The world’s most celebrated beauty stage is heading back to the “Land of Smiles” as the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, the 74th edition, is set to captivate audiences from the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, 2025. This year promises a spectacular showcase of global ambition, diversity, and empowerment, with a near-record number of contestants vying for the coveted crown.
Reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Theilvig of Denmark, is ready to pass on the title in what is anticipated to be a night of elegance.
The Miss Universe pageant is one of the “Big Four” international beauty contests, watched by millions globally. Its origins trace back to an unusual dispute. The pageant was founded in 1952 in Long Beach, California, by the Pacific Knitting Mills (manufacturer of Catalina Swimwear). The company, which had sponsored the Miss America pageant, decided to create its own contest after the 1951 Miss America winner, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose in their swimsuit line. What began as a marketing ploy quickly evolved into a powerful global platform. Today, the Miss Universe Organization champions female empowerment, leadership, and philanthropy. Its mission is to be the world’s top female lifestyle brand, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth while celebrating diversity and encouraging women to use their voices for global change. Contestants are judged on their poise, intelligence, confidence, and ability to advocate for social issues.
As women from over 100 nations gather, the spotlight shines brightly on the formidable delegation from the African continent, fueled by a renewed hope for a continental victory. Africa has a rich and inspiring history at the Miss Universe pageant, with six women claiming the ultimate title, each marking a significant milestone.
The journey began in 1978 when Margaret Gardiner became the first African woman and first South African to win the Miss Universe title. Over a decade later, Michelle McLean brought the crown back to the continent in 1992, representing Namibia and using her platform to establish The Michelle McLean Children’s Trust. A significant breakthrough came in 1999 with Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana, who made history as the first Black African woman to secure the title and was subsequently appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Youth and HIV/AIDS. Twelve years later, the crown traveled to West Africa in 2011 with Leila Lopes of Angola, who used her reign to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and advocate for environmental protection.
More recently, South Africa secured two more victories: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017, who launched the ‘Unbreakable’ campaign to empower women with self-defense skills, and the globally celebrated Zozibini Tunzi in 2019. Tunzi made global history as the first Black woman to win the title while wearing her natural afro-textured hair, becoming a powerful symbol of authentic beauty and a catalyst for the ongoing conversation about natural hair acceptance on the world stage.
Following Tunzi’s groundbreaking victory in 2019, hope for another African crown has been immense. The collective strength of the African delegates this year, including strong contenders from nations like South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and Zambia, reinforces the continent’s undeniable presence.
These delegates are not just models; they are entrepreneurs, activists, and change-makers ready to showcase their unique heritage and ambitious platforms to a global audience. The continent is firmly united in its support, believing this could be the year the Miss Universe crown once again rests upon an African head. Be sure to follow the journey of these extraordinary women as they shine brightly on the world stage in Thailand.
Angola: Maria Cunha
Representing Angola is the articulate Maria Cunha, aged 22. A rising star in the Angolan fashion and advocacy scene, Maria is currently studying International Relations. Her platform, which includes her project “Raparigas Surdas e as Suas Valências” (Deaf Girls and Their Skills), is focused on inclusive education and entrepreneurship, specifically promoting sign language education and social inclusion for deaf girls in her community.
Botswana: Lillian Andries
Lillian Andries, 30, a geologist by profession, her participation comes after the age limit was lifted, marking a decade since her last international pageant appearance. She is a dedicated entrepreneur and philanthropist whose advocacy focuses on shifting Botswana from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy through innovation and technology, while also campaigning for greater mental health awareness.
Cameroon: Josiane Golonga
Josiane Golonga, 23, has her focus on showcasing her country’s rich cultural heritage alongside community upliftment. Her platform highlights the need for improved access to resources for women and children, particularly those residing in Cameroon’s rural areas.
Cape Verde: Prissy Gomes
Prissy Gomes, 32, brings an important focus to island sustainability and the critical issue of maritime preservation. Her unique perspective as a representative of a small island developing state amplifies the continental voice on climate action.
Côte d’Ivoire: Olivia Yacé
Olivia Yacé, 27, has been specially appointed to represent Côte d’Ivoire at Miss Universe 2025. Previously crowned Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2021 and achieving the position of 2nd Runner-up at Miss World 2022, Olivia is a globally recognized model and marketing student. She advocates strongly for accessible education, technology access in rural Ivorian communities, and the strengthening of the African food market through her initiatives.
