Lioness Africa Gets Women Entreprenuers Networking
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday October 22, 2018 18:00
The series brings together inspirational and successful women entrepreneurs to share, inspire and connect with the next generation of great women-led startups.
Running for the second time in Botswana courtesy of Stanbic Bank Botswana, this year the event hosted the First Lady Neo Masisi together with other speakers including Tumi Mbaakanyi, Orefitlhetse Masire, Tebogo Modisagape and the founder of Lioness Africa, Melanie Hawken.
This event is part of the year-long rollout of Lionesses of Africa’s tour of the African continent with the Lioness Lean In Breakfast events. Lioness Lean In event included a formal programme of speakers, both from Lionesses of Africa and comprising local leaders, and a networking session to encourage nurturing key relationships amongst guests.
According to the bank’s head of marketing, Stephanie Stoneham, the platform is based on a breakfast networking, which empowers women entrepreneurs across the continent, adding that the unique event showcases the game-changing women entrepreneurs who have built some of the country’s most successful businesses.
“We are passionate about this partnership which seeks to recognise and bring together women entrepreneurs in our community and help nurture their growth further. Botswana is blessed with a number of thriving female entrepreneurs and the potential for the next generation of talent is strong,” she said.
On her part, Hawken said the event accords women entrepreneurs an opportunity to hear the inspiring entrepreneurial stories of women who are building great business.
“Gaborone is a growing and exciting centre for women’s entrepreneurship in Africa. The event allows them to benefit from the insights and advice of women entrepreneurs who have seen and experienced it all - and ‘got the T-shirt’ in the world of business and brand building,” she said.
In addition, she said the event provides an excellent opportunity for networking with speakers and participants who all share a passion for advancing women entrepreneurs in Botswana. Hawken added that the event offers the chance to ask questions and get advice that can help take women entrepreneurs to the next level in the country and it provides the opportunity for Lionesses of Africa to announce all the new and exciting initiatives that are on offer to Botswana’s women entrepreneurs, all aimed at helping them to take their businesses to the next level.”
Melanie also offered 10 women entrepreneurs in the audience an opportunity to pitch their own new products, services and businesses to the rest of the gathering, giving them important exposure and access to new markets.