strategy
Comment

Think Like a Designer: Design Thinking for Legal Professionals

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sonja Cilliers and Maryke Groenewald

The legal profession is facing an era of unprecedented change. Rapid technological advancements, evolving client expectations and increasing regulatory complexities demand that legal professionals adapt and innovate. Traditional legal problem-solving methods, while effective in many respects, can often be rigid and slow to respond to modern challenges. Design thinking, a human-centred, iterative approach to problem-solving, offers legal professionals a fresh perspective to enhance client service, improve efficiency, and drive meaningful innovation.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, Legal
Comment

What we're loving this week

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

In this week’s spotlight on all things Woman Made In Africa, we are showcasing Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating sustainable, quality products that discerning and impact-driven customers want to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Bio Óleos de Miombo (BOM), a sustainable skincare brand founded by Ana Alecia Lyman in Mozambique; Pichulik, a decade-old ethical jewellery atelier founded by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, based in Cape Town, South Africa; Ledikana, a high quality, contemporary clothing brand founded by Mapholo Ratau, based in South Africa; and the exciting sporting clothing brand for style-conscious cyclists, FiveStars Africa in Kenya, founded by Alice Kivuva.

Read more
In What we're loving
Comment

Lioness Launch / Cabinet International Kaizene launches new Bold4Growth professional development for women leaders

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Lynda Aphing-Kouassi

Lioness Launch

Kaizene International was founded by Mrs. Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, a recognized leader committed to skills development and business transformation. Her experience and expertise have allowed her to build a strategic network of financial and institutional partners, significantly enhancing the impact of the programs deployed. Thanks to her vision and leadership, Kaizene International has become a key partner for businesses and institutions seeking growth and structured development.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Consulting Services
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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