the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA
The World Economic Forum (WEF) often seems to be the domain of large public policymakers and multinational corporations (MNCs). However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can learn from the conversations and insights shared at events like Davos—this year, particularly around geopolitics, the future of work, sustainability, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence (AI).
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by Dr Michélle Booysen
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates
Customer complaints are an inevitable part of business, but how an organization responds defines its reputation and future success. A process-centric approach to complaint handling ensures consistency, builds trust, and turns negative experiences into opportunities for growth.
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Catherine Wijnberg
Book Review
The Art of Acceleration, the groundbreaking new book by Catherine Wijnberg, entrepreneur and founder of Fetola, is a blueprint for entrepreneurs transforming economies. It provides key insights into how small businesses, driven by resilient entrepreneurs, can be the key to fostering economic growth, reducing inequality, and uplifting communities.
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Kim Williams
Lioness Launch
South Africa’s vibrant heritage deserves to be celebrated every day, and the newly launched Kim Williams RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range powerfully encapsulates this essence. First unveiled at Decorex Cape Town in 2024, the range was born from the dynamic collaboration between esteemed Cape Town based interior designer Kim Williams and acclaimed fashion designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi. The collection, inspired by the essence of togetherness and the powerful role of South African women in our lives, beautifully blends the rich symbolism of local culture with modern design, showcasing a commitment to community, heritage, and beauty. Part of the stunning selection of home décor items includes elegant placemats designed to instantly elevate any table setting, along with a beautifully crafted carpet collection in partnership with Airloom.
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What we’re loving this week
At Lionesses of Africa, there is nothing we like to do more than celebrate all things Woman Made In Africa, showcasing the world-class products being created by Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs. Catching our attention this week are: Wunmi Olufeko, founder, Design for Love (DFL) Nigeria; Ana Alecia Lyman, founder, Oleos de Miombo, Mozambique; Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder, ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya); Adenike Ogunlesi, founder Ruff n Tumble (Nigeria); Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder, Afrobotanics (South Africa).
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Phindiwe Nqanqaru, Co-founder & Director, BabesGotBytes (South Africa)
Startup Story
Phindiwe Nqanqaru is a passionate Full-Stack Developer, Co-founder, and Director of Operations at BabesGotBytes, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. As a recognized Women TechMakers Ambassador and an award-winning leader, Phindiwe advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and mentors aspiring developers. Driven by a love for tech and community impact, Phindiwe is shaping a brighter future for women in technology. BabesGotBytes was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 9 people.
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Yara Galiano, founder, Segredos do Paraíso (Angola)
Startup Story
Segredos do Paraíso, a business celebrating the authentic characteristics and purity of coconut, processed and beautifully packaged for the world to enjoy. What makes Segredos do Paraíso, founded by Yara Galiano, products special is that they are 100% natural, because the business only processes the coconut from one state to another in order to obtain its different products, using the cold press method. The business was launched in February 2023 and has created jobs for 3 people.
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by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA
In today’s dynamic business landscape, clarity is essential for the successful development of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, particularly within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Drawing from the findings of my recent SME CSR Study, I aim to illustrate how clarity plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of CSR development across various phases and locations.
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Lioness Spotlight
For true coffee enthusiasts, Africa is much more than the birthplace of coffee—it’s the soul of the global coffee story. From Ethiopia’s ancient highlands, where coffee cultivation began, to the bustling farms and cooperatives that dot the continent today, Africa’s coffee heritage is as rich and nuanced as the flavors it produces.
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Wanjiru Mambo
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Wedgehut Foods Limited, a Kenyan business revolutionizing Africa's food security through a robust potato value chain
Wanjiru Mambo is a Kenyan entrepreneur focused on reshaping Africa's agrarian landscape one potato at a time. As founder and director of Wedgehut Foods Ltd, she combines entrepreneurial skill with a commitment to uplift farmers and enhance food security across the continent. She has forged key alliances with Equity Bank, Syngenta E.A, Seed Producers and the National Potatoes Council of Kenya, transforming the potato value chain and ensuring top-quality produce reaches every corner of the nation and beyond. Wanjiru’s hands-on approach extends from the boardroom to the fields, fostering sustainable growth with small-scale farmers. Honored with the Zuri Awards (Agriculture Impact) 2023, AGRA WAYA (Woman of the Year Agripreneur Award) 1st runners up. My leadership includes collaborations with KIEP 250+, the World Bank, and Partners in Food Solutions. My passion is revolutionizing Africa's food security through a robust potato value chain. Wedgehut Foods Ltd was started in 2021 and today has 35 employees.
