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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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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Zaza Letsholo, a South African agripreneur building a business with community impact

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Zaza Letsholo, founder, ABM Farming Dreams (South Africa)

Startup Story

Zaza Letsholo is the founder of ABM Farming Dreams in South Africa. She is a passionate farmer and community builder specializing in livestock and dry bean production. Inspired by her late father, a dedicated farmer, Zaza grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work and resilience. In addition to her farming endeavours, she runs a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, including orphans. With over 12 years of experience in car sales, Zaza is also an award-winning top performer in her field. Her commitment to agriculture and community welfare reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
Comment

Yolanda Isabel Langa, a Mozambican eco-preneur innovating with plantable seed paper

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Yolanda Isabel Langa, founder, Yo-Ecológico (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Yolanda Isabel Langa is the founder of Yo-Ecológico, an eco-business that innovates with “seed paper,” a recycled product that includes seeds from flowers, spices, and vegetables. Her company offers eco-friendly products such as gifts and invitations, and is expanding with personalized planners, sustainable keychains made from seed paper with rings, and chains made from recycled plastic bottles. Yolanda combines her entrepreneurial experience with a passion for sustainability to make a meaningful difference in the world. Yolanda is about to graduate from Eduardo Mondlane University with a degree in Public Administration. In addition to her academic career, Yolanda is also an active volunteer at an NGO focused on education, health, and the environment.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Green Business
Comment

Titi Adewusi, an education innovator for children in Africa

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Titi Adewusi

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides African children with access to high-quality educational content

Titi Adewusi is one of the co-founders of 9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides children access to high-quality educational content through fun and engaging online games. Titi is an Engineer by training and a Management Consultant by experience, having worked with one of the Big 4 for over a decade before starting 9ijakids with two of her sisters. 9ijakids, which launched in 2918, has received several awards, both local and international. The business has created jobs for 24 people. Titi is also one of the conveners of Africa’s largest STEM gathering for children to spark a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in children aged 7-15 years through career talks, experiential STEAM activities, and games, which has taken place in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Edutech
Comment

Starved For Success: Powerful Lessons On Resilience And Resourcefulness From An International Entrepreneur by Olivia Ansell

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Olivia Ansell

Book Review

Olivia Ansell, the author of Starved For Success: Powerful Lessons On Resilience And Resourcefulness From An International Entrepreneur, has been a successful entrepreneur since she was 10 years old, an age where unexpected tragedy sparked her unparalleled story of survival and success. As a young girl forced out onto the streets of Uganda, a side effect of an unforgiving African family structure, Olivia had to learn nearly overnight what it would take to thrive in a place that seemed to have the odds stacked high against her. But her incredible ability to recognize the significance of whatever little she had and use it to her advantage has since helped Olivia become the resourceful business owner she is today, starting multiple businesses in the U.S. and abroad that have collectively grossed millions of dollars in revenue.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Dentaa Amoateng, a social enterprise builder dedicated to the advancement of Diaspora Africans

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President and Founder, Grow Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Enterprise (Ghana/UK)

Startup Story

Dentaa Amoateng MBE is the President and Founder of the Grow Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Enterprise, a social enterprise organisation dedicated to the advancement of diaspora Africans and Africans through various socio –economic programs and initiatives. She is a multi-hyphenate with years of experience in the acquisition of funding, deal brokering, lobbying and facilitating Diaspora development. Dentaa is the current Liaison Executive Officer for the Greenwich-Tema Meridian Link, working to secure trading and business networks between both cities. She started the business in 2009 and today it has 20 employees.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, United Kingdom, Social Entrepreneur, Community & Social Networks
Comment

Sheillah Siima, a Tanzanian entrepreneur publishing resources and tools to help make daily life more organized

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sheillah Siima, creative head and founder, Sheillah Publications (Tanzania)

Startup Story

Sheillah Siima is the creative head and founder of Sheillah Publications located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is also a self-publisher, author, and is professionally an editor for print media. Her company publishes a range of resources, tools, and journals to help businesses and individuals manage their lives more effectively.

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In Startup Story Tags Tanzania, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Ana Alecia Lyman, a sustainable natural beauty brand-builder in Mozambique

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Ana Alecia Lyman

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia, a natural skin and hair care business celebrating Mozambique's indigenous oilseed species.

Ana Alecia Lyman, born in California and residing in Mozambique since 2005, has more than 15 years of experience as a businesswoman and consultant in the natural products sector. She is the founder and director of Bio Óleos de Miombo, a natural skin and hair care products company, providing high-quality products that highlight Mozambique's indigenous oilseed species to the national market. As a member of PhytoTrade Africa, the Natural Products Business Association of Southern Africa, she served as Vice President from 2015 to 2018, supporting the implementation of advocacy programs and initiatives in Mozambique and the region. Graduated in Public Policy from Brown University (USA), she currently works with the National Directorate of the Environment as a consultant, supporting the review of Decree 19/2007, the Regulation on Access and Sharing of Benefits derived from the use of Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge, in collaboration with a multi-sectoral technical team.

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In Cover Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness, Green Business
Comment

Change that School Report!

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Our bedtime reading this week has been the UN’s school report on the SDGs 2024 (here). To call it a school report, of course, is a little generous, because the UN is reviewing its own efforts to galvanise the world behind the SDGs and deliver results, certainly not written by a stern third party.

