Lionesses of Africa Event
Welcome address by Peter-Derrek Hof, Ambassador Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Director Social Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Start-Up Night Africa on Wednesday 17 September 2025.
Read moreThe 3rd Start-Up Night Africa event in The Hague connects high-growth women entrepreneurs from Africa and the Netherlands to access new markets, partnerships, and funding opportunities
Lionesses of Africa Event
Finding solutions to closing the continuing gender finance gap for high-growth women entrepreneurs in Africa and the Netherlands was the key focus of discussion at the 3rd Start-Up Night Africa event on 17 September 2025, in The Hague, The Netherlands. The event was once again hosted by Lionesses of Africa, a fast-growing social impact organisation with 1.8 million women entrepreneurs across the African continent, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Netherlands. Opening remarks were delivered by Lionesses of Africa founder & ceo, Melanie Hawken; Peter Derrek Hof, Ambassador Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Director Social Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and a special address was given by African Guarantee Fund Group CEO, Mr Jules Ngankam.
Read moreLionesses in Profile / Meet the 10 women entrepreneurs showcased at Start-Up Night Africa, The Hague 2025
Lionesses of Africa Event
As a key driver of Lionesses of Africa’s ‘Access to Markets and Investment Programme,’ Start-Up Night Africa in The Hague aimed to connect Africa’s high-growth women entrepreneurs to European investment opportunities, and women entrepreneurs in The Netherlands looking to expand their current businesses in Africa. We showcased 10 inspirational women entrepreneurs in growth-mode at the event on 17 September 2025, all looking for new investment, markets, and collaboration opportunities. If you didn’t get to meet each of them on the evening, then take a look at their pitch videos, which have all been published on the Lionesses of Africa website, and make those all important connections now.
Read moreMorongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone
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 moreWalk With Me: A Journey into Data Privacy
by Shenea Graham
I want to share something personal — a journey I’m still on. It’s about data privacy. Not the technical, legal kind you might scroll past, but the kind that sneaks up on you and suddenly matters more than you realised.
Read moreBusiness Growth: Designing Scalable Processes for Membership-Based Organizations
by Dr Michélle Booysen
"Scalability is about building systems that work at ten customers as well as ten thousand." — Reid Hoffman
As part of our series on how processes support growth, this week we focus on Designing Scalable Processes for Membership-Based Organizations. Growth is not just about acquiring more members—it's about delivering consistent value as that base expands. A scalable process ensures that operations remain efficient, personalized, and sustainable no matter the size of the community.
Read moreDo you believe that the HR role in business is evolving?
by Jenny Reid
In the rapidly changing landscape of global business, Human Resources (HR) is no longer just an administrative function managing payroll, recruitment, and employee records. The trajectory of HR's evolution over recent decades shows a clear shift toward becoming a strategic driver within organisations, a vital partner in shaping corporate success and mitigating human-related risks.
Read moreThe Capital Catalyst: Driving Investment and Market Access for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
by Melanie Hawken, Founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa
On 17 September 2025 in The Hague, we gathered for Start‑Up Night Africa — our third time hosting this event in the Netherlands, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Netherlands, and the seventh event of its kind around the globe. It remains clear why the Netherlands serves so well as our European HQ: it is a hub of innovation, a champion of gender equality, and a bridge for African women entrepreneurs seeking to access new markets and investment.
Read moreWhat we're loving this week
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: Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in South Africa, a high impact business that transforms mohair it into luxury yarns and clothing; Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocolatier, Selassie Atadika, who captures the essence of nature’s tastes in every luxury chocolate she produces; Vanhu Vamwe, the luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand co-founded by the uber-talented creative, Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, who combines cutting edge design with traditional craftsmanship; Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, who tells African stories through her designs; and Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa by Helen Viljoen.
Read moreThe 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
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.
Read moreMirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, founder and ceo, MJ Consulting (Mozambique)
Startup Story
With two decades of experience, Mirza Jamal is a recognized professional in the areas of strategic marketing, corporate communications, and public relations, with a career marked by innovation, leadership, and social impact. As founder and ceo of MJ Consulting in Mozambique, she works to develop creative and accessible solutions for strengthening brands, empowering entrepreneurs, and promoting purposeful events.
