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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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Does the World Economic Forum Matter to SMEs?

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: Handling Customer Complaints - A Process-Centric Approach

January 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

The Art of Acceleration: How to create big opportunities for small business by Catherine Wijnberg

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

South African interior designer Kim Williams launches new RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Interior Design
Comment

What we're loving this week

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In What we're loving
Comment

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, a South African tech entrepreneur passionate about empowering women and girls with digital skills

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Skills Training & Development
Comment

Yara Galiano, a passion-driven Angolan entrepreneur transforming coconuts into world-class processed products

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Agri-business
Comment

The Journey Toward Clarity in CSR Development for SMEs

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Goals
Comment

Brewing Change: Meet 6 Inspiring Women-Led Coffee Brands Redefining Africa’s Coffee Culture

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Lioness Spotlight Tags Coffee
Comment

Wanjiru Mambo, a passion-driven Kenyan potato processing pioneer

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Food & Drink, Agri-business
Comment

Customer Service Excellence: How to Create Seamless Onboarding Processes for New Customers

January 15, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Dr Michélle Booysen, Customer Experience
Comment

What we're loving this week

January 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In What we're loving
Comment

Carrying the Future: 10 Inspiring Women-Led Handbag Brands Redefining African Style

January 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Lioness Spotlight Tags Handbags
Comment

Our New Year’s Resolution: ‘Maximum Satisfaction, Minimum Effort’ with AI & fellow Lionesses

January 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Team Lioness Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Comment

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu, a social entrepreneur committed to skills development

January 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Fashion, Textiles
Comment

Fátima Ernesto, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating customized T-Shirts for her customers

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion
Comment

Clara Chinwe Okoro, a pioneering travel tech entrepreneur empowering travelers to discover the hidden gems of Africa

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Startup Story Tags Travel Tech, Travel & Leisure, Nigeria
Comment

Becoming Dangerous Enough: The Art of Leadership and Accountability

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Gemiene Mueni, Self-development, Leadership
Comment

Why mentorship should be part of your 2025 growth plan

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mentoring
Comment

The Power of Clarity: Lessons from My Personal Goal-Setting Journey

January 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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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In Guest Blog Tags Dr. Memuna Williams, Goals
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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