By Bello Wasiu
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant set to be held on the global stage in Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 16, 2024, will host 19 inspiring contestants from across Africa.
This year’s contestants are not only beautiful but also exceptional in their fields, each bringing their unique cultures, talents, and advocacies to the global spotlight, from gender equality and healthcare to environmental conservation and cultural inclusivity.
Here is a closer look at these remarkable women representing the heart and diversity of Africa.
Angola
Nelma Tchissola Ferreira, a 26-year-old management and company administration graduate, is a dedicated volunteer with a vision for gender equality and reducing hunger. She previously competed in Miss World 2018 and hopes to revive Angola’s presence at Miss Universe, following Leila Lopes’ win in 2011.
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Botswana
Dr. Thanolo Keutlwile a 28-year-old medical doctor and general practitioner focusing on women’s health.
She is also involved in humanitarian and philanthropic work. Inspired by Mpule Kwelagobe’s 1999 Miss Universe win, Thanolo aims to carry forward Botswana’s legacy.
Cameroon
Raïssa Noura Njikam was Crowned Miss Cameroon 2024. Noura is passionate about art and culture and advocates against violence toward women.
She won the People’s Choice Award with a large number of online votes.
Côte d’Ivoire
Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala is representing Ivory Coast for only the second time in history, Marie-Emmanuelle, a 20-year-old, is devoted to environmental conservation and community development.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ilda Amani is a menstrual health advocate from South Kivu, Ilda, with a background in business administration, champions peace and women’s empowerment in her conflict-stricken homeland.
Egypt
Logina Salah, a multifaceted woman, Logina is a finance graduate, mother, model, and vitiligo advocate.
She is poised to represent Egypt, bringing her skills as a makeup artist and TV presenter to the global stage.
Equatorial Guinea
Diana Dashaira Mouhafo, a 24-year-old commerce and marketing graduate, Diana is a mother and the first representative of Equatorial Guinea at Miss Universe. She hopes to achieve her country’s first semifinal placement.
Eritrea
Snit Tewoldemedhin, representing Eritrea’s debut at Miss Universe. Snit is a neuroscience graduate and advocate for children’s education, inspired by her sister with down syndrome and her late mother.
Guinea
Nene Mariama Saran Bah is represented as the first Miss Universe Guinea. Saran, a humanitarian through her NGO, previously placed in the top 40 at Miss World 2021/22. She focuses on supporting disadvantaged children.
Kenya
Irene Ng’endo Mukii is a software engineer and youth empowerment advocate, Irene combines her skills as a dancer, teacher, and entrepreneur to inspire young people. She previously won Miss Africa 2019.
Mauritius
Vishakha Tania René, a 28-year-old IT project manager and climate advocate, Tania promotes zero-waste initiatives in Mauritius. Fluent in four languages, she is passionate about anime and Japanese culture.
Namibia
Prisca Anyolo is a journalist and entrepreneur, Prisca owns Elysian Beauty Parlour and supports young women through job creation. She aims to secure Namibia’s first back-to-back semifinalist spot.
Nigeria
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a law student and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Chidimma withdrew from Miss South Africa due to citizenship issues but now represents Nigeria. She founded SUEI to promote inclusivity.
Senegal
Fatou Bintou Gueye was originally the first runner-up at Miss Senegal. Fatou marks Senegal’s fourth participation in Miss Universe, with a mission to elevate her country’s standing on the international stage.
Somalia
Khadija Omar, a beauty influencer and founder of K Amani. Khadija is the first hijabi to represent Somalia. Born in a Kenyan refugee camp, she advocates for inclusivity and empowerment.
South Africa
Mia le Roux is the first ‘deaf woman’ to wear the Miss Universe South Africa crown. Mia uses a cochlear implant and aims to add to South Africa’s three previous Miss Universe wins.
Tanzania
Judith Peter Ngusa is a fashion model, actress, and health advocate, Judith, the first mother to represent Tanzania, has previously competed in Miss United Nations and is a champion for postpartum health.
Zambia
Brandina Lubuli, an advocate for women’s rights, Brandina is a philanthropist and science lab technologist. Zambia returns to Miss Universe after a hiatus, and she is the first married woman to represent her country.
Zimbabwe
Sakhile Dube is a healthcare advocate and fashion designer, Sakhile aims to enhance access to quality medical services and youth empowerment through employment opportunities.
As these African ambassadors prepare to grace the Miss Universe stage, they embody not just national pride but also the aspirations of their communities.
Their participation marks a transformative shift in beauty standards and highlights the importance of global conversations around inclusivity and empowerment.
