Meet African queens competing for Miss Universe 2024 [PHOTOS]
The stage is set, and the world’s most glamorous competition, Miss Universe, has begun its 73rd edition in Mexico City.
This year, 128 contestants from countries like Nigeria, Angola, Egypt, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and more are vying for the ultimate crown.
The event promises to be a spectacle, featuring challenges like personal statements, evening gown showcases, and the much-anticipated swimwear segment.
Contestants will not only strut their stuff but also share their dreams, talents, and inspiring stories.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the reigning Miss Universe, is preparing to hand over the crown to her successor.
The spotlight, however, is on Africa, with 18 contestants representing the continent as Miss Universe South Africa, Mia Le Roux has pulled out from the competition due to health concerns.
Since South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi made history in 2019 as the first Black woman with natural afro-textured hair to win, hopes have been high for another African queen to claim the title.
Among the hopefuls is Chidimma Adetshina, the 22-year-old beauty who clinched the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title after representing Taraba State. Known for her passion for social causes, she aims to use her platform to inspire change in her community.
Meet the African queens ready to shine
Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina (Nigeria)
Chidimma Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage is both inspiring and unique. Initially competing in Miss South Africa, she withdrew following controversies surrounding her Nigerian heritage and allegations involving her mother’s identity.
Despite the backlash, the 23-year-old law student refused to let criticism define her aspirations.
Determined to represent her roots, Chidimma turned her focus to Miss Universe Nigeria, where she triumphed and earned the title. Now flying Nigeria’s flag at Miss Universe 2024, she stands as a beacon of resilience and hope, aiming to bring glory to her country, which has only made two prior appearances in the competition.
READ ASLO: Chidimma Adetshina: From discrimination to the global stage at Miss Universe
Nelma Tchissola Ferreira (Angola)
Age: 26 | Instagram: @nelma_tchissola_ferreira_
A graduate in Management and Company Administration, Nelma is all about tackling hunger and pushing for gender equality through her volunteering efforts.
Thanolo Keutlwile (Botswana)
Age: 28 | Instagram: @modeldr_thanolo_keutlwile
Not just a model but also a medical doctor, Thanolo serves at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone. Her experience on international runways has solidified her place as a style icon.
Noura Njikam (Cameroon)
Age: 25 | Instagram: @miss_universe_cameroon
This environmental enthusiast is on a mission to champion conservation and inspire global change.
Ilda Amani (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Age: 26 | Instagram: @ildaamani
Content creator, entrepreneur, and soft life ambassador, Ilda balances her roles as a pageant queen, model, and student while sharing beauty and travel content online.
Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala (Côte d’Ivoire)
Age: 20 | Instagram: @marie.emmanuelle_diamala
A budding environmentalist and community advocate, Marie-Emmanuelle brings youthful energy to the stage.
Diana Dashaira Mouhafo (Equatorial Guinea)
Age: 25 | Instagram: @dashairamouhafo__
A marketing graduate with years of modelling experience, Diana represents both beauty and brains.
Logina Salah (Egypt)
Age: 34 | Instagram: @loginasalah
A supermodel, finance graduate, and TV presenter, Logina was celebrated as the Most Influential Woman by the World Women Foundation in 2020.
Snit Tewoldemedhin (Eritrea)
Age: 25 | Instagram: @misseritreauniverse
A neuroscience graduate, Snit is an advocate for children with learning disabilities and was crowned Miss Africa USA in 2023.
Saran Bah (Guinea)
Age: 29 | Instagram: @saranbahofficial
Since winning Miss Guinea in 2019, Saran has been dedicated to humanitarian efforts, showcasing beauty with purpose.
Irene Ng’endo (Kenya)
Age: 26 | Instagram: @irene_mukii
A software engineer and dancer, Irene uses her platform to mentor and empower youth through her initiative, Inspiring Revolution.
Tania René (Mauritius)
Age: 27 | Instagram: @tania_rn_
Tania blends her project management skills with a modelling career, adding a unique flair with her appreciation for Japanese culture.
Prisca Anyolo (Namibia)
Age: 28 | Instagram: @priscaanyolo
As a media professional and entrepreneur, Prisca runs her own beauty parlour while excelling in content marketing and broadcasting.
Fatou Bintou Guèye (Senegal)
Age: 23 | Instagram: @miss.universsenegal
Fatou is on a mission to empower young girls and promote Senegalese heritage.
Khadija Omar (Somalia)
Age: 23 | Instagram: @khadija.omarr
Khadija’s journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to a Somali-Canadian entrepreneur and beauty queen is a tale of resilience.
Judith Peter Ngusa (Tanzania)
Age: 26 | Instagram: @jujudith9
Judith, a postpartum health activist, has previously won Miss United Nations 2022 and continues to advocate for mothers’ health.
Brandina Lubuli (Zambia)
Age: 28 | Instagram: @brandina_lubuli
The first married woman to represent Zambia at Miss Universe, Brandina champions education and women’s empowerment through her foundation.
Sakhile Dube (Zimbabwe)
Age: 25 | Instagram: @sakky_zie
Sakhile is a healthcare advocate and fashion designer promoting access to quality medical services in her community.
With these powerhouse women gracing the Miss Universe stage, the anticipation for an African victory has never been stronger.
The world watches as they compete not just for the crown but to showcase the beauty, culture, and resilience of their nations.
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