Country Feature
Angola is increasingly becoming an exciting place to do business, as regional and international visitors are finding out for themselves. In particular, the country is seeing a growth in entrepreneurship, with some interesting growth businesses emerging and catching the attention of the global and regional marketplace. The country’s business environment is changing and a new spirit of enterprise is being driven by a new generation of women entrepreneurs who are making their mark and building exciting and diverse businesses that are poised to grow.
Angola’s women business building game-changers represent a range of sectors including legal services, digital technology, market research, beauty therapy, occupational therapy, wellness and healthy eating, real estate services, education and professional services consulting, to name but a few. So, this week at Lionesses of Africa, we are featuring 9 highly successful, established and up-and-coming women entrepreneurs of Angola who are building great businesses, brands and social enterprises, and helping to put the country firmly on the pan-African and global business map. You may have read their startup stories on Lionesses of Africa, or you might have been fortunate to meet them in person at our first Lioness Lean In event in Luanda in October 2019, or they may be new to you. Either way, you will be inspired and fascinated by their business building stories, their shared experiences, and the unique products and services they are creating. We hope these stories will inspire you to take a look at Angola for yourselves and to do some business with these women entrepreneurs who are genuinely making their mark in the country.
Ana Loyd Vasoncelos, founder of AnaLoyd Lda
Finding stunningly beautiful clothes to wear for any occasion in Angola, whether formal or casual wear, has never been easier, thanks to the creative design talent of Ana Lloyd Vasconcelos. Her fashion company and brand, AnaLoyd Lda, is bringing a touch of glamour to all her customers who want to look and feel beautiful in her clothing.
Itweva Nogueira, founder of I N Sociedade de Advogados
In business, having a good source of legal advice is essential in order to deal effectively with all the challenges that present themselves along the journey. In Angola, one woman entrepreneur lawyer is creating a highly successful business that is helping businesses large and small with their legal needs. Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados is just the legal advisor that entrepreneurs and business leaders need on their side.
Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe Lda
In Angola, individuals and companies spend vast amounts of time completing administrative tasks by hand that can be done in minutes by harnessing the power of digital technology. Entrepreneur Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda, is bringing the necessary software solutions to make things faster and more efficient.
Read Vania’s Startup Story
Filipa Oliveira, founder of Mira Market Intelligence Research Angola
Any successful business knows that getting access to accurate and timeous market research and data is essential to success. Entrepreneur Filipa Oliveira, founder of MIRA Market Intelligence Research Angola, is bringing world class market insights to her customers to help them to tap into and grow their customer bases.
Juvenália Brito, founder of Juvenália Beauty
When it comes to creating make-up for special events, television and photography shoots, it needs professional expertise. In Angola, a team of women experts in the specialist make-up industry have been brought together by Juvenália Brito, under the Juvenália Beauty brand, a business offering truly professional and beautiful make-overs.
Read Juvenália’s Startup Story
Vanda Tchimuondje Costa, founder of Okupuyuka Brunch and Wellness
Health and wellness conscious women in Angola have a wonderful source of help when it comes to getting great support and resources to aid overall wellbeing. Okupuyuka Brunch and Wellness is a business that is the brainchild of three women entrepreneurs who want to create a one-stop-shop for women to eat healthily, de-stress with great wellness treatments, and exercise with like-minded women.
Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of Reabilitary Di-Versidade
Occupational therapy is a real calling, with professionals who have a passion for making a difference to people’s lives. Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE is building a clinic in Angola where her specialist knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, are helping so people who are in need of rehabilitation.
Zilia Ximenes, founder of Zximenes – Imobiliária
Finding the right property for your business or personal needs can be a stressful and time consuming process, and one that requires specialist expertise. In Angola, entrepreneur Zilia Ximenes, founder of Zximenes – Imobiliária, is helping her clients with all their property needs, bringing her personalized approach and specialist experience to every job.
Georgina Angélica, founder of Georgina Angélica
For Georgina Angélica, her business motto is: “Cada necessidade um recurso”, which translates as, “For every need, a resource”. In her specialist education and professional development consultancy, she lives by that motto, providing courses and workshops for local educators to meet all needs.