African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant
The world watched in awe as the dazzling spectacle of the 71st Miss World Pageant unfolded at the magnificent Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. With beauty, grace, and a commitment to noble causes, the African queens captivated hearts and stood out amidst fierce competition.
Hosted by India, this year’s Miss World extravaganza commenced on February 18, a celebration of beauty, talent, and philanthropy. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Botswana, African beauty queens graced the stage with their presence, showcasing the continent’s rich diversity and vibrancy.
Let’s meet these extraordinary women who represented Africa with poise and determination:
Ada Eme – Nigeria
Age: 25
Occupation: Events Organizer
Height: 182cm
Languages: Igbo and English
Ada is not just a beauty queen; she is a beacon of hope and change in her community. With a heart as vast as the Nigerian sky, Ada aspires to work for the United Nations, advocating for peace and conflict resolution. Her scholarship program, ‘Ada Goes to School,’ is a testament to her commitment to education and empowerment.
Florinda Jose – Angola
Age: 23
Occupation: Primary School Teacher
Height: 185cm
Languages: Portuguese, Umbundu, and English
Florinda’s passion for education shines through her work as a primary school teacher. Her dedication to nurturing young minds reflects her belief in the power of knowledge. With a drumbeat of resilience in her heart, Florinda embodies the spirit of Angola, embracing each day with a determination to excel.
Lesogo Chombo – Botswana
Age: 24
Occupation: Attorney
Height: 175cm
Languages: Setswana and English
Lesogo is not just a legal luminary, she is a melody of talent and ambition. As an attorney, she dreams of establishing her law firm, harmonizing justice and compassion. With a guitar in hand and a song in her heart, Lesogo’s pursuit of excellence resonates with the rhythm of Botswana’s soul.
Julia Edima – Cameroon
Age: 28
Occupation: Managing Director, Actress, Model
Height: 175cm
Languages: French, English, and German
Julia’s journey is a symphony of versatility and compassion. As a managing director, actress, and model, she embraces every role with grace and determination. Her foundation dedicated to mental health advocacy echoes her resilience in overcoming challenges, lighting a path of hope for others.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Mylene Djihony – Cote D’Ivoire
Age: 26
Occupation: Sales and Marketing Manager
Height: 175cm
Languages: French
Mylene’s charisma and business acumen illuminate her path to success. As a sales and marketing manager, she seeks to redefine branding and imaging, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate world. Her initiative to launch activities in a psychiatric hospital reflects her commitment to social responsibility.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant
Rgat Afewerki Ybrah – Ethiopia
Age: 23
Occupation: Fashion and Commercial Model
Height: 176cm
Languages: Tigrigna, Amharic, and English
Rgat’s journey from dusty roads to dazzling runways is a testament to her resilience and determination. Through her “Beauty with a Purpose” project, she empowers women and girls, breaking barriers and stereotypes. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting her community echoes the strength of Ethiopia’s heritage.
African Queens Miriam Xorlasi – Ghana
Age: 24
Occupation: Ewe Language Teacher
Height: 170cm
Languages: English, Ewe, Twi
Miriam’s passion for education and cultural heritage illuminates her path. As an Ewe language teacher, she preserves Ghana’s linguistic diversity, nurturing future generations. Her dream of establishing a special school for children with disabilities embodies her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
African Queens Makia Bamba – Guinea
Age: 25
Occupation: Call Center Agent
Height: 170cm
Languages: French, Susu, Konaike
Makia’s journey from hotel management to environmental advocacy is a testament to her dedication to sustainability. As a call center agent and environmentalist, she champions conservation, paving the way for a greener future. Her audience with the President reflects her impact and influence on Guinea’s environmental policies.
