Have you ever watched Miss Universe and found yourself cheering a little louder when the African contestants took the stage? Because the same. This year, the excitement is even greater as the 74th Miss Universe pageant lights up Bangkok with women from 130 countries, and Africa emerges with beauty worthy of attention.
Bangkok hosts the pageant themed “The Power of Love,” a reminder of how connection and community continue to shape the global stage. While interviews, national costumes, evening looks and rehearsals take place, all eyes are on the women who proudly represent their countries and everything that home means to them.
Across the continent – from Angola to Nigeria and Zimbabwe – each contestant carries a piece of her nation with her. Some come from STEM fields, some are media personalities, and others are driving change in their communities. What unites them all is a shared determination to represent Africa with purpose and heart.
Meet the African women hoping to bring home the Miss Universe crown in 2025:
Angola – Maria Cunha
Rooted in the warmth of a large and united family, Maria brings with her lessons of empathy, resilience and responsibility in the community. Now involved in international relations, she uplifts young hearing-impaired women through her platform Mwiji Wami, promoting inclusion and opportunity with dedication and pride.
Botswana – Lillian Nompumelelo Andries
Lillian’s journey is marked by faith, endurance and transformation, leading her from adversity to intercession. A geologist and mental wellness advocate, she promotes inclusive empowerment through education, reminding others that renewed purpose often comes from life’s most challenging moments.
Cape Verde – Prissy Gomes
Prissy’s multicultural upbringing shaped her vision of empowerment and education. An architect and philanthropist, she expands the academic approach with her scholarship initiative, inspiring Cape Verdean youth with compassion, leadership and pride in their heritage.
Côte d’Ivoire – Olivia Yacé
Olivia’s leadership shines through her work in education, culture and social impact. A model, entrepreneur and philanthropist, she uplifts women and youth across Africa, representing Côte d’Ivoire with authenticity, pride and commitment to lasting, meaningful change.
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Dorcas Dienda Kasinde
Dorcas advocates for the education and nutrition of children through her entrepreneurial and philanthropic work. Her initiatives elevate Congolese culture and empower vulnerable communities, reflecting a deep belief in compassion, opportunity and sustainable social growth.
Egypt – Sabrina Maged
Sabrina embodies ambition, independence and a passion for empowering young women. Rising from early challenges, she now uses her platform as a role model and advocate to promote education, self-confidence and courage, proudly representing Egypt on the global stage.
Equatorial Guinea – Carmen Ismelda Avomo Obama
Ghana – Andromeda Osam-Peters
Andromeda combines her Ghanaian heritage with her work as a psychotherapist, using her journey to advocate for mental health and support with trauma information. Through her global initiative, she empowers women and youth with resilience and compassion, proudly representing Ghana on the world stage.
Guinea – Tiguidanke Berets
Tiguidanke transforms resilience and creativity into advocacy, shaped by her childhood illness, multicultural upbringing and passion for fashion. Through her HASNA Foundation, she supports women facing postpartum depression, proudly representing Guinea with authenticity, strength and purpose.
Mauritius – Aurélie Alcindor
An Olympian and coach, Aurélie embodies discipline, resilience and purpose. Her journey from national champion to representing Mauritius on the world stage now fuels her mission to inspire young athletes, proudly carrying the spirit of her island with strength, grace and determination.
Namibia – Johanna Swartbooi
A creative entrepreneur and mentor, Johanna empowers young Namibians through her Hapo initiative, turning dreams into tangible opportunities. Driven by the belief that “if you can dream it, you can do it,” she champions self-reliance, storytelling and purpose, proudly lifting her nation with resilience and vision.
Nigeria – Onyinyechi basil
A biochemist and women’s health advocate, Onyinye turns personal loss into purpose through Nwanyi Bu Ife and her Reach Moms initiative, supporting care for mothers in rural communities. With resilience forged from humble beginnings, she represents Nigeria with grace, strength and a mission to ensure that every woman’s life matters.
Rwanda – Solange Tuyishima Keita
A humanitarian leader and UNICEF ambassador, Solange transforms resilience into purpose, empowering women and children through global advocacy and education. As Miss Universe Rwanda, she represents hope, compassion and the belief that leadership driven by love can change lives.
Senegal – Ndeye Ngone Diagne
A top model and barrier-breaking entrepreneur in tech, Ndeye turns resilience into purpose. Through her creative career and weekly community service at Dara schools, she proudly represents Senegal with strength, compassion and a message of self-belief and possibility.
South Africa – Melissa Nayimuli
A storyteller and director, Melissa elevates African stories with authenticity and pride. Through her advocacy of inclusivity and mental health, she represents South Africa with creativity, resilience and a vision of a united, empowered Africa.
Tanzania – Naisae Yona
Entrepreneurial and goal-driven, Naisae blends innovation with compassion through her endeavors in beauty, design and advocacy. With her “Carry Goodness” movement, she uplifts children with disabilities and their caregivers, proudly representing Tanzania with strength, heart and influence.
Zambia – Kunda Mwamulima
Kunda Mwamulima is a registered nurse and advocate whose work focuses on inclusion, empowerment and care in the community. Through her humanitarian efforts and passion for service, she inspires others to lead with compassion and purpose.
Zimbabwe – Lyshanda Moyas
Lyshanda Moyas is a model and humanitarian who uses her platform to empower teenage mothers and support sustainable community development. Her advocacy focuses on education, health and skills training, inspiring positive change across Zimbabwe.