Read moreLovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, founder, Luvast Bakery (South Africa)
Startup Story
Lovable Dladla is the founder of Luvast Bakery, located in Newcastle, South Africa. She is a self-taught baker and started her business in 2020 with no external funds, building it organically over time. Even though she originally studied engineering, she really found her passion in business, and one of her key motivations as an entrepreneur is to build a thriving business that can help other families in the future by creating jobs.
Read moreDr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi
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 moreThe BOLD Change the World: Lessons from GEC 2025
by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA
Arriving in Indianapolis for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) felt like being welcomed home by a community of friends. GEC chose Indiana intentionally, recognizing the state’s strong startup ecosystem and culture of innovation. “The BOLD Change the World” was the event’s tagline, but also served as a call to action. From the moment we landed, GEC volunteers greeted each of the 5,000 attendees arriving from 150 countries, guiding us to buses, sharing local dining tips, and ensuring a seamless transition to the main conference hotel. Registration was swift, credentials were issued (Founder, Ecosystem Builder, Policymaker, Investor), and a sense of shared purpose was already in the air.
Read moreBusiness Growth - The Critical Role of Process in Expanding to New Markets
by Dr Michélle Booysen
“You can’t scale chaos. You can only scale clarity.” – Anonymous
Expanding into new markets is an exciting growth milestone—but it also brings complexity, risk, and the need for operational precision. Whether you're entering a new region, industry, or customer segment, success depends on more than ambition. It requires robust, repeatable processes that guide your team, protect your standards, and adapt to new conditions.
Read moreWhat's Your Money Mindset? (And Why It Might Be Running Your Whole Life)
by Seanice Lojede
What if I told you that your relationship with money was decided before you could even spell “budget"? This morning, I hosted a powerful training session. The women of Stanbic Bank Uganda's Ignite mentorship program gathered virtually for a session called "Money & Your Mindset" and something extraordinary happened. One woman messaged, "I would pay VERY GOOD money for this." Another said, "This is the first time I've understood why I do what I do with money.” From the first few minutes, you could feel the energy shift. Heads nodding. Eyes widening. Truths landing. They didn't just learn about money, honestly - they met themselves, truthfully, and maybe for the first time in this way. I FELT IT TOO! What we explored wasn’t how to budget or save (though that’s important). It was something deeper: the invisible beliefs and emotional habits that shape how we relate to money. And ultimately, how we lead our lives.
Read moreBeyond Networking: Building Strategic Sisterhood That Fuel Growth
by Ntsoaki Sibiya
There is a moment in every woman’s journey when she realizes that success alone is not enough. It is not enough to collect business cards, chase applause, or sit at every table just to be seen. I reached that moment years ago - in a boardroom full of people, yet profoundly alone in my mission. My business was growing, yes. My name was on event posters, my calendar was full. But behind the scenes, I was carrying the weight of leadership in isolation. Surrounded, yet unseen. Accomplished, yet unanchored. That’s when I began to understand something no networking event had ever taught me:
You don’t just need more contacts. You need a council. You need an advisory board. A strategy of proximity.
Read moreGladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, founder Caleb’s Farm Cabins (South Africa)
Startup Stories
Gladys Kgorane is a visionary entrepreneur and woman of faith, driven by a deep desire to create spaces of healing, rest, and joyful connection. As the founder of Caleb’s Farm Cabins in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she has transformed a quiet piece of land into a peaceful farm destination offering accommodation, events, and wellness retreats. Rooted in purpose and inspired by the Biblical story of Caleb, Gladys is passionate about helping others find peace, celebrate life’s moments, and rediscover hope through nature and hospitality.
Read moreDrienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, founder, Meant to Bee (PTY) Ltd (South Africa)
Startup Story
Drienie Botes is an experienced entrepreneur and community upliftment advocate in South Africa, with over 25 years of leadership in business development and social impact. She has founded multiple successful ventures, including a pearl import business and Meant to Bee (PTY) Ltd, a business focused on empowering rural women through sustainable beekeeping and market access. Skilled in strategic planning, international trade, and capacity building, Drienie is passionate about driving economic independence and transforming communities through innovative, purpose-driven enterprises. She launched Meant to Bee in 2021 and today it has created economic opportunities for 36 people.
Read moreWomen 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
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.
Read more