As the 73rd Miss Universe 2024 competition approaches, the spotlight will shine brightly on 19 remarkable African women, each vying for the prestigious crown. Representing a diverse array of countries, these contestants bring with them not only beauty but powerful advocacy and a deep sense of purpose. From healthcare activism and women’s rights to cultural pride and environmental conservation, these women are more than just competitors—they are changemakers, each hoping to leave a lasting impact on the world stage. This year’s competition promises to be an exciting celebration of both talent and activism, as these African women aim to make history and uplift their nations through the Miss Universe platform.

1. Miss Universe 2024 Angola – Nelma Tchissola Ferreira

Angola hopes to make a strong comeback with Nelma Tchissola Ferreira, a seasoned pageant competitor who first competed in Miss World 2018. With Angola’s last Miss Universe victory in 2011 by Leila Lopes, Ferreira is determined to bring the crown back home.

2. Miss Universe 2024 Cameroon – Noura Raïssa Njikam

Crowned Miss Cameroon 2024, Noura Raïssa Njikam steps into the Miss Universe competition with a strong commitment to combat violence against women. Having won the People’s Choice Award, she is poised to become a powerful voice for women’s rights and empowerment on the global stage.

3. Miss Universe 2024 Botswana – Thanolo Keutlwile

Thanolo Keutlwile, a doctor, returns to the Miss Universe competition after 11 years, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Mpule Kwelagobe, Botswana’s first Miss Universe. With a platform focused on health and wellness, she aspires to inspire audiences worldwide through her expertise and advocacy.

4. Miss Universe 2024 Democratic Republic of Congo – Ilda Amani

Ilda Amani represents the Democratic Republic of Congo with a mission to advocate for menstrual health and empower women in her community. Building on the DRC’s past top placements in the ’80s, Amani aims to carry on that legacy and make a strong impact on the Miss Universe stage.

5. Miss Universe 2024 Ivory Coast – Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala

A mother, influencer, and vitiligo advocate, Logina Salah embodies resilience and determination. Despite Egypt’s limited success in Miss Universe, her unique background and advocacy work could set her apart in this year’s competition, bringing a fresh and empowering perspective to the stage.

6. Miss Universe 2024 Egypt – Logina Salah

A mother, influencer, and vitiligo advocate, Logina Salah embodies resilience and determination. Despite Egypt’s limited success in Miss Universe, her unique background and advocacy work could set her apart in this year’s competition, bringing a fresh and empowering perspective to the stage.

7. Miss Universe 2024 Eritrea – Snit Tewoldemedhin

Marking Eritrea’s debut at Miss Universe, Snit Tewoldemedhin brings a fresh perspective to the competition. A neuroscience graduate and passionate advocate for children with learning disabilities, she combines her academic background with her dedication to meaningful social causes.

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8. Miss Universe 2024 Equatorial Guinea – Diana Dashaira Mouhafo

Diana Dashaira Mouhafo aims to make history as Equatorial Guinea’s first semifinalist at Miss Universe. With a strong focus on representation and inclusivity, she brings a foundation of determination and advocacy, ready to take her nation further in the competition.

9. Miss Universe 2024 Guinea – Nene Mariama Saran Bah

With experience from Miss World and a strong focus on humanitarian work, Nene Mariama Saran Bah proudly represents Guinea at Miss Universe. Through her NGO, she is dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged children, aligning her advocacy with her mission to make a positive impact.

10. Miss Universe 2024 Kenya – Irene Ng’endo Mukii

A two-time pageant titleholder, Irene Ng’endo Mukii returns to the Miss Universe stage with aspirations of bringing the crown to Kenya. Her advocacy work and past achievements, including placing in the Top 21 at Miss Grand International 2020, make her a strong and formidable representative for her country.

11. Miss Universe 2024 Mauritius – Vishakha Tania René

Vishakha Tania René, a 28-year-old model and project manager, brings her love for anime and Japanese culture to the Miss Universe stage. Her unique passions reflect her resilience and optimism, showcasing the diversity of her personality as she represents Mauritius.

12. Miss Universe 2024 Namibia – Prisca Anyolo

Journalist Prisca Anyolo represents Namibia with a goal to uphold the nation’s notable record at Miss Universe. With her background in media, she is dedicated to creating positive narratives and shining a light on Namibia’s