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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Let’s keep it simple…

August 29, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

When times are tough, when times are uncertain, indeed, when times are frightening, let us not make our lives anymore complex - let’s just keep it simple.

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In Team Lioness Tags Business Unusual, Management Advice
Comment

Business forecasting exists to make fortune-telling look good

July 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Back in March of this year we begged all to keep focus, that we were not out of the woods yet, that in spite of Africa as a whole having had a relatively ‘good’ Covid war (and there is nothing good obviously about any deaths or business failure, but it was significantly below the horrific expectations for Africa, thankfully) in our Weekender article (here) entitled “Now is the time to focus!” we urged all to not relax - it’s not over by a long shot.

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In Team Lioness Tags Business Unusual, BU Resilience
Comment

Can you really prepare for a Grizzly Bear attack?

June 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

About to start our usual writing session for the Lioness Weekender and discussing all the fascinating topics we have been lucky enough to experience in business, and our Head of Finance pops into the room, sits down, hands over a nicely typed warning for our readers, plus a lovely picture of a Grizzly Bear tapping his fingers and patiently waiting!

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Crisis Strategy, Business Unusual
Comment

Dragons and the Art of Pricing your Time!

June 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Having received many questions about last week’s blog discussing the value of certain customers and how we seemed to be quite happy to lose customers, we just want to make one point before we move to an unemotional and purely clinical look at your products. The undercurrent of both these letters is Time.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Management Advice, Business Unusual
Comment

Value your Time, Customers and Cash!

May 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

The lockdowns are starting to be reviewed and in some cases reversed, but have we been making full use of our time to prepare our businesses for when the doors open and life returns to some semblance of normality?

Read more
In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Management Advice, Business Unusual
Comment

Quote of the Day by Marta Roff

May 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marta Roff, founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions, Mozambique

Marta Roff, founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions, Mozambique

“We have been given the gift of time to stop and think about what is important ... take advantage.”

Marta Roff, founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions, Mozambique

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Business Unusual, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

The Buyer’s Journey

May 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

In trying to prepare ourselves for the wasteland that might face us when we reopen our doors, we should be looking at how to fine-tune our offering to our clients in a world where sales will be everything. A single sale could mean the difference between keeping your workers on or going bust.

Read more
In Business Unusual, Team Lioness Tags BU Sales & Marketing, Business Unusual
Comment

Think outside the box, have fun and earn US$!

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

You may have noticed the falling of all currencies in Africa against the US$, this means two things:

  1. that everyone is after one thing - US$

  2. that your value to the rest of the world just got far stronger.

Read more
In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags Business Unusual, BU Recovery
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Djamila da Sousa / Stay calm and innovate

April 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Stay calm and innovate…

“This is a very unique moment in history where no-one has certain answers, as it is new to everyone. It is time to stay calm and think how to innovate in our businesses to stay relevant and to serve society. Now more than ever we have to join forces and support each other.”

Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Business Unusual, Innovation
Comment

Coronavirus, for those experiencing Demand Shock

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Empathy is a Superpower along with your Fair but Firm Leadership. Empathy with and for your employees is what is going to get you and them through these challenging times. Empathy is not a weakness, you can understand what they are going through, understand their fears, whilst still doing what is best for the company, your employees and for the community at large. But to do this you must keep in your mind.

Read more
In Team Lioness Tags BU Employees, Business Unusual
Comment

Coronavirus - Resist!

March 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

Two ‘Lioness Weekenders’ ago, we dived straight into the most important aspect of our business lives, that of Cash Flow. This week, the London Business School showed us why it is Cash Flow that is the only thing that keeps our Head of Finance awake at night.

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In Features, Team Lioness Tags Business Unusual, BU Cash Flow
Comment

Message of support from Melanie Hawken. As a Lioness of Africa, you are not alone!

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

From Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

What turbulent and uncertain times we are living in. The COVID 19 virus outbreak globally has created a new and challenging reality for us all. Businesses are feeling the pain already, and the true impact of the crisis is still unknown. As entrepreneurs, we are dealing with a multitude of issues, from managing cashflow, through to trying to get sales when the market is struggling. At Lionesses of Africa, we understand what our community of 1 million+ women entrepreneurs is going through, and we are committed to playing our part in trying to help.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags Business Unusual, BU Relief Programs Business Support
Comment

Coronavirus - Leadership is the number one superpower during times of crisis

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept.

Last week we looked at the most important aspect of any business when times turn tough - that of Cash Flow. Please note those practical steps have worked for our team in other businesses around the globe, and although not guaranteed to work in every case, will at least encourage thinking in our Lionesses to preparing for the threat coming.

Read more
In Team Lioness, Features, Business Unusual Tags Business Unusual, Leadership, BU Crisis Strategy
Comment

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration 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
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
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

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
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
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

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