Miss World 2026: Meet the 24 African Contestants Representing Their Countries in Vietnam

Vietnam is currently playing host to women from around the world as the Miss World 2026 Festival gets into full swing, with 24 African contestants in the mix. Representing countries across West, East, Central, North and Southern Africa, these women are bringing much more than their pageant credentials to the competition.

Since the festival began on 9 August, the contestants have already taken part in the Sash Ceremony in Haiphong, the Top Model challenge at Dragon Beach Square, the Sports Challenge and several other activities ahead of the grand finale on 5 September in Nha Trang.

With the competition for the official Top 40 underway, Africa’s delegates have plenty to introduce themselves through. There are entrepreneurs, students, medical professionals, models, advocates and creatives among them, each with a cause or ambition that goes beyond the pageant stage.

Here are the 24 African women representing their countries at Miss World 2026:

Botswana: Ruth Thomas

Working as a professional Beauty Advisor in Masunga, 24-year-old Ruth Thomas centers her personal mission on building self-confidence and self-expression among young people across her home country

Cameroon: Raissa Noura Njikam

Born and raised in Yaoundé, 26-year-old Raissa Noura Njikam channels her entrepreneurial background into humanitarian action. She serves as the founder and president of the NOUNJI Foundation, an initiative established to support women and youth affected by violence.

Côte d’Ivoire: Fatima Koné

Hailing from Bouaké, 23-year-old Fatima Koné balances her academic pursuits and modeling career with youth advocacy….