There are some people you meet in life that really embody the idea of being a Changemaker and who genuinely understand the power of giving and positively touching the lives of others. Penny Mpanza is just that person, an inspirational social entrepreneur who passionately believes that real and lasting change will be driven by a new generation of young people who are well educated and have the tools to find the solutions to the challenges facing Africa today.
Read moreThey say that great minds think alike, and in the case of Sophie Umazi Mvurya and Brigit Wasike, this is certainly a meeting of the minds. These two highly talented and passionate fashionpreneurs have a dynamic vision, to not only capture the fashion market in Kenya, but to take their unique House of Tahzi brand and transform it into a major global lifestyle name.
Read moreSource: Al Jazeera | 14 September 2015
An iron will and a good eye have helped designer Deola Sagoe lead the Nigerian fashion industry on to the global stage. As part of the 'My Nigeria 'series on Al Jazeera, Deola Sagoe takes us into her fashion world and how she sees Nigeria.
Read moreOne of Kenya’s best known tech investors Ory Okolloh has thrown cold water on the push for entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent. “You can’t entrepreneur around bad leadership, we can’t entrepreneur around bad policy,” Okolloh said, criticizing what she called the “fetishization” of entrepreneurship and neglect of fundamental problems hampering African countries.
Read more“It’s important to remember no-one owes you anything, so don’t expect anyone to do favours for you – take ownership of our life!”
- Sebenzile Matsebula is the founder and Executive Director of Motswako Office Solutions, one of South Africa’s leading office automation and document management solution providers. Sebenzile is also an internationally recognized disability rights activist. She previously worked as the Director of the Office on the Status of Disabled People (OSDP) in the Presidency of Thabo Mbeki for 8 years. In 2009, she was appointed to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council, which is mandated to advise the government on Black Economic Empowerment in order to remedy the economic legacy of Apartheid.
Read moreYou need to believe in yourself and your capabilities....
"There will always be reasons as to why you shouldn't start a business; focusing on the cons and on the negatives for most ideas is a sure way to ensure failure. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that not only are you in a positive headspace, but also that you believe in yourself and your capabilities, all the way through the journey."
- Nobesuthu Ndlovu is the co-founder of Burgundy Fly fashion retail brand in South Africa. Stemming from Nobesuthu's passion for fashion and the arts, the business was formed to solve two problems: the lack of commercialisation of top South African designer wear and a lack of accessibility of local designer wear for the South African market.
Read moreI have a confession to make, and I think you may feel the same way – I love being an entrepreneur! It’s such an incredible experience. And, at the same time, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. So what happens when the weight of being an entrepreneur, mom and partner becomes too much to bear? How do you stay motivated?
Read moreFounder, executive producer, and host of I of Africa, Aina Fadina, interviews Nigerian Couture designer, Deola Sagoe. Watch as Deola Sagoe explains how Yoruba and Japanese culture has influenced her creative process. She also uses her 25 years in the fashion business to provide an insight into building luxury labels in Africa and the importance of being true to your brand.
Read moreWe all know that life as an entrepreneurial startup can be tough, but with the right support, training and skills development especially in those early days, achieving business success becomes more of a reality. Work For Life is a focused NGO providing essential entrepreneurial training and support to African entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, just when it is needed most.
Read moreTake the first leap....
"The hardest thing to do is to take a huge leap forward, and that is what being in business is all about. Every single day, you have to keep taking that jump, and if you are not progressing as a person by taking such leaps, then I don’t think you are getting very far. By nature, women are very much about the next day, so just take the entrepreneurial leap and do it. It is very easy to hold back and stay with your own insecurity, so just do it."
- Caroline McCann is the owner of Braeside Butchery in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. This lawyer turned butcher is passionate about the 100% certified free-range, grass-fed and ethically reared meat she sources from farmers she gets to know and trust.
Read moreOnce seen, never forgotten - that is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the work of Diane Goldie and her company, c.Art. This is one highly talented, passionate woman entrepreneur that is creating unique, bespoke pieces of wearable art with stories woven into the very fabric, to appeal to the confident, unapologetic and strong women who inspire her.
Read morePublished on 13 September 2015
Ethel Cofie Talk about how being an opportunity creator helps your career. So be an opportunity creator!
Read moreInnovative Women features the top female entrepreneurs and their secrets of the trade. It goes behind the scenes into the female-led businesses and shares the guiding principles, tools and strategies that serve them in competing. If you're looking to start a business, or are looking to build one you've already launched, these women will share their top tips for how you can become successful. The book describes specific steps women can take to combine business success with personal fulfillment and illustrates the benefits of men and women in the workplace and at home.
Read moreSome of South Africa’s most inspirational and innovative women entrepreneurs will once again be showcased at the wonderful Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair as it returns to the rooftop of Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner from 9 – 11 October.
Read moreJoy Ndungutse the co-founder of Gahaya Links in Rwanda has been recognised with the prestigious Artisan Hero Award 2015 by the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, Aspen Global Health and Development, and The Aspen Institute. She was recognised for her wonderful work in creating an artisan-based, social enterprise that had a vision to turn ancient basket weaving skills into a source of livelihood for thousands of rural women. Congratulations to Joy, her sister and co-founder, Janet, and all the wonderful artisans who make up this inspirational co-operative, artisan project.
Read moreThe real importance and value of artisan enterprise in contributing to economic development, poverty alleviation and women's empowerment is finally being recognised by the world. The timely launch of the #ChooseArtisan global campaign today (10 September 2015) is certainly getting people talking, and rightly so, about the incredible work being done by forward thinking women artisan entrepreneurs, particularly in places like Africa, where traditional crafts are being elevated to a whole new status.
Read moreListen to LoA's interview with Suzana Moreira, founder of moWoza in Maputo, Mozambique. Recorded at the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards finalists press conference in Johannesburg on 28 July 2015.
Read moreAfrica has many challenges and one of those is giving voice to those who need it. Pippa Hetherington is a social and information entrepreneur who is creating a unique platform, Behind the Faces, for encouraging women to let their voices be heard. Using storytelling as a catalyst, she is providing a powerful mechanism for these women to share their own personal stories of strength and inspiration, and to communicate with their compatriots across the African continent.
Read moreLionesses of Africa had the pleasure of meeting Nobesuthu Ndlovu, the highly creative and engaging founder of South African fashion retail brand, Burgundy Fly, earlier this month in Johannesburg. She took time out of her busy schedule to share some of her aspirations for her company and her brand as it moves into an exciting new phase. Listen to our interview.
Read moreMobile, tech ventures and leading women in Africa have just two days left to submit their entries for the Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards 2015 to be held in Cape Town on 16 November. Make sure you've applied!
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