Ifeoma Uddoh, a Nigerian fintech entrepreneur positively changing lives

April 16, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Shecluded, a female-focused fintech dedicated to creating economic prosperity for women through access to financial services.

Ifeoma Uddoh is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Shecluded, a female-focused FINTECH dedicated to creating economic prosperity for women through access to financial services. Since inception, Shecluded has been recognized internationally and was selected as one of NASDAQs milestone makers for its contribution to reducing inequality. Ifeoma is a Halcyon Fellow and her career spans over a decade in Consulting, Analytics, and Seed Funding for notable companies including PwC, and IROKO Partners Limited. Thanks to her hands-on experience with gender-lens financing, Ifeoma has featured on several entrepreneurship panels and master-classes hosted by First Bank, JohnHopkins University, Tekedia Institute, etc. She started her business in 2019, and today it employs 15 people.

State of Despair - ‘THUMP!’ Part I. The current state of play

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

This is a three-part look at the fund management industry as it pertains to our inspirational 1.7 million members of Lionesses of Africa. We start by looking at the current state of play. Then we will look at what everyone says is the obvious solution (such as more women in decision-making positions within the fund management industry) and then finally offer some of our suggestions as to what the solution might look like, or at the very least, what tools we need to move the dial forward. As usual, these are not academic articles, as we inject a more chatty approach to life. However, where necessary, we do direct to the source (many are academic and so peer reviewed) for your interest. We do not suggest that for one minute we have all the answers. However, if our views bring about #lesstalkmoreaction (our evening prayer), and actually start to close the funding gap, or increase the investment into the ‘missing middle’, we shall sleep a little easier. We would welcome your feedback, suggestions and even offers of assistance, because the current situation has been allowed to fester for too long, constricting too many inspirational businesses. Enjoy!

Self-employed & Retirement: A Stumbling Block for Many

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Are you self-employed and feeling stressed about not having sufficient retirement savings? Plenty of business owners are still seen to be actively working years after reaching retirement age. They really love what they do, or they don’t have somebody reliable to take over or they don’t want to let go of their ‘baby’ are the common reasons provided to explain this situation. Yes, these can be valid reasons or reasons contributing to the situation, but for many business owners the harsh reality is that they cannot afford to go on retirement.

Checklist for Healthy Finances in 2023

November 20, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Many people set New Year resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Some people aspire to lose weight, to exercise on a regular basis, to eat healthier, to spend more time with their loved ones or to start a new business. We all have more energy, new ideas and new goals at the beginning of a new year. It is also the perfect time to get your personal finances in order for the remainder of the year. Definitely a resolution that you want to turn into reality, because it will create financial security and stability for you and your family.

Get Paid!

April 17, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile

In 2021 I made a decision to go retail. I have been thinking about this for maybe a 100 years LOL! In line with my creative procrastination talent, I think and ponder and wonder and eventually go in scared. After this decision I had to decide how; I then approached my options and received 2 yesses. So now, we are mainly online with Shopify and Zando. This sound easy right, like just two more sales channels. Alas, my brain has been fried with set up on both platforms, it took 4 – 6 weeks to complete the set up. Even with help!

Am I the only one struggling to get business funding?

July 18, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Linda Zuze (PhD)

Mbali had taken longer than planned to leave her corporate job and pursue a lifelong dream of running a catering business. There was always a reason to put it off. She was too young. She needed the financial security. She would be crazy to walk away from a steady salary when so many people depended on her. Finally, she took the leap. She never looked back. Mbali’s business was growing so quickly that she needed larger premises and additional staff. There was just one problem. She couldn’t pin down the funding that she desperately needed and she had used up all of her personal savings. She had tried everything – from traditional loans, to credit card applications and even equity financing. Nobody seemed as excited about her ideas as she was.

An account that grows with your business

May 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In a move aimed at transforming the banking experience for businesses, Absa has launched a brand-new transactional account called Business Evolve Zero. Specifically designed for sole proprietors’ businesses, it comes with no monthly account fee.

Interest rate cut. Take advantage.

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced an interest rate cut of 1% (100 basis points) effective from March 2020. The interest rate cut brings the repo rate down to 5,25% and the prime lending rate to 8,75%. This follows the previous cut of 0,25% that was announced three months ago in January 2020 bringing the repo rate to 6,25%. The cut in the interest rate is in response to a South African economy struggling for quite some time now.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bernie de Le Cuona: You can grow and fund your business through sales

February 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona — **Bernie de Le Cuona**, founder of de Le Cuona

You can grow and fund your business through sales….

“(My business) was totally self-funded. I never even used an overdraft. It was literally selling something, investing the money from that in something else and selling that.”

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of De Le Cuona

Can a Micro Loan Help My Small Business?

