• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

The Bold Kampala team take London by storm with their trendy fashion Pop-Up Store

April 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The Bold Kampala team have returned to the continent following a highly successful tour to London, UK. Whilst there, they launched their Bold Kampala Pop-Up store on Saturday 14 March at the highly trendy Milk Room at the Grace Bar in Great Windmill Street, right in the heart of the bustling West End.

Read more
In Features Tags Fashion, Fashionpreneur Month, Bold Kampala
1 Comment

Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s Women Fashionpreneurs during the month of April

April 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This month (April), we are turning our attention to the truly inspirational African Women Fashionpreneurs.

Read more
In Features Tags Fashionpreneur Month
Comment

Press Release: Fashion Revolution Day in Cape Town on the 24th April 2015

April 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Fashion Revolution Day on the 24th April 2015, is an international day and opportunity to celebrate fashion as a positive influence, raise awareness of the fashion industry's most pressing issues, show that change is possible and celebrate those who are on a journey to create a more ethical and sustainable future for fashion.

Read more
In Features Tags Fashion, Fashionpreneur Month
Comment

Young Namibian woman entrepreneur selected as a Young Global Leader for Sub Saharan Africa by the World Economic Forum

March 22, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder Leap Investments & My Republik

Ally Angula, co-founder Leap Investments & My Republik

Congratulations to Namibian serial entrepreneur, Ally Angula, who has been chosen as one of the 17 Sub Saharan Members on the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) by the World Economic Forum. Ally co-founded Leap Investments in Namibia and South Africa, an integrated group of companies involved in the growing of fresh produce, garment manufacturing and retail. She also recently launched Namibia's first commercial clothing brand, My Republik.

Read more
In Features Tags Award Winners
Comment

Holding onto hope with a 'When I Grow Up…' Doll

March 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Cape Town, March 2015: Little Bo Babies launches its 'When I Grow Up…' doll, an initiative that will help young girls from poor and underprivileged areas have a vision for their future, and a tangible reminder of that vision as they grow up.

Read more
In Features, Social Impact
Comment

Celebrating Our Community: Missibaba take home the 'Maker to Market' Award at the annual Southern Guild Design Foundation Awards

March 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Chloe Townsend and Lizel Strydom, founders of Missibaba

Chloe Townsend and Lizel Strydom, founders of Missibaba

Congratulations to Missibaba who took home the 'Maker to Market' award in recognition of excellence at the annual Southern Guild Design Foundation Awards ceremony that took place recently. Missibaba is a luxury accessory label established by leather devotee Chloe Townsend in 2005. Passionate about South Africa and supporting local industry, Chloe works alongside business partner Lizel Strydom from a light flooded studio in Woodstock, Cape Town.

Read more
In Features Tags Award Winners
Comment

#MakeItHappen on March 8: Celebrating International Women's Day

March 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken

March 8 marks the celebration of International Women’s Day, a global observance day which started out in the early 1900s. This year, the theme of the day is "Make It Happen", a call to the world to help support the empowerment of women and to positively change women's lives. 

Read more
In Features Tags International Women's Day 2015
Comment

Watch out world - the women fashion entrepreneurs of Bold Kampala are coming to a city near you with their fabulous store concept!

March 5, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Our favourite fashionistas at Bold Kampala are living up to their name, as they are about to embark on their first-ever, hugely exciting world tour, taking their concept store to cities from London to Nairobi, Kigali to Luanda.

Read more
In Features Tags Fashion, Event, Bold Kampala
Comment

Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s Women in Tech during the month of March

March 4, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products and services, and their passion for what they do. This month (March), we are turning our attention to the truly inspirational African Women in Tech, those truly innovative pioneers who are building unique, high impact businesses and shaking up the tech world at the same time through their efforts. 

Read more
In Features Tags Women in Tech Month
Comment

15 African Designing Women tempting the world’s buyers with their globally appealing creations

March 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken

As February comes to an end, we reflect on what has been a really wonderful and particularly colourful month, as we have been celebrating some of Africa's finest and most creative women designers. From fashion designers and jewellery makers, to glorious shoemakers and architectural designers to name but a few, we have shared their inspirational stories and showcased their work. There is such a wealth of design talent here in Africa and it has been a pleasure showcasing just a few of them. 

Read more
In Features Tags Design Month
Comment

Dates announced for 6th Annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair 2015

February 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Calling all South African designers and artisan food and wine makers - the 6th annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair will take place a little earlier this year on 9-11 October 2015. The venue will still be on the fabulous rooftop of Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Read more
In Features Tags Event, Design Month
Comment

6 Women founders of social ventures selected 2015 Acumen East-African Fellows

February 3, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The selections for Acumen's fourth cohort of East Africa Fellows were announced on 1 February after a competitive application process. This year’s Fellows are fighting poverty and changing lives across East Africa through unique social initiatives that range from providing much-needed ambulance services to helping make hygienic sanitation more accessible and affordable to empowering young women to start viable agro-enterprises and more.

Read more
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Impact
Comment

February designated Design Month as Lionesses of Africa celebrates the continent’s talented women designers

February 2, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Jenna Clifford Collage 1.jpg
Carrol Boyes Collage 2.jpg
Aissa Dione Collage 2.jpg
Deola Sagoe Collage.jpg

Africa has always had a vibrant design scene, but no more so than today, with a host of incredibly talented young women designers emerging from every corner of the continent. So, at Lionesses of Africa, we are declaring the month of February as Design Month, each day showcasing some of the finest design talent and telling their unique start-up stories.  

