Mozambique continues to be an exciting place to be a woman entrepreneur on the African continent right now. So this month, Lionesses of Africa will be showcasing some of the women business and brand builders who are putting the country on the map and getting the world interested in the products and service offerings they are creating.
The month of May sees Lionesses of Africa heading back to Maputo for the first Lioness Lean In event of the year, taking place on the 18th at the Standard Bank Business Incubator in the city. The aim is to showcase some of the country’s leading and up-and-coming women entrepreneurs and to introduce them to the Lionesses of Africa network and the entrepreneurial eco-system in Maputo. Like the series of events run last year in the country, it’s all about sharing personal business start-up stories, inspiring through shared experiences, and connecting through great networking. To kickstart the month’s Mozambican focus, and to give an insight into the depth of women’s entrepreneurial talent in the country, here are 26 stories of women entrepreneurs we have featured over the past year on Lionesses of Africa, all hailing from Mozambique.
Read them and get know these amazing women entrepreneurs through their stories and then go and experience Maputo’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene for yourselves.
Nadia Machiana - Naducare
Globally, the natural skincare and cosmetics industry is growing at a rapid pace, with consumers looking to buy products that create a minimal footprint on the earth. Nadia Machiana is the founder of Naducare, a natural skin, hair care and cosmetics company dedicated to the production of 100% natural cosmetics, including a range of specialist hair creams, oils and balms to suit every customer’s needs. A proudly Mozambican company based in the city of Maputo, the company creates natural products with a concern for the environment. The Nadu Care brand promotes environmental sustainability and good environmental practices, using 100% natural and biodegradable products. Find out more www.naducare.com
Patricia Vasco - Amorambique
Founded in 2013 by Patrícia Vasco, Amorambique was originally just the name of a fashion collection presented at Mozambique Fashion Week, whose name represented the love of Mozambique. But a mere collection became a larger project and today, Amorabique creates accessory collections of wallets, clutches and sandals, currently sold in the Loja das Meias Maputo, Bairro Bistro and in France and Brazil through resellers. They brand uses traditional raw materials such as Capulana. Social responsibility has always been part of the company’s brand principles and, therefore, charity initiatives and craft workshops are the umbilical cord of Amorambique. Find out more www.amorambique.co.mz
Monica Helena Morela Evaristo - Idealize
The baby and children’s eventing market is growing in Mozambique and creating exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs. Mónica Helena Morela Evaristo is the founder of Idealize, a decoration company specializing in organising custom events for the baby and children’s markets, including Baby Showers and Children's Parties. With 8 years of experience in the Mozambican market, the company’s creative process transports clients into experiential events that fulfill all their expectations and dreams. Find out more.
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.