Changemaker (n) – A term coined by the social entrepreneurship organization, Ashoka, meaning one who desires change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen. In Africa, we have some amazing changemakers who are finding solutions to many of the continent's most pressing socio-economic challenges - and, not surprisingly, many of them are women social entrepreneurs. These women are passionate about making a difference in the world. Whilst others simply talk about the problems, these inspirational women change-makers make it happen - they don't wait for others to take action, particularly not government or big business. They simply bring their vast range of talents, their passion and unlimited energy, and they drive social change. As a result, they uplift communities, break down barriers, and change the world for the better. They are all Lionesses of Africa!

Okay, so we all know that women are the great multi-taskers, and let's face it as women entrepreneurs our lives are a constant juggling act. Particularly in the early days of a start-up, the temptation is to try and do everything ourselves. It is all too easy to get distracted when new projects and opportunities keep coming. But the bottom line is there is no need to jump at every opportunity that comes your way. The trick is to focus. If you want to get the desired results, then it is better to prioritize tasks, evaluate every project on its merits, and stay focused on what will deliver the best results fastest. 

So, what makes your business unique? Why should someone choose your company, products or services over the competition? Knowing your unique value proposition and how to leverage it successfully in the marketplace is a key to success. Remember, there was a reason you were motivated to start your business in the first place, and today you need to ensure that your passion for what you do still resonates with your customers. Making sure that you and your employees know and live your unique value proposition each day will ensure that you stand out from the crowd and don't become just another struggling business.

As entrepreneurs, we have probably all experienced this situation at one time or another. You suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a potential investor, a customer, a journalist, or perhaps a much sought after mentor, and you have around 30 seconds to make your elevator pitch. But, do you have it ready to go? Are you instantly ready to leap into pitch mode and explain your unique entrepreneurial proposition, game-changing product, or concept? The fact is that these types of people do not have the luxury of time and you need to have your elevator pitch ready to go at the drop of a hat. Remember that first impressions last, so make yours work for you. Make your pitch short, sharp and precise, and ultimately convincing. Finally, get your passion across - that can make for the most powerful 30 second elevator pitch!

Over the past two weeks, I have been speaking to truly inspirational women entrepreneurs across the continent at various conferences and seminars - and, one thing has stood out for me at each event. Those women entrepreneurs who follow their passion as the basis for building their businesses, seem to be the ones who go the distance, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Their passion for what they do, be it building innovative low cost housing solutions, or creating beautiful and unique Afro-luxe products, or creating the next IT solutions powerhouse, carries them through even in tough times. They are proof positive that it's easier to succeed as an entrepreneur if you follow your passion.

So, what makes a winning nation in Africa? Well, according to the 2014 Africa Prosperity Report, it's entrepreneurship. Those nations that create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive by encouraging 'out of the box' thinking and innovation; or providing access to finance and new markets; are ultimately more successful. This is certainly the case in Africa - the top 10 winning countries in the report actively support entrepreneurship, and women are key drivers of this trend. Countries such as Botswana (1st overall in the report) and Rwanda (most improved country), are both exciting places for women entrepreneurs to launch businesses. According to Novella Bottini, Prosperity Index Economist, initiatives that support women's empowerment and a more active participation in business will be key for future prosperity.

Over the past decade for luxury global brands, China with its growing new consumer class has represented an exciting and vast new marketing opportunity. These leading global luxury brands have certainly capitalized on the opportunity, but make no mistake, they are already looking for the next China - and Africa is on their radar! According to a new report by leading global strategy and management consulting firm, A.T.Kearney, sub-Saharan Africa will be the fastest growing, biggest luxury retail story by 2040. This is good news for the continent's home grown Afroluxe retailers who are already captivating the world with their unique and innovative products and designs.   

Women social entrepreneurs are actively working to change the world for the better and are leading a new way of responsible thinking. However, Africa's challenges are immense, and as an entrepreneurial collective, we all have a responsibility to play our part in making positive change happen. The label 'social entrepreneurs' suggests perhaps that the burden of responsibility lies with a few, dedicated change agents; however, the world's problems don't fit into such compartmentalised boxes. As women entrepreneurs, we are innovative, we think 'out of the box', we make things happen fast - so, why are we not applying these talents to solving many of Africa's challenges? At the heart of it, we all need to think of ourselves as 'social entrepreneurs’.

Removing the barriers that hinder women from thriving as entrepreneurs would go a long way to facilitate growth in Africa by unlocking a huge amount of human capital. To a far greater extent than men, women business owners invest in their communities. Arancha González of the International Trade Centre has stated that “women entrepreneurs invest 90% of their revenues into the community.” González goes on to say that women entrepreneurs are “not only an amazing engine for growth, but they are an amazing engine for equitably distributing growth.”