African Queens Mirla Freira Dabo – Guinea Bissau
Age: 26
Occupation: Student, Model, Seamstress
Height: 175cm
Languages: Portuguese and English
Mirla’s passion for fashion and community upliftment shines through her multifaceted endeavors. As a student, model, and seamstress, she weaves dreams into reality, inspiring others to embrace their creativity. Her international accolades speak volumes of her talent and determination.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Chantou Kwamboka – Kenya
Age: 26
Occupation: Catwalk Coach, Model, Actress
Height: 170cm
Languages: Portuguese and English
Chantou’s journey from the runway to the silver screen is a testament to her passion for the arts. As a catwalk coach, model, and actress, she embodies Kenya’s vibrant cultural tapestry, weaving stories of inspiration and empowerment. Her love for travel and art reflects her boundless spirit and creativity.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Poelano Mothisi – Lesotho
Age: 24
Occupation: Transcriptionist
Height: 155cm
Languages: Sesotho, English, and French
Poelano’s journey from transcriptionist to aspiring fashion designer is a testament to her creativity and ambition. With a heart as resilient as Lesotho’s mountains, she dreams of illuminating runways with her couture creations. Her motto of seizing opportunities echoes her determination to soar to new heights.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Veralyn Vonleh – Liberia
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Height: 165cm
Languages: English, and French
Veralyn’s journey from student to aspiring entrepreneur embodies Liberia’s spirit of resilience and innovation. With a degree in business administration, she dreams of shaping Liberia’s future through leadership and vision. Her commitment to service reflects her dedication to making a difference on a global stage.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant
Sonia Ait Mansour – Morocco
Age: 27
Occupation: Biochemistry Engineer, Model
Height: 173cm
Languages: Local Arabic, French, English, German
Sonia’s journey from the laboratory to the runway is a testament to her passion for science and beauty. As a biochemistry engineer and model, she bridges the worlds of innovation and glamour, inspiring others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her commitment to mental health advocacy reflects her empathy and compassion.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant
Fatou Lo – Senegal
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Height: 188cm
Languages: Wolof, French, English
Fatou’s journey from student to aspiring humanitarian embodies Senegal’s spirit of resilience and compassion. With a focus on quality hygiene and environmental sustainability, she dreams of making a positive impact as an NGO worker. Her motto of self-determination echoes her commitment to forging her path with courage and grace.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Sierra Leone – Daizy Abdulai
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Height: 170cm
Languages: English, Krio, Mende
Daizy Abdulai, a student pursuing an honors degree in chemistry at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, stole hearts with her ambition to become Sierra Leone’s first fragrance chemist. As the Vice President of the Chemistry Society, her motto, “No dream is invalid,” resonated with many.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Somalia – Bahja Mohamoud
Age: 23
Occupation: Student and Health Practitioner
Height: 171cm
Languages: Somali, English, Arabic, Swahili
Bahja Mohamoud, a medical student and health practitioner, dreams of becoming a family doctor specializing in pediatrics and women’s health. Her love for water sports, music (playing the piano and violin), and volunteering for animal shelters shows her diverse passions. Her motto, “You go faster alone, but you go further together,” reflects her community spirit.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant South Africa – Claude Mashego
Age: 24
Occupation: Medical Doctor
Height: 168cm
Languages: English, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, siSwati, Venda
Claude Mashego, a medical doctor with aspirations in public health governance and policy making, shared her belief in lifelong learning. Having worked as a medical intern in Africa’s largest hospital, she emphasized the importance of growth and resilience with her motto, “We are all forever students of life.”
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Togo – Chimène Moladja
Age: 24
Occupation: Student
Height: 180cm
Languages: English, French
Chimène Moladja, pursuing a master’s degree in international trade, transit, and consignments, dreams of becoming an international businesswoman or an actor. Her love for sports, climbing, and traditional dancing showcases her adventurous spirit.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Uganda – Hannah Tumukunde
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Height: 175cm
Languages: English, Swahili, Luganda, Runyakitara
Hannah Tumukunde, a student with dreams of becoming a lawyer, TV anchor, or travel journalist, is a strong advocate for quality education for children. Her passion for basketball and tennis reflects her energetic personality.
African Queens Shine at the 71st Miss World 2024 Pageant Zimbabwe – Nokuntenda Marumbwa
Age: 20
Occupation: Make-up Artist and Nail Technician
Height: 171cm
Languages: English, Shona
Nokuntenda Marumbwa, a make-up artist and nail technician studying social work, aims to address critical issues like food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication. Her desire to work for the government, NGOs, and the United Nations highlights her commitment to making a difference.
ALSO READ: Unveiling the Potential of African Fashion: A Journey of Style, Identity, and Economic Empowerment
Responses