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Lionesses of Africa

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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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Lionesses of Africa heads to Berlin for the latest START-UP NIGHT! AFRICA event

March 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
StartupNightAfrica-Berlin-Banner.jpg

The potential for greater collaboration and trade between Germany and the African continent has never been more exciting, and particularly for women entrepreneurs. That’s why the 2nd Startup Night Africa event which is taking place on 20 March in Berlin, hosted by the BMWi in partnership with Lionesses of Africa and championed by Minister Brigitte Zypries, comes at exactly the right time.

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In Events, Features Tags Start-up Night! Africa
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Celebrating 30 Leading African Women Beauty and Wellness Brand Builders

March 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Beauty&Wellness_Collage.jpg

Africa's beauty and wellness sector continues to grow, with new and exciting products coming onto the market every day, most of them celebrating the unique, natural ingredients that are produced on the African continent. This month at Lionesses of Africa, we celebrate 30  women entrepreneurs whose remarkable startup stories we have featured over the past year and who are building great brands and developing world class products from all corners of the African continent.

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In Features Tags Beauty & Wellness
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2018 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Africa finalists announced

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

The prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs, has just announced their finalists for Africa for 2018. 

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In Award Programme, Features Tags Cartier Awards
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Meet 21 of Africa’s game-changing Tech and Digital women entrepreneurs

February 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Celebrating Africa's game-changing Tech And digital women entrepreneurs

This February at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on Africa’s pioneering women tech and digital entrepreneurs who are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products and services, and their passion for what they do. These truly innovative women pioneers are building unique, high impact businesses and shaking up the pan-African and global tech world at the same time through their efforts. 

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In Features Tags Women in Tech
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3 Talented women chef entrepreneurs sharing their culinary love in South Africa

February 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy, Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti)

L-R: Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy, Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti)

South Africa has long been known for its lively culinary scene. But three women chef entrepreneurs in the country are demonstrating that it’s not only about creating great food for customers. It’s also about sharing their culinary knowledge with others. Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy and The Lazy Makoti, otherwise known as Mogau Seshoene, are all taking their specialist knowledge and expertise to the next level by teaching others how to cook.

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In Features Tags Food & Drink
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18 Women authors from Africa inspire on business and entrepreneurship

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Over the past year, as part of our regular weekly Essential Reads feature on Lionesses of Africa, we have been showcasing the books published by Africa’s leading women authors on the subject of business and entrepreneurship. Here are 18 of our favourite books featured and which are well worth another read going into 2018. Prepare to be inspired!

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In Features Tags Books
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Meet 16 women entrepreneurs changing the face of business in Mozambique

October 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Mozambique_Women_Entrepreneurs_Collage.jpg

It’s an exciting time right now for women entrepreneurs in Mozambique, with a growing eco-system to support them and some wonderful role-models to inspire the next generation who are trying to break through into the marketplace. Meet a new generation of women entrepreneurs who are changing the face of business in Mozambique.

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In In Focus, Features Tags Mozambique
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Celebrating 15 of Ghana’s inspirational women entrepreneurs who are putting the country on the global business map

August 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

This month Lionesses of Africa is heading to Accra, Ghana, to host the latest in our series of Lioness Lean In events across the African continent, in partnership with Stanbic Bank. To coincide with our visit, we will be launching a series of special feature articles which focus on leading women entrepreneurs building great businesses and brands in this great city. Ghana is a country which is seeing some real women entrepreneur game-changers who are making their mark with their business ventures and innovative products and services, not just at home, but across the African continent and the world. 

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In Features Tags Ghana
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Meet 40 inspiring Kenyan women entrepreneurs putting the country on the global business map

June 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Kenya is a dynamic and exciting place to be a woman entrepreneur right now. It has become a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship; it’s a world leader in mobile money systems like m-pesa; it has a long tradition of highly creative brand builders producing world class solutions, designs and products that the world is falling in love with. It also has a strong entrepreneurial spirit that is deeply rooted, and it is women entrepreneurs who are taking that spirit to a whole new level.

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In Features Tags Kenya
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Meet 9 African women chocolatiers feeding the world’s love of fine chocolate

June 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Africa has a wealth of natural resources that are the envy of the world, one of them being cacao beans, so why is it that the continent is not known for producing the finest chocolate when it sits on the finest raw ingredients? Well that's now changing, thanks to a new generation of African women chocolatiers who are turning their passion for chocolate into exciting new proudly African artisan chocolate brands.

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In Features Tags Chocolate
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Lionesses of Africa celebrates the continent’s most inspiring women entrepreneurs in beauty and wellness businesses in March

March 1, 2017 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 (March), we are turning our attention to the women who are changing the face of the beauty and wellness industry in Africa, and creating fabulous new products and brands in the process.

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In Features Tags Beauty & Wellness Month
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Shining a spotlight on Ghana’s Women Entrepreneurs

January 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

This year we will be launching our new series of special feature articles which focus on leading women entrepreneurs building great businesses and brands in each country across the African continent. The month of February sees us highlighting Ghana, a country which is seeing some real women entrepreneur game-changers who are making their mark with their business ventures, not just at home, but across the African continent and the world. 

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In Features Tags Ghana
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In celebration of Africa’s game-changing women social entrepreneurs

January 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

All through the month of January, Lionesses of Africa is raising awareness of Africa's truly inspiring women social entrepreneurs. We celebrate their significant impact and life-changing contributions to the African continent and their efforts to make it a better place for everyone, both socially and economically.

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In Features Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month
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In Focus: Meet Africa's leading women-led artisan enterprises

September 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Almost exactly one year ago, the #ChooseArtisan campaign was launched by the prestigious Aspen Institute and the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise in the US. The aim was to get the world to recognise the real importance and value of artisan enterprise in contributing to global economic development, poverty alleviation and women's economic empowerment. The campaign certainly got people talking, and rightly so, about the incredible work being done by forward-thinking women artisan entrepreneurs, particularly in places such as Africa, where traditional crafts are being elevated today to a whole new status.

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In Features Tags Artisans
1 Comment

In Focus: Meet the women entrepreneurs shaping Africa's Media, PR & Communications landscape

August 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

This August, Lionesses of Africa is featuring the talented women entrepreneurs who are changing the PR, media and communications landscape in Africa through their innovation, products, services and their passion for what they do. 

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In Features Tags Media PR & Communications
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Meet 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map

August 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Nigeria is the leading economy in Africa right now and an exciting place to be a woman entrepreneur. So, throughout the month of August at Lionesses of Africa, we are showcasing some of the inspirational women entrepreneurs who are changing the face of business in the country and getting the world to sit up and take notice of the products they are creating and the business empires they are building. Each of these businesswomen, in their own unique way, is flying the flag for Nigeria, either at home or around the world.

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In Features Tags Nigeria
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Celebrating Kenya’s talented women entrepreneurs putting the country on the global business map

July 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Through the month of July at Lionesses of Africa, we have been focusing on the inspirational women entrepreneurs who are changing the face of business in Kenya. Each of these businesswomen, in their own unique way, is making a positive contribution to the growingentrepreneurial environment in Kenya. Their successful businesses, brands and social enterprises are helping to put the country firmly on the pan-African and global business map. 

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In Features Tags Kenya
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Africa's Women EcoWarriors: Meet the women entrepreneurs building businesses to solve the Continent's most pressing environmental problems

July 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

The environmental issues confronting Africa today are well documented. The issue is pressing, but where will the solutions come from? In Africa, many of the innovations to solve Africa's most pressing environmental problems are emerging from women. Specifically, from young women entrepreneurs who are successfully linking sustainable business to environmental consciousness and concern for societal well-being. This is the basis for a new wave of women-led ecopreneurship taking root in Africa, resulting in a new generation of women-led startups with environmental consciousness at their core.

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In Features Tags Eco-preneur
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Meet 25 inspirational women entrepreneurs who are helping to put Kenya on the global business map

July 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Last year, when President Barack Obama and the United States partnered with the Government of Kenya to host the sixth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit, it marked a new global interest in the country and its inspirational entrepreneurs. The event had an overarching focus on generating new investments in entrepreneurs in the country, particularly women and young entrepreneurs.

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In Features Tags Kenya
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2 African Women Social Entrepreneurs recognised by the Schwab Foundation

May 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tracey Chambers (L) and Yasmina Filali (R)

Tracey Chambers (L) and Yasmina Filali (R)

The 2016 Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurs of the Year awards have just been announced, and 2 women from Africa are amongst the winners this year - Tracey Chambers of the Clothing Bank in South Africa and Yasmina Filali of Fondation Orient Occident in Morocco. The awards acknowledge the work and contribution made by 12 outstanding social entrepreneurs from 11 organizations operating in more than 70 countries that are pioneering solutions for social and environmental challenges, from child labour to women's empowerment to climate change and more.

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In Award Winner, Features Tags Social Entrepreneur
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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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