Oakantse Alfred, an elite property development entrepreneur in Botswana

October 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Oakantse Alfred is a well-seasoned businesswoman, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant. With a career spanning as far back as her college days she has established an elite Real Estate company in Botswana, LesediLebone Property Developers, where she is currently the CEO. LesediLebone Property Developers was founded in 2011 and has 70 employees at maximum capacity. Oakantse also later established her consultancy, Brand OA, in a quest to share her knowledge with other aspiring business owners. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Certificate in Real Estate.

Be the Go-To: How to Own Your Competitive Market, Charge More, and Have Customers Love You For It by Theresa M. Līna

October 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In her book, Be the Go-To: How to Own Your Competitive Market, Charge More, and Have Customers Love You For It, author, thought-leader and strategist, Theresa M. Līna reveals a groundbreaking, step-by-step approach called the Apollo Method for Market Dominance. It’s a detailed, pragmatic recipe for becoming your market’s Go-To brand, brought to life through fascinating, behind-the-scenes stories from the Apollo Space Program, Tesla, Disney, Apple, Lego, Salesforce, Amazon, REI, and more.

Will It Take a Tragedy Before You Ensure Your Suppliers Or Staff Are Industry Compliant?

October 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Earlier this year, on 6 May, we all listened in horror as radio stations across the country let us know about a building that had collapsed and 81 people were stuck in the rubble. Awful updates were constantly received with people being unaccounted for, being rushed to hospital in severe condition, or dying. There were allegations that the owner of the building wished to add a storey to the building that the foundations were not built for and that the construction crew allowed and encouraged the cleaning ladies to mix cement for use in the multi-storey building.

Developing Communication Campaigns that cut Across Borders in Africa

October 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

We’ve probably transcended the “Africa is not a country” conversation by now. At least I hope we have. We now know that each country and region in Africa is rich with unique languages, symbols, and traditions, which form the foundation of effective PR campaigns. When communicating across the diverse cultural landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa therefore, it's essential to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach will not resonate.

Burnout - is it real?

October 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Burnout is now a buzzword but what is it actually? My philosophy is that if you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life and you will never have burnout. Burnout to me is not being able to cope with your workload. Why don’t people cope?

Understanding Crowdfunding

October 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular method for individuals and businesses to raise funds for various causes, projects, or ventures. Each type of crowdfunding caters to different needs, offering unique opportunities and obligations for fundraisers and investors alike.

The Integrated Entrepreneur: Actualize Your Potential and Fulfill Your Purpose by Raeanne Lacatena

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Embark on a transformative journey with Raeanne Lacatena, author of The Integrated Entrepreneur, where you will discover that entrepreneurship is a personal development plan, brilliantly disguised as a financial opportunity. Her new book combines poignant insights with practical exercises to inspire entrepreneurs to embrace purpose-driven business ownership through the depths of self-transcendence, and through themes such as integration, abundance mindset, and releasing limiting beliefs.

Why Wait to Dismiss Staff For Employee Fraud When An Effective Employee Screening Policy Can Save Millions?

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Employee fraud, previously called Insider fraud refers to when an employee of your company lies or steals from the company, this could refer to stealing money, maliciously taking access to company assets, or even workplace recognition. Any kind of fraud can negatively affect a company, but employee fraud is becoming a bigger concern than it has been in the past.

Don't Think a Degree Guarantees You Work

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sasha Knott

South Africa is facing an unemployment crisis, but there is much you can do to secure a job. South Africa is grappling with a significant challenge to economic growth: the shortage of critical skills, even basic ones such as crafting effective CVs. With a high unemployment rate and growing demand for specialised expertise, collaboration among students, educational institutions, and public-private partnerships is essential to bridging this skills gap.

How Brand Strategy Can Empower Non-Profits

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Over the past seven years, we've loved working with nonprofits across various critical impact areas; from human rights and gender equality to environmental and civil protection. One thing we've consistently noticed is that while these organisations are passionate and dedicated, many don't fully grasp the transformative power of a well-crafted brand strategy. The truth is strategic branding and communication aren't just for commercial businesses — they're vital tools that can amplify a nonprofit's impact and help fulfill its mission more effectively.

How Multigenerational Teams Drive Growth

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

My boss is 27, why is that so strange? Mostly because I am 74 and have been my own boss for the past 45 years. What made me do this, the law! I qualified as a Realtor in Florida but the law states that you have to work for a broker for two years before you can start your own business. I thought I would battle to get a job but to my surprise I have been offered over 250 jobs! That was really amazing. I didn’t even have to go for the interview, I would have the job if I wanted it. After sifting through most of the offers, I narrowed it down to 3, the biggest company in the USA, a boutique smaller company and then a brand-new company run by a 27 year old.

