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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Victoria Orr, a South African social entrepreneur showcasing talented artists to  the UK market

July 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Victoria Orr, founder and CEO, Amandla Ubuntu Limited (South African/UK)

Victoria Orr, founder and CEO, Amandla Ubuntu Limited (South African/UK)

Startup Story

Victoria Orr is the founder and CEO of Amandla Ubuntu Limited, a South African/UK social enterprise that works with South African artists, crafters and female owned businesses to provide a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The enterprise ethically sources beautiful arts and crafts, providing sustainable incomes and sells online in the UK, with plans to move into Europe and USA.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Artisan Enterprise
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Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, a cyber law specialist helping clients to deal with cyber security challenges 

June 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Startup Story

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi is a Cyber Law Specialist, a former public servant, and an award-winning thought leader who founded Orizur Consulting Enterprise in South Africa. She is a highly skilled knowledge worker with nearly two decades of experience working in a multi-disciplinary Cyber Law space. In her current role as a Cybersecurity Governance Specialist, she has pioneered unique solutions that creatively bring together cyber security governance, ICT procurement, and contract management. These regulatory compatible solutions give clients the ability to reduce cybersecurity and financial risks, whilst achieving cybersecurity regulatory compliance.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Legal, Cybersecurity, South Africa
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Adanne Uche, a Nigerian agro-processing entrepreneur on a mission to improve consumer nutrition

June 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adanne Uche, founder & CEO of Ady's Food Mart (Nigeria)

Adanne Uche, founder & CEO of Ady's Food Mart (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Adanne Uche is the founder/CEO of Ady's Food Mart, an agro-processing company in Nigeria that ensures families choose a healthier option in cooking ingredients and Spices. A graduate of Foreign Languages and Literature, she started Ady's Food Mart in 2017 in a bid to improve nutrition and well-being of consumers.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Food & Drink
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Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, a South African edupreneur committed to empowerment through skills development 

June 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, founder, Makhophila Training (South Africa)

Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, founder, Makhophila Training (South Africa)

Startup Story

To change people’s economic prospects, it’s essential to give them the skills they need to access jobs or to start their own businesses. In South Africa, Makhosazana Megan Ngubane has built a highly effective, specialist education business, Makhophila Training, to provide those essential skills, particularly to people in rural areas.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education
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Zanele Hobongwana, a South African edupreneur uplifting young people through maths and science

June 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Zanele Hobongwana, founder, Swazi Tutor Academy (South Africa)

Zanele Hobongwana, founder, Swazi Tutor Academy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every country knows that the education of young people is key to the alleviation of poverty and the economic growth of communities as a whole. In South Africa, Zanele Hobongwana, founder of Swazi Tutor Academy, is playing her role in tackling education in maths and science at a community level. Her work is helping to change young people’s lives as they open their minds and develop the key learning skills they need to become active contributing members of society.

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In Startup Story Tags Education, South Africa
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Caley van der Kolk, a South African entrepreneur connecting makers to markets

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Caley van der Kolk, founder, AYA Africa (South Africa)

Caley van der Kolk, founder, AYA Africa (South Africa)

Startup Story

One of the biggest challenges facing small creative goods makers and manufacturers is getting access to markets. Caley van der Kolk, founder of AYA Africa, has created a digital platform that allows small-scale makers and manufacturers to market and sell their goods online.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service
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Kulukaya Sadiki, a sustainable fashion designer making an impact in Malawi

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Startup Story

The fashion sector is one of the most important sectors from a job creation and economic contribution perspective, and for Kulukaya Sadiki, founder of Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio in Malawi, sustainable fashion is key. Her business approach is to incorporate fabric recycling and reuse into the production process to create timeless fashion pieces with minimal environmental impact.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
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Emilia Banda Tambatamba, a Mozambican coffee brand builder helping SMEs to grow

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder, Dvyn Treat Batamba’s (Mozambique)

Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder, Dvyn Treat Batamba’s (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Dvyn Treat Batamba’s is a Mozambican coffee brand and business, co-founded by Emilia Banda Tambatamba with the aim to assist SMEs with tailored coffee machinery solutions and premium fresh roasted coffee beans. She manages the daily operation of the business and also works a full-time job as a business assistant for an international company, working with sales and after-sales.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink, Coffee
Comment

Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, an entrepreneur building an early childhood development legacy in South Africa 

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder, Apple Tree Montessori (South Africa)

Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder, Apple Tree Montessori (South Africa)

Startup Story

Providing a stimulating, safe learning environment for young children is key in Africa if they are to fulfill their potential. For entrepreneur and educator, Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder of Apple Tree Montessori in South Africa, this need provided her with the inspiration to start her impact driven education business.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education
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Adri Williams, a South African entrepreneur changing women’s lives in Khayelitsha through cookies 

May 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adri Williams, owner, Khayelitsha Cookies (South Africa)

Adri Williams, owner, Khayelitsha Cookies (South Africa)

Startup Story

Khayelitsha Cookies is an impact driven, hand-made cookie manufacturing business making a difference to reducing employment in South Africa, and empowering women to look after their families.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Food & Drink
Comment

Jessica Mkondiwa, an entrepreneur in Malawi creating an on-demand clothing business and creating jobs

May 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Mkondiwa, CEO, Malawi Luxury Inc

