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Thelma Chimbganda, a visionary trailblazer in the logistics industry in Zimbabwe

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Thelma Chimbganda, CEO, Beyond Borders Logistics Group (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Thelma Chimbganda is a dynamic entrepreneur and leader in e-commerce, supply chain, and logistics, with over five years of impactful experience across Africa. As the CEO of Beyond Borders Logistics Group in Zimbabwe, founded in 2020, she has guided the company to become a significant player in the industry, delivering practical solutions in first- and last-mile logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on tackling industry challenges, enhancing operational efficiency, and continuously improving services to meet the unique needs of clients and stakeholders.

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In Startup Story Tags Zimbabwe, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Lindiwe Masuku, a fleet management solutions business builder in Botswana

July 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lindiwe Masuku, founder & ceo, Frotcom Botswana (Pty) Ltd

Startup Story

Lindiwe Masuku is the founder and ceo of Frotcom Botswana (Pty) Ltd, a fleet management solutions entity whose head office is currently in Gaborone but which services clients from all over the country. She is a business professional with a Degree in Business Administration, currently pursuing her master’s in business administration and management with the University of East London. Lindiwe has 16 years' experience in Business Management having worked in Finance and Administration before forming Frotcom. Her entrepreneurship journey began in 2019, but months later the Covid 19 pandemic started, and despite the challenges Frotcom has had to emerge as a solution post Covid 19, used by reputable entities across the country. The business has created jobs for 9 people.

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Business Services, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Amanda Etuk, a logistics management game-changer in Nigeria

March 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Amanda Etuk

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Messenger, a logistics platform that provides financing and aggregation for end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations in Nigeria

Amanda Etuk, co-founder of the Nigerian logistics solutions business, Messenger, is an accomplished, results-driven business management professional. She has a depth of experience in supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and sales and marketing. Amanda has a proven track record of business optimization. She has driven the competitiveness of organizations in the healthcare industry, the FMCG sector, e-commerce, and logistics, where her passion lies. In all her roles, she has delivered business and revenue growth and efficiency gains, and successfully strengthened client relationships.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Lisa Munsamy, a South African transportation and logistics industry game-changer

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lisa Munsamy, founder, Lisa’s Carriers (South Africa)

Startup Story

Lisa Munsamy is the founder of Lisa’s Carriers in South Africa. She is a seasoned businesswoman with a passion for the transportation and hospitality industries, as well as a passion for Life Coaching. With over 18 years of experience in road freight, Lisa has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of logistics, ensuring seamless and efficient transportation solutions. She has also been the proud owner of a guesthouse for the past 14 years. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree and is also a Certified Life Transformation Coach.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility, Business Services
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Dr Patricia Nzolantima, a transportation market disruptor in Africa

July 18, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Dr Patricia Nzolantima

Dr Patricia Nzolantima

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Bizzoly Transport & Logistics, an innovative business empowering women in Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr Patricia Nzolantima is a pure Africa product with over 18 years of experience in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. As a serial entrepreneur, Patricia is a seasoned leader in market disruption initiatives on the African continent. She is the founder and chairwoman of Bizzoly Holdings, a women-owned company and foundation. She is also the co-founder and managing director of EXP-Comuni-cart, a Sub-Saharan Africa marketing agency. Patricia founded the first women’s economic empowerment hub in Kinshasa, an accelerator program for women entrepreneurs to scale up their business; and also a driving license school for women and young women. She is the owner of the Bizzoly Transport and Logistics company that operates under Ubizcabs, the first female-driven taxi company in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and “Ubizdelivery”, the first women logistics services.

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In Cover Story Tags Democratic Republic of Congo, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Dorothy Mofomme, a South African entrepreneur building innovative, specialist technology solutions for Africa’s railway sector

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

The railway sector has always been a tough one, particularly for ambitious women entrepreneurs to enter. But for entrepreneur Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 in South Africa, she saw the railway sector as one filled with businesss opportunities and one that had the potential to create employment for young people. Her growing business is testimony to her tenacity and vast specialist experience. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Benji Coetzee and Empty Trips scoop a number of exciting awards for their innovation

October 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken
(L) Benji Coetzee, founder & ceo of Empty Trips (South Africa)

(L) Benji Coetzee, founder & ceo of Empty Trips (South Africa)

Awards and Accolades

This is an exciting time for South African entrepreneur Benji Coetzee and her company Empty Trips, which is on a mission to make cargo transportation more eco and cost efficient. The company has just received some valued recognition through a number of exciting global awards. 

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In Award Winner Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility, Women in Tech
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Benji Coetzee, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to make cargo transportation more eco and cost efficient

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Benji Coetzee, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa)

Benji Coetzee, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa)

How many times a day whilst we are travelling on the highways, railways and flightpaths of countries across the African continent do we see underutilized freight carriers. This results in more expense and a bigger environmental impact. But that is about to change with the entry into the marketplace of EmptyTrips. This innovative, digital company is a game-changer in the logistics and freight transportation business. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Women in Tech, Technology, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Ugochi Ugbomeh - The startup story of a Nigerian techpreneur changing the face of public mobility in her country

March 29, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ugochi Ugbomeh, co-founder of Tranzit, Nigeria

Ugochi Ugbomeh, co-founder of Tranzit, Nigeria

Ugochi Ugbomeh is a woman who thinks big and harnesses of the power of technology to make a difference. Her entrepreneurial vision is for her company to become a curator of truly world-class transportation, location based and mobility services in Africa, effectively moving people and things from one destination to another. 

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech, Technology, Nigeria, Transport Logistics & Mobility
1 Comment

Susan Mashibe - The startup story of a Tanzanian woman entrepreneur with an aviation dream

December 23, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Susan Mashibe, founder of Via Aviation, Tanzania

Susan Mashibe, founder of Via Aviation, Tanzania

There are not too many young 4 year old girls in the world who have a dream of a career in aviation and go on to launch a unique and highly successful technical and logistics company to support private jets in Africa - but the inspirational Susan Mashibe is one of those few!

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In Startup Story Tags Susan Mashibe, Tanzania, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Ola Orekunrin - The inspirational startup story of a young woman doctor who pioneered West Africa's first air ambulance service

December 10, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

There are certain people you come across in life that are truly inspirational on a number of levels, but medical doctor, pilot and healthcare entrepreneur, Ola Orekunrin is certainly one of those.

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In Startup Story Tags Ola Orekunrin, Healthpreneur Month, Healthcare, Transport Logistics & Mobility, Nigeria
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Sibongile Sambo - The startup story of South Africa's pioneering female aviation entrepreneur

May 28, 2014 Melanie Hawken
GSSibongileMAY.jpg
Sibongile-Sambo.jpg
Sibongile Sambo 2.jpg

The startup of the pioneering founder of the first 100% Black-Female-Owned Aviation Company in South Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Sibongile Sambo, Transport Logistics & Mobility, South Africa
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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

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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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