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Are your day-to-day financial needs making it difficult for you to maintain and grow your business operations? This is the problem that small businesses often face when they reach a certain point. There is nothing to be worried about, as there are many options you can choose to manage your financial needs. Micro-loans are considered to be an attractive option for businesses that are going through such kinds of issues.

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Keep reinvesting in your business

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Keep reinvesting in your business…

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“It’s always the finances. I constantly had to find the balance between having enough money to expand, and not sinking into so much debt that I would not be able to sleep at night.”

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Winds of opportunity. Keeping a birds-eye view on your finances.

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

Having a bird’s eye view brings to mind a very common concept. It shows you with one overall look at what you need to know about any situation. We use this in corporate situations and in our own lives. Most entrepreneurs have to take a couple of steps back from their work to take a good look at what they have created, what they are busy with, or their action plans towards reaching their goals. Access the progress and problems.

Entrepreneur Advice from Annie Muronda: Set processes around money

February 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Annie Muronda, founder of Rufaro Garments (South Africa) — **Annie Muronda**, founder of Rufaro Garments (South Africa)

Set processes around money…

“Measure your processes, you can't improve what you don't measure and you cant price your product or service appropriately without it. Set processes around money, i.e. how money is received and paid; the better you manage money, the more money you get to manage. Finally get professional help. You can't do it alone, there are areas where you are weak or simply don't have time to do. Get help so that you can focus on growing the business.”

- Annie Muronda is the founder of Rufaro Garments, a manufacturer and supplier of branded uniforms and marketing materials to schools and corporates in South Africa and the wider SADC region. Annie custom designs innovative uniform distribution strategies that deliver tailor made experiences for her clients.Read Annie’s startup story.

Evandra Cossa, a Mozambican entrepreneur addressing financial inclusion in her country

September 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Evandra Cossa, founder of Ezee Money (Mozambique) — **Evandra Cossa**, founder of Ezee Money (Mozambique)

Ezee Money Mozambique is a new business venture in the country that looks to further financial inclusion for its citizens by being largely telecom independent, enabling users to access pre-paid and money transfer services. Serial entrepreneur, Evandra Cossa, is leveraging existing technology based solutions originating from Malaysia to make a difference in Mozambique.

Quote of the Day by Kofo Akinkugbe

September 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria) — Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria)

"Once you have a good plan and a good concept and you work through it, the funds will always come."

- Kofo Akinkugbe is recognised globally for her entrepreneurial success story and strong business track record. She is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd a market leader in smart card technology and digital security in Africa. SecureID is a world-class manufacturing facility with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. In January 2015 the company commissioned a new state-of-the-art EMV-certified smartcard manufacturing plant – the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

Quote of the Day by Rapelang Rabana

August 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rapelang Rabana, founder of ReKindle Learning (South Africa) — **Rapelang Rabana**, founder of ReKindle Learning (South Africa)

"Ultimately most businesses won’t ever get external funding and client revenue still remains the best form of funding that you will ever get."

- Rapelang Rabana is a South African technology entrepreneur who is making waves both on the African continent and around the world. She established her reputation in the tech sector as the co-founder of Yeigo Communications, a company that gained international recognition for its pioneering innovations in mobile VoIP and IP communications. Today, Rapelang is the innovative founder behind Rekindle Learning, a company looking to improve education in Africa by turning people’s compulsion to check their phones into an opportunity to learn. Featured on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine before the age of 30, selected as a Fast Company Maverick and named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and Entrepreneur for the World by the World Entrepreneurship Forum - Rapelang is an internationally lauded entrepreneur.

Lindiwe Mafavuneh, a Botswana based entrepreneur on a mission to help companies to manage their risk and maximize their investments

July 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lindiwe Mafavuneh, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana) — **Lindiwe Mafavuneh**, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana)

Every company and organization needs to manage its risk profile whilst at the same time maximizing its ability to drive business success, but it’s a fine balancing act. For many, specilalist help and advice is needed to get that balance right, and that’s where LCM Capital has found its niche, thanks to founder Lindiwe Mafavuneh.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkemdilim Begho: Here's how I got started with very little capital

April 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

- Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria) — - Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

How to start up with limited capital....

"I started at the very basic and that is the module I have kept and practised over the years. We really never needed to raise capital. It’s been basically about re-investing in my business and not taking much money out…. we started very small and very basic and we only spent on things that were really necessary and not things we would like to have."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space.

PODCAST: LoA speaks to Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices, Rwanda Chapter, about an exciting new Women's Fund launching in the country

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rwanda First Lady Mrs Jeanette Kagame, and Mrs Graca Machel at the launch of New Faces New Voices in Kigali

Listen to Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, in conversation with Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices, Rwanda Chapter, recorded at the Global Women’s Summit which took place on 8th March 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, to celebrate International Women’s Day.