Jessica Mkondiwa, CEO, Malawi Luxury Inc

Startup Story

Jessica Mkondiwa is a CEO of Malawi Luxury Inc, a ‘print on demand’ clothing line in Malawi. She started the business in September 2019 with the help of her friend, Harrison Soko, with whom she shared ideas and joined together. It has been almost two years so far and she has employed 15 people in the business, of which 91% of them are Malawians.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Business Services
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Veronica Wekesa, a Kenyan entrepreneur building a new hospitality model for the travel and tourism industry

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Veronica Wekesa, founder & CEO of Cohost Kenya

Veronica Wekesa, founder & CEO of Cohost Kenya

Startup Story

Veronica Wekesa is a founder & CEO of Cohost Kenya, a start-up in the hospitality, travel and tourism sector that serves the needs of both property owners and guests on vacation. She has 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry where she acquired numerous skills that have helped her in running her business. Though the business started in 2017, it was formally registered in 2020 and has since grown from 1 employee to 4 female employees. She believes in uplifting women who necessarily don't have the vocational papers to get employment, and this has been one of the underlying tenets of the business.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Hospitality
Comment

Lynda Smith, a pioneering online community builder for the 50plus generation who want to make an impact

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken
50-Plus-Skills-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

As the world’s population ages, the 50plus generation are looking to make a difference in the next productive phase of their lives, Lynda Smith is a thought leader in this space and founded 50Plus-Skills in South Africa. Lynda is a pioneer and has started a few businesses during her 40 years in business. She dreams about bringing social change while empowering others to grow.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service, Community & Social Networks
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Vhongani Shumba, a South African entrepreneur building a gourmet flavoured butter brand

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content - Absa

For all those cooks who want to bring extra flavour into their meals, Mi Butter, founded by entrepreneur Vhongani Shumba in South Africa has the answer in a jar. Vhongani is the founder and CEO of mi butter SA, founded in 2016, a proudly local woman-led company introducing the market to the world of flavoured butters. She is a marketing and brand manager by day and small business developer by night. Vhongani has brought her company to life by her own hard work and tenacity, and today is involved in the daily operations of the business, providing strategic insights and ensuring that the quality of mi butter meets customers’ expectations.

Read more
In Startup Story, Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

Mildred Agbana, a premium organic, vegan skincare brand builder in Ghana

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kinapure-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

The beauty and wellbeing benefits of shea butter are well known, but now for those looking for a premium brand and product range which is organic, vegan, and suitable for the most sensitive skins, help is at hand from Kinapure1`. In Ghana, Kina Africa, founded by entrepreneur and health specialist, Mildred Mawusi Agbana (Millie), and trading under the brand name Kinapure, is creating a range of products that are handcrafted, organic, cruelty-free, 100% vegan, hypoallergenic and non-GMO.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana
Comment

Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, a South African corporate branding solutions specialist 

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, co-founder, Tshepiso Branding Solutions

Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, co-founder, Tshepiso Branding Solutions

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Every business and organisation needs to get its brand message across to its customers and audiences, and to ensure it has that all important visibility in the marketplace. In South Africa, Tshepiso Branding Solutions, cofounded by Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, is a company bringing both brand expertise and solutions to suit all needs.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Media PR & Communications, Brand
Comment

Emray May, a South African entrepreneur building a digital marketplace for the  event and wedding industry 

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Partee-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Emray May is the founder of The Partee App in South Africa, a digital marketplace for businesses in the event, party and wedding industry. The marketplace was created to assist small and informal business owners who struggle with marketing, networking and growing their businesses. Emray was inspired to start the business when she found herself in this position through her own party decorations company three years ago. She was unable to find the solution to her problem so she became the solution. The vision is to be the global go-to platform for everyone in this industry to allow all small- and informal businesses to save with marketing.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Apps, Online Service
Comment

Sinah Mojanko, a South African recycling entrepreneur creating opportunities and jobs

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Sinah Mojanko, founder, TiyAmo Recycling (South Africa)

Sinah Mojanko, founder, TiyAmo Recycling (South Africa)

Startup Story

Sustainable waste management is a growing business sector on the African continent. In South Africa, TiyAmo Recycling, founded by Sinah Mojanko, is aiming to grow and coach a new generation of recycling entrepreneurs who can tackle the problem of waste.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Eco-preneur, Recycling
Comment

Clara Njeri, a Kenyan entrepreneur creating a natural bath and beauty product manufacturing business

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Clara Njeri, founder, Naturalglam (Kenya)

Clara Njeri, founder, Naturalglam (Kenya)

Startup Story

Entrepreneur Clara Njeri is the Director at Naturalglam, a business which she started at the age of 21 as a result of trying to clear her own acne. The business started more like a hobby, but three years later, the company has grown to having one major physical shop in Nairobi and a network of distributors. Her Instagram Sensation business is slowly growing to be a powerhouse.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Natural Wellness, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Thokozile Mangwiro, a South African premium quality, natural hair care product manufacturer

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

It is in growing her own natural hair for the past 15 years that Thokozile Mangwiro found her inspiration to create a natural hair care product line. After going to several salons and an endless search of locally produced products that truly work for afro natural hair, it was clear that there was a HUGE gap in the market for professionally formulated products for natural hair. Thokozile, like many other women, struggled with extremely dry hair. This, and the lack of knowledge, led to intense research and experimentation with natural ingredients such as Shea butter and avocado oil for skin and hair. After several years of research, formulations and product testing, Thokozile launched Nilotiqa, a line of products that are proudly made from organic and naturally formed ingredients to deeply moisturize and nourish natural hair.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
Comment
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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

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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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