DR Congo: Dorcas Dienda
Dorcas Dienda is a 31-year-old with a strong voice for social justice. Her background and platform often emphasize women’s empowerment and leadership. She is a tireless advocate for those affected by insecurity and conflict, bringing serious continental issues to the global stage.
Egypt: Sabrina Maged
Sabrina Maged, 23, is the delegate from Egypt. Her platform encourages young Egyptian women to pursue careers in non-traditional, typically male-dominated fields such as science, technology, and politics, advocating for gender parity in professional sectors.
Equatorial Guinea: Carmen Obama
At 19, Carmen Obama is one of the youngest competitors. She is the voice for Equatorial Guinea’s next generation, with her advocacy centered on urgent environmental protection efforts and the promotion of sustainable local economies to ensure future prosperity.
Ghana: Andromeda Peters
With extensive professional experience and a platform built on maturity and poise, Andromeda Peters, 37, represents Ghana. Her campaign is centered on addressing major continental issues by focusing on the achievement of various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and increasing political engagement among Ghana’s youth.
Guinea: Tiguidanké Bérété
Tiguidanké Bérété, 23, is primarily focused on health and maternal care, dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure and resource availability for women across West Africa, making a case for basic human rights and welfare.
Mauritius: Aurélie Alcindor
Aurélie Alcindor, 31, uses her background in project management to inform her focus on island sustainability for Mauritius. Her campaign is a powerful appeal for climate action and the necessity of protecting the vital marine ecosystems surrounding her island nation.
Namibia: Johanna Swartbooi
Johanna Swartbooi, 27, champions conservation and the preservation of Namibia’s unique cultural heritage. Her platform emphasizes the rights of indigenous communities and the promotion of ethical, sustainable tourism as a model for national development.
Niger: Zoulahatou Amadou
Aged 23, Zoulahatou Amadou’s mission is deeply rooted in social development, focusing on securing equal access to quality education for the girl-child and battling the persistent challenges of gender inequality in her region.
Nigeria: Basil Onyinyechi
Basil Onyinyechi, 25, carries the hopes of Africa’s most populous nation, Basil’s platform centers on tackling youth unemployment by vigorously promoting vocational skills training and establishing robust mentorship programs for young Nigerians.
Rwanda: Solange Keita
The oldest of this year’s Miss Universe contestants is Rwanda’s Solange Keita. The 42-year-old is the founder, president, and CEO of Elevate International, an organization advancing women’s leadership across sectors. She will use the Miss Universe stage to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable journey toward reconciliation and development. Her advocacy platform is focused on peacebuilding initiatives and empowering women to take on pivotal leadership roles within the continent.
Senegal: Camilla Diagne
Camilla Diagne, 27, plans to present a platform focused on cultural exchange, highlighting the importance of preserving the rich Senegalese traditions while simultaneously promoting a strong sense of global citizenship and unity among young people.
South Africa: Mellisa Nayimuli
While Qhawekazi Mazaleni, 24, was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2025 with an impactful platform focusing on inclusive education for all children, South Africa has since appointed 29-year-old Mellisa Nayimuli as the Miss Universe South Africa 2025 representative. Born in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape to a Xhosa mother and a Ugandan father, Nayimuli’s platform is centered on driving positive change through youth empowerment and community upliftment, continuing South Africa’s legacy of sending strong, socially conscious candidates.
Tanzania: Naisae Yona
At 28 years old, Naisae Yona is representing Tanzania. The mother-of-one’s platform is rooted in improving public health outcomes, specifically tackling the vital issue of access to clean water and sanitation in her country’s rural communities through dedicated philanthropic work.
Zambia: Kunda Mwamulima
Kunda Mwamulima, 29, champions financial literacy programs and advocates for micro-loan initiatives to help female entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses, fostering sustainable economic growth for women.
Zimbabwe: Lyshanda Moyas
Lyshanda Moyas, 27, brings a focus on leadership development. Her platform is dedicated to empowering young women across the country through effective mentorship and leadership programs, inspiring them to become the next generation of influential Zimbabwean leaders.
