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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Meet an extraordinary women-led social enterprise from Cape Town turning plastic waste into beautiful giftboxes

January 20, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Lynn Worsley and the inspiring team of ecopreneurs of All Women Recycling, Cape Town

Lynn Worsley and the inspiring team of ecopreneurs of All Women Recycling, Cape Town

All Women Recycling is an inspiring women-led social enterprise in South Africa turning discarded plastic soft-drink bottles into beautiful upcycled, highly decorative giftboxes. 

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In Features, Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Eco-preneur, Artisans
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Ellen Chilemba founder of Malawian social enterprise Tiwale is a winner of Ashoka's 'Youth Innovations for Employment in Africa Challenge'

January 17, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ellen Chilemba, founder and director of Tiwali, Malawi

Ellen Chilemba, founder and director of Tiwali, Malawi

Congratulations to Ellen Chilemba the founder of Tiwali, a social enterprise in Malawi, for being one of the five winners of Ashoka's Future Forward: Youth Innovations for Employment in Africa challenge.

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In Features, Social Impact Tags Award Winners, Social Entrepreneurship Month
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Celebrating Africa’s Inspirational Women Social Entrepreneurs in January

January 11, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Lionesses of Africa is celebrating Africa’s women social entrepreneurs this January. During this month we will feature the continent's leading social-preneurs and bring you the latest news on the rise of social enterprises that are focused on making Africa a better place.

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In Features Tags Social Impact, Social Entrepreneurship Month
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Hottest Handbags on the Planet – Now Woman-Made in Africa

January 9, 2015 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Hanneli Rupert, Zainab Ashadu, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, Buki Akib, Abai Schulze

L-R: Hanneli Rupert, Zainab Ashadu, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, Buki Akib, Abai Schulze

2015 looks set to be an exciting year for African luxury brands, with many confidently announcing themselves on the global scene with a bang. If your weakness is handbags, then there is no better time to add a luxurious, hand-crafted African-made piece to your collection. Meet 5 fresh, women-led brands who are successfully re-interpreting ancient design, centuries-old craftsmanship and unique materials into the perfect Afro-luxe accessory. All crafted sustainably, produced ethically and rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility. What's not to love!

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In Features Tags Maker & Crafter
1 Comment

7 Young African women entrepreneurs drive a new eco-spirit on the continent

January 7, 2015 Melanie Hawken
 WeCyclers, Nigeria

WeCyclers, Nigeria

 MitiMeth, Nigeria

MitiMeth, Nigeria

 Afrocentric Bamboo, Ghana

Afrocentric Bamboo, Ghana

 EcoPost, Kenya

EcoPost, Kenya

 Repurpose Schoolbags, South Africa

Repurpose Schoolbags, South Africa

 WeCyclers, Nigeria  MitiMeth, Nigeria  Afrocentric Bamboo, Ghana  EcoPost, Kenya  Repurpose Schoolbags, South Africa

An adventurous, new eco-spirit is emerging from Africa and it is being spearheaded by a young generation of women entrepreneurs who are committed to making a difference to the sustainable future of the continent. Meet 7 such women who are making a major impact on society.

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In Features Tags Eco-preneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month
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Africa’s Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Newsmakers of 2014

January 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken

There is no doubt about it, Africa’s women entrepreneurs have been making the headlines for all the right reasons in 2014, scooping top entrepreneur awards and accolades, and achieving global recognition for their business and brand building efforts. Lionesses of Africa celebrates the success of 10 of Africa’s women entrepreneur trailblazers who in our opinion have been the continent's leading newsmakers over the past 12 months. 

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In Features
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6 African Women Entrepreneurs Recognised at IWEC International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge Awards in Stockholm

January 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken
IWEC International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge 2014 Awardees in Stockholm, Sweden

IWEC International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge 2014 Awardees in Stockholm, Sweden

Six of Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs achieved global recognition on 17th November in Stockholm at the prestigious IWEC International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge Awards. The event aims to develop a global business network for successful women business owners, helping them gain and expand access to international markets.

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In Features
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Let's celebrate and support Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19

November 4, 2014 Melanie Hawken

It’s official - women entrepreneurs get their own global day of recognition this month – Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, 19th November 2014. Let's join to celebrate, support and empower women entrepreneurs worldwide and especially women on our own continent, Africa!

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In Features Tags Women's Entrepreneurship Day 2014
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← Newer Posts

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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 Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The 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
The 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
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
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
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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