You can’t pour from an empty cup

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Written on a Thursday when the weight of the week of putting out fires and being dragged into the weeds of a mass of issues, has built up on our shoulders (and neck, oh those tight neck muscles!), is not lessened by the realisation that the weekend that seems so close will just bring 48 hours of catch-up rather than deep and fulfilling sleep.

Lucricia Malunga, a South African entrepreneur passionate about bringing technology and IT skills to underprivileged communities

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lucricia Malunga, co-founder and ceo, J Brew Solutions (South Africa)

Startup Story

From a young age, Lucricia Malunga, the co-founder and ceo at J Brew Solutions in South Africa, has been passionate about transforming lives and building a business empire. Today, she is driven by a profound desire to create meaningful change and build a lasting business legacy. At just 16, she set out on a mission to establish a diverse portfolio of businesses that not only thrive across various industries but also make a positive impact on communities.

Diana Dwamena, a telehealth and digital transformation company creating access to quality healthcare in Ghana and UK

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Diana Dwamena, founder and CEO, Mahiri-Telehealth Limited (Ghana/UK)

Startup Story

Diana Dwamena is the founder and CEO of Mahiri-Telehealth Limited, a telehealth and digital transformation company founded in 2014, employing 11 people, and headquartered in the UK. She was an original board member of the Healthcare Federation of Ghana (2017 – 2022) and part of the Telehealth Stakeholder Group setup by Ghana Health Services (GHS) in 2015. Diana is a trailblazing strategist and tech-savvy innovator who has been shaping the digital transformation landscape for over two decades. With her impressive track record of pioneering impactful technology solutions. In August 2023, Diana was featured in a Lionesses of Africa’ Startup Story for another of her companies in the digital learning and EdTech space, The Learning Nuggets Company Limited.

Genet Kebede, a pioneering Ethiopian fashion & textile brand builder

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Paradise Fashion, a business celebrating Ethiopia’s proud hand-woven textile heritage and creating sustainable employment for local craftspeople

Genet Kebede, founder of Paradise Fashion, was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a young age, she loved fashion and the rich Ethiopian textiles she found in her own culture, yet she appreciated the inspiration coming from other countries and specifically the rich design heritage of Italy. In pursuit of her dreams, she took the opportunity to study fashion design and garment construction in Italy and then Argentina. However, Genet always knew she would return to her home. Living through the significant political disruptions that led to near famine for much of Ethiopia during her childhood, she believed she had an opportunity to contribute to her country. She wanted to help the many people, particularly women, she saw in difficult circumstances in her city. She also wanted to share the beauty of her country’s rich weaving traditions with the world.

The Invisible Backbone of Africa’s Economy: Women’s Unpaid Labour

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Daphney Klopper

In Africa, women’s unpaid labour is a powerful yet often overlooked force driving the economy. This essential work includes caregiving, household chores, and community support. The ILO (International Labour Organisation) and one.org Africa estimates Women’s unpaid work to be at 10% -39% of a countries GDP. To put this into perspective, this contribution is more than three times that of the South African agricultural sector (2.83%) and rivals the industrial sector (24.68%) Stats SA 2023.

The Importance of Elevating Marketing Governance on the Board Agenda

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.

High-Value Ideas - the power of thinking different

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

When Apple launched its legendary "Think Different" campaign, it didn’t just promote a product—it showcased a mindset that has defined the company’s success for decades. This campaign, with its bold celebration of creativity and innovation, exemplifies the power of innovative thinking and how being willing to step outside the box can result in high-value ideas. By daring to think differently, Apple not only redefined its brand but also set the stage for transformative growth that would shape the tech industry for years to come.

The Budget Balancing Act: Navigating Campaigns Without Going Over or Under

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Vuyelwa Gxakushe

Budgeting is the backbone of any successful marketing campaign. It’s not just about allocating funds—it’s about ensuring those funds are used effectively to achieve your goals. As a marketing manager, I’ve walked that tightrope between over-budgeting and under-budgeting more times than I care to admit. Both extremes come with their own headaches, and getting the balance right is crucial to not only hitting your campaign targets but also ensuring the long-term success of your business.

The Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating Your Own Website in a Weekend by Ruthann Bowen

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Entrepreneur Ruthann Bowen, author of the insightful and highly practical book, The Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating Your Own Website In A Weekend, believes that the quality of your website represents the quality of your business. She brings her extensive knowledge and expertise to the table to show other women entrepreneurs how to transform their websites from DIY Disaster to Design Diva in just a weekend!

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