Read more
In Features Tags Design Month
Comment

Celebrating Africa’s women social entrepreneurs who are making the world sit up and take notice

January 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The end of January draws to a close a focused month of storytelling, aimed at celebrating and acknowledging the incredible achievements and impact being made by Africa’s inspirational women social entrepreneurs. At Lionesses of Africa, we salute their life-changing contributions to making the African continent a better place for all who live and work there.

Read more
In Features, Social Impact Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month, Jennifer Riria
Comment

Meet two talented young women entrepreneurs selected for the 2015 Green Pioneer Accelerator Programme

January 28, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Green Pioneer Accelerator.jpg

Impact Amplifier, Growth Africa, VC4Africa and Hivos have announced the entrepreneurs selected to participate in the 2015 Green Pioneer Acceleration Program. The Programme aims to support and help scale green innovations in Kenya and South Africa. The final selection includes 11  Kenyan and 12  South African green businesses. Included are two talented young women entrepreneurs, Joyce Gema the founder of Boma Safi in Kenya, and Jessica Bonin the founder of Lady Bonin’s Tea Parlour in South Africa.

Read more
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Vogue Italia 'Scouting for Africa' final shortlist includes 3 talented women designers

January 23, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi (Ghana), Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast), Katherine-Mary Pichulik (South Africa)

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi (Ghana), Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast), Katherine-Mary Pichulik (South Africa)

Vogue Italia has announced the final shortlist for its "Scouting for Africa" contest, an event organized by Vogue Talents in collaboration with the International Business Consortium Nigeria Limited. Included on the final shortlist of 11 designers are 3 of Lionesses of Africa's favourite women designers on the continent, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi of AAKS in Ghana, Loza Maléombho from Ivory Coast, and Pichulik by Katherine-Mary Pichulik from South Africa. We wish all three women the very best of luck in winning the ultimate accolade and prizes.

Read more
In Features Tags Award Winners
Comment

2 South African women-led social ventures selected as finalists in Chivas Regal contest

January 22, 2015 Melanie Hawken
clarins-women-article.jpg
Screen Shot 2015-01-22 at 5.53.36 PM.png

International whisky brand Chivas Regal has just unveiled the five finalists of its Win the Right Way campaign. Included are two inspiring women-led social ventures from South Africa, Subz founded by Sue Barnes, and Rethaka Trading creators of Repurpose School Bags, founded by Thato Kgatlhanye and Rea Ngwane.

Read more
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month
Comment

3 African women social entrepreneurs invited to Davos as part of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

January 21, 2015 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Essma Ben Hamida, Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Njideka Harry

L-R: Essma Ben Hamida, Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Njideka Harry

The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is hosting 25 social entrepreneurs from around the world who will substantially contribute to the 2015 edition of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Three of Africa's leading women social entrepreneurs Essma Ben Hamida (Tunisia), Anne Githuku-Shongwe (South Africa), and Njideka Harry (Nigeria) have been included.

Read more
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

New Report: Technology drives change. How does social innovation drive technology?

January 20, 2015 Melanie Hawken

How do you use ICT to create social impact? Ashoka in partnership with the Intel Foundation have published a new report on how social innovators are making the most of information and communication technologies to create social impact and change the world!

Read more
In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month
Comment

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. 

Read more
In Features, Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Eco-preneur, Artisans
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

This is your opportunity as a woman tech (co)founder in Africa to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, mentorship and visibility to accelerate your business growth.

Applications close at midnight CAT on 30 September 2025. APPLY HERE.


FORTHCOMING EVENT

START-UP NIGHT AFRICA, THE HAGUE, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 / LEARN MORE


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
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
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day

Lighting with drama…Great lighting makes a room, and we love ‘The Brazzo’ pendant … lights from Mash T Design Studio, founded by Thabisa Mjo in South Africa. The use of colour is often what gives Mash.T Des
Image of the Day / Zashadu

Ultimate luxury handbag…For all those luxury leather handbag fans, you will love this truly glamorous and eye-catching Alpha Nano handbag from Zashadu, a leading Nigerian/British sustainable luxury brand founded by
It started in India. The results were clear.

Today, the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge opens for applications - powered by Naspers & Prosus and brought to life with Lionesses of Africa. If you’re a woman founder building tech or a tech ena
Image of the Day / Katannuta Diamonds

Precious jewellery memories…If you are looking to build memories around special occasions, then precious bespoke jewellery is a great way of doing just that, and Katannuta Diamonds in South Africa, founde
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable accessory style…We love the aesthetic look and impact of the Sarab-V Bag design from Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, co-founders of Reform Studio in Egypt. It is a great example of their motto, ‘
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day

Lighting with drama…Great lighting makes a room, and we love ‘The Brazzo’ pendant … lights from Mash T Design Studio, founded by Thabisa Mjo in South Africa. The use of colour is often what gives Mash.T Des Image of the Day / Zashadu

Ultimate luxury handbag…For all those luxury leather handbag fans, you will love this truly glamorous and eye-catching Alpha Nano handbag from Zashadu, a leading Nigerian/British sustainable luxury brand founded by It started in India. The results were clear.

Today, the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge opens for applications - powered by Naspers & Prosus and brought to life with Lionesses of Africa. If you’re a woman founder building tech or a tech ena Image of the Day / Katannuta Diamonds

Precious jewellery memories…If you are looking to build memories around special occasions, then precious bespoke jewellery is a great way of doing just that, and Katannuta Diamonds in South Africa, founde Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable accessory style…We love the aesthetic look and impact of the Sarab-V Bag design from Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, co-founders of Reform Studio in Egypt. It is a great example of their motto, ‘ Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
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

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.