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In Team Lioness Tags SDGs
Comment

ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR - An FMCG Case Study

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

A few days ago, I read an article by Ery Dimitrantzou of Cority titled “What’s the difference: ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR”. I agree with her views on the matter but because we ESG In Action Africa get that question a lot, I have decided to use a case study to help drive home the points she made:

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In Guest Blog Tags Bella Ikeme, ESG
Comment

My Journey as a Young Marketer: Embracing Growth and Learning

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thabisile Mabele

Navigating the marketing landscape as a young 23-year-old has been an exciting, challenging, and enriching experience. From my early days of exploring the marketing field to where I am now, I’ve come to realize that growth in this industry is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about personal development, learning, and embracing new opportunities.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thabisile Mabele, Personal Development
Comment

Leading from Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Gemiene Mueni

Passion is like a spark; it lights a fire that spreads. It's pure energy, the kind that comes straight from the heart. Leading a team for the first time can be a wild ride with no safety net—just you, your instincts, and a bit of excitement mixed with a dash of "What did I just sign up for?" My journey in leadership has often felt overwhelming, like stepping into a role far too big for me. It became clear that I needed to engage in some deep personal work to navigate these challenges.

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In Guest Blog Tags Gemiene Mueni, Self-development
Comment

What a journey!

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sibongile V. Mthimunye

What a journey it has been since I fully worked in my business in 2021 September. Before then I registered the business in May 2020, but continued working as a Corporate Executive. However, circumstances changed and allowed me to be a full-time employee of BWGL Group in September 2021. What started as me paying homage to my mother who was a cleaner and me being curious about the hygiene and cleaning space, has now become a fully-fledged business and has created several job opportunities for women and the youth from underserved communities.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sibongile V. Mthimunye, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

A Beauty-Full Journey by Suzie Wokabi

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Suzie Wokabi

Book Review

Celebrated Kenyan beautypreneur, Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty and SB Dada, knows what it takes to build and launch one of the most successful beauty brands in Africa. Her new book, A Beauty-Full Journey, shares her personal experiences and insights into the highs and lows, challenges and opportunities, that she has navigated on her own beauty-full business and brand building journey. This is an inspirational read for all those who want to understand the entrepreneurial journey that any current or future beauty brand builder will have to take to achieve success.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Jusaina Violanda, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping people green their homes and gardens

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Jusaina Violanda, founder, Nandzika Garden Center (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Jusaina Violanda is the founder of Nandzika Garden Center in Mozambique, a business dedicated to bringing nature closer to people’s lives through beautiful plants, green decor, and professional landscaping. She uses the power of plants at her garden center to help her customers create beautiful personal spaces and environments that enhance lives and fulfill the emotional need to be closer to nature.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
Comment

Bophelo Mohapi, a South African mobile spa business builder bringing beauty therapy directly to her clients

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Bophelo Leah Mohapi, founder, ChamomileSpaAndBeauty (South Africa)

Startup Story

Bophelo Leah Mohapi is the founder of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in South Africa, a growing mobile beauty treatment spa. She is solely responsible for running her mobile spa but has a team of 17 therapists that she hooks up with for gigs. Bophelo also has 7 promoters helping her reach more clients as part of her growth journey. ChamomileSpaAndBeauty has been operating since 2015, originally as a side hustle. The business started operating under the name of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in 2022 and was formally registered in 2024.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Kemisola Bolarinwa, a Nigerian pioneer in wearable technology

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Kemisola Bolarinwa

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria, developing technology worn close to the body to solve health issues.

Kemisola Bolarinwa is the founder of Nextwear Technologies, the pioneering wearable technology startup launched in Nigeria in 2020, and which now employs 9 people. She is a distinguished Robotics and Embedded System Engineer with over 13 years of exceptional tech expertise. Through Nextwear Technologies, Kemisola designs and develops innovative wearable technology that addresses health-related challenges. One of her notable contributions to the field is the invention of the groundbreaking wearable Smart Bra Cup Diagnostic Device, designed to detect the earliest stages of breast cancer—an unprecedented advancement in healthcare technology that has earned her global recognition and awards.

Read more
In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Technology
Comment

How Megatrends are turbocharging the speed and pervasiveness of change

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

PwC brought out a report on five ‘Megatrends that would impact the world, in 2013, and then updated it in 2022, and all that they wrote about 10 years ago is not only relevant today but even more of a concern. These ‘Megatrends’ are “… characterized as deep and profound trends, global in scope and long-term in effect, touching everyone on the planet and shaping our world for many years to come.” (here). They go on to say and certainly show that not only have these Megatrends transformed the world faster than they had thought, but the interaction has in their words “…turbocharged both the speed and pervasiveness of change.”

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In Team Lioness Tags Business Trends
Comment

Who Is That Doctor You Are Considering Employing?

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In a recent article, there was much controversy about a politician who had been writing Doctor before his name for many years.  On further investigation, he was a “doctor in the ministry of counselling” from Trinity International University, Ghana’s campus in South Africa in 2008. “Trinity is not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority, the National Qualifications Framework, or the Council on Higher Education for Higher Education Qualifications. Trinity is also not accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Committee, although the ‘university’ operates out of Ghana.” Due to the institutions’ lack of accreditation or importance outside of a church, South Africans thought that this “Doctorate” should not count. Nor should this politician refer to himself as a doctor. This poses the question, how relevant is a qualification if it does not bring the required skill set to the party?

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

Unlocking Your Potential with The Power of Investing in Personal Growth

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

What does it take to be an empowered woman? When it comes to juggling careers, family, and social obligations, it's easy to put our own development on the back burner. However, the truth is that investing in your personal growth is not just a luxury - it's a necessity for creating a life of purpose and fulfillment. Here's why now is the time to prioritize your self-investment and some practical considerations to keep in mind.

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In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee, Personal Development
Comment

Tips for South Africans Navigating Cross-Border Transactions

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Cross-border transactions play a crucial role in global commerce by allowing South African businesses to extend their reach and participate in international markets. However, these transactions present distinct legal challenges that need to be handled carefully to ensure compliance and reduce risks. South African businesses involved in cross-border transactions must navigate a complex regulatory environment.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
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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