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by Dr Michélle Booysen
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Will Rogers
A seamless onboarding process sets the tone for long-term customer satisfaction and retention. For SMEs, onboarding isn’t just about signing up new clients—it’s about delivering value quickly, building trust, and laying the foundation for lasting relationships. Here’s how to design onboarding processes that create a smooth experience and drive growth.
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What we’re loving this week
At Lionesses of Africa, there is nothing we like to do more than celebrate all things Woman Made In Africa, showcasing the world-class products being created by Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs. Catching our attention this week are: Wunmi Olufeko, founder, Design for Love (DFL) Nigeria; Ana Alecia Lyman, founder, Oleos de Miombo, Mozambique; Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder, ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya); Adenike Ogunlesi, founder Ruff n Tumble (Nigeria); Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder, Afrobotanics (South Africa).
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Lioness Spotlight
2025 looks set to be an exciting year for Africa’s women-founded luxury handbag brands, with many confidently expanding across the continent and into key global markets with a bang. If your weakness is for stylish, finely crafted, sustainable handbags, then there is no better time to add a luxurious, hand-crafted African-made piece to your wardrobe.
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by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department
So 2025 has begun and as with all new years, we have our own resolutions. Although not technically a ‘resolution’ as by definition it is designed to only last one month, ‘Dry January’ does tend to outlast many of our well thought out self promises for the year, although as (occasional) wine drinkers, we of course don’t count as a failure the ‘White Wednesdays’ and ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ that tend to creep in towards the end of the month. We are after all, only human.
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Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
CLM Clothing & Textile, a South African social enterprise specializing in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development
Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu is the founder and director of CLM Clothing and Textile in South Africa, a social enterprise that specializes in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development. The business was started in 2016 and legally registered in 2020, and today employs 21 people. In addition to the production site, the business also has a training and development site, where accredited sewing training development skills programs are delivered. Creseldah is a passionate Community builder, Philanthropist and Innovative Social Entrepreneur. She is a multi-award winner both locally and internationally and was recently recognised with an Empowerment Award of the Year by the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneur Forum.
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Fátima Armando Ernesto, founder, Faes (Mozambique)
Startup Story
Fátima Armando Ernesto is the founder of Faes in Mozambique, a digital graphics and t-shirt sales business specialising in creating t-shirts to each customer's taste. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she was a Road and Bridge Construction Technician at IIM, Public Relations and Leadership Technician at Wake Up, Aspirant at Rotaract Clube de Maputo, and worked as a Site Clerk at SS Construção where she provided services in the following roles: Archivist (Management and control of files), Assistant to the Warehouse Manager of the main Shipyard, Responsible for diesel control (purchase and sale), Formwork Clerk (Rent, purchase and sale of material).
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Clara Chinwe Okoro, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, My Beautiful Africa (Nigeria)
Startup Story
Clara Chinwe Okoro is Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the travel tech company My Beautiful Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, and launched in 2019. Designing Travel experiences in Africa with Technology at My Beautiful Africa, she is passionate and focused on promoting how digital transformation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector can lead to a more competitive Tourism industry in Africa through Smart Tourism. Clara's speaking engagements are known for being both engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and tourism.
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by Gemiene Mueni
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” — Amy Poehler"
Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to growth, but ensuring accountability is where real progress happens. It also requires accountability and an intimate understanding of the tasks at hand. Vusi Thembkwayo, a renowned entrepreneur and thought leader, offers a pragmatic perspective: “To be dangerous enough means knowing each and every single thing about your business to know when someone is bullshitting you.
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by Ntsoaki Sibiya
As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on my own goals for personal and professional growth—and I know many other entrepreneurs and business owners are doing the same. January, recognized as National Mentoring Month, provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the pivotal role mentorship plays in achieving those goals. From my own experience, mentorship isn’t just guidance; it’s a transformative catalyst for leadership and personal development that has shaped my journey as an entrepreneur and should be a key component of every growth plan.
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by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA
For the past two years, I have set myself an ambitious set of professional, developmental, spiritual, and wellness goals. One of my biggest, was reading 60 books in a year. While I have not yet reached that target number, I set personal records: 24 books in 2023 and over 30 in 2024. These reading aims introduced me to Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and Satya Nadella’s insights on culture and leadership in organizations.
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