• 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

AI – Enhancement or Unprecedented Legal Risk?

June 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors globally, from enhancing business efficiencies to providing innovative solutions in healthcare, education, and beyond. AI is everywhere, even in applications you may not know about. Therefore, with its rise comes a set of legal implications that must be carefully navigated.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal, AI
Comment

How to Remain Compliant While Keeping Track of all the Compliance Requirements of the Companies Act

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Anastasia Machobane

There is a myriad of requirements that a registered company needs to comply with. I can write about many of these compliance requirements, however, at this point, I will be concentrating on the filing of Annual Returns. Later I will write about Annual Financial Statements as well as the new requirements for filing the Beneficial Ownership registers.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Anastasia Machobane, Management Advice, Legal
Comment

Are Criminal Record Checks Relevant to Your Employee Screening Process?

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Criminal record checks are one of the world’s leading forms of pre-employment checks. Should you be able to deny a candidate employment based purely on their criminal record check?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

The Impact of Female-Owned Businesses and How They Contribute to Food Security in Africa

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Tsitsi Mutendi

Food security remains one of the most pressing challenges in Africa, affecting millions of people across the continent. Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in addressing this issue by driving innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Their contributions not only enhance food production and distribution but also empower communities and foster economic growth. This article explores the critical role of female-owned businesses in promoting food security, provides real-life examples, and offers practical strategies for women entrepreneurs to maximize their impact.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Tsitsi Mutendi, SDGs, Food Security
Comment

Creating Respectful and Trusted Workplaces

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards - Dale Carnegie

One item that regularly comes up as a low rating in our employee surveys is: "The company makes enough use of recognition and rewards other than money to encourage good performance." Recognition makes a person feel valued, appreciated, and most importantly visible (i.e. I see you).

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, People Management
Comment

How to Coach Your Team When Your Time Feels Stretched

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

The most common challenge among leaders is balancing coaching and mentoring their teams with the demands of everyday work. What if you changed your mindset from needing dedicated time to coaching individuals to integrating it into everyday conversations? Can you adopt a coach-like mindset by helping individuals see a solution they couldn't see on their own? The goal is to guide people to think differently and, more importantly, think further ahead than one hour, one day, and one week.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, People Management
Comment

Integrating Legal Strategy into Your Business: More Than Just Crisis Management

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Business crises often strike with the force of a bolt of lightning or the sudden flight of a startled horse. Clients then seek legal counsel, hoping to salvage the situation and mitigate the damage. As a lawyer, I have witnessed this scenario play out countless times, with clients urgently seeking assistance once the "pawpaw hits the fan." 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
Comment

Digitalising for Growth: How Women Entrepreneurs in Africa Can Expand Their Businesses

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Tsitsi Mutendi

The digital revolution is transforming industries and economies worldwide, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and expansion. For women entrepreneurs in Africa, digitalizing their businesses can lead to increased efficiency, broader market reach, and enhanced competitiveness. This article explores how digital transformation can drive growth for women-led businesses, provides real-life examples, and offers practical strategies for successfully embracing digital technologies.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Tsitsi Mutendi, Digital Transformation
Comment

Google's Impact: Supercharge Your Business

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

I have to say that I have had an ongoing affair with Google since I first discovered it. In business today, we need all the help we can get, and staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity!!  Connecting with your audience is the name of the game- it’s like having a dinner party, cooking the food, laying the table, and not inviting any guests!  How do you get those guests (customers) into your store?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

How to Give Feedback That Inspires Confidence and Enables Growth

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

When delivering feedback, you tend to focus on the conversation itself. While important, have you considered what must happen before the conversation? There is work before the work to ensure you can deliver your feedback with grace and compassion and the outcome of building this person rather than breaking them. Sometimes, you need to deliver hard outcomes, but how you do it will leave the person appreciative and inspired to change rather than defeated and resentful.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, People Management
Comment

The two Ps (Patience & Persistence) - how to use them

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Patience and persistence are two essential qualities that can make all the difference in the journey towards entrepreneurial success. While they may seem like separate concepts, they go hand in hand. But my hand now is full of patience, and I am working on taking persistence along too, as there are days when I do feel like giving up.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, PT
Comment

Your Inner Guidance System!

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle - Lifestyle and Wellness Coach

When last did you spend time in the company of little children? I’m talking about little people between the ages of 1 and 2 years old. This past week, this is exactly what I did. I was invited by a friend to join her on a trip to her house in Ponta d’Ouro, Mozambique and we were joined by her daughter and her two young sons, while their husbands were away on a business trip.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Sharon Castle, Personal Development
Comment

Understanding New Laws and Regulations FICA Act

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Often you will hear employers in South Africa complaining bitterly about the complex regulatory landscape that they have to operate in. This now includes the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). While FICA primarily focuses on combating money laundering and financing terrorism, its impact extends beyond financial institutions to encompass various sectors, including many other businesses and employers. Ignoring FICA requirements can have significant consequences and it is now essential for employers to understand and comply with FICA regulations.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

What is that Secret Ingredient that is always in your Entrepreneurial Journey?

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

I often compare my entrepreneurial journey to all the magic that happens in the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of a home, the same way that finding a problem to solve is at the centre of beginning an entrepreneurial journey. The kitchen is where creativity rises, passion flourishes, and hard work comes together to create delicious meals, just as in Ejourneys where innovative ideas, dedication, and perseverance combine to build a thriving venture.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Self Belief, PT
Comment

Six Steps to Close the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider what unmet goals are gnawing at the back of your mind that are taking up precious headspace. Rather than beat yourself up for not taking action, ask yourself, 'When would now be a good time?' Now right?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Harnessing the power of colour to elevate your mindset

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Everything we do is geared towards being happy and feeling good about ourselves - however in life sh*t happens, life hacks you down and your job is to get up, dust yourself off and do whatever you need to do to feel good again. Some people exercise, some drink, some go shopping, some just curl up and stay in bed- what do you do when you don’t feel good about yourself?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Do You Need to Add PEP and Sanctions Tests to Your Employee Screening Policy?

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In South Africa, PEP (Politically Exposed Person) and sanctions tests are typically used by financial institutions and certain designated non-financial businesses and professions to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

How Journaling Can Help You Sleep and Reduce Your Anxiety

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you struggle to fall asleep due to an overactive mind, or perhaps you fall asleep easily but wake up in the night with a mind full of racing thoughts, consider introducing the habit of journaling. Journaling is an incredible tool to get those circling thoughts out of your mind and trap them on the page so you can get out of your own way.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Should You Take Employment References at Face Value?

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

With unemployment rates continuing to escalate and the cost-of-living soaring people are increasingly desperate to find work and will stop at nothing to get their job application to the top of the pile.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Lessons from nature for humans and organisations – let your team flourish!

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training engagements took us to Malelane, a beautiful town on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa – one of our beautiful country’s biggest assets and tourist attractions.  Over the weekend we meandered through the park and marveled at the wildlife, beautiful vegetation, and landscapes we admired from hides along our way.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Marjón Meyer, Management Advice
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 / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Taeillo

Stylish seating…We love these stylish statement stools created by Jumoke Dada, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Taeillo, an e-commerce furniture and lifestyle brand based in Lagos Nigeria and Nairobi
Image of the Day / KONA

Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju
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 / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Taeillo

Stylish seating…We love these stylish statement stools created by Jumoke Dada, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Taeillo, an e-commerce furniture and lifestyle brand based in Lagos Nigeria and Nairobi Image of the Day / KONA

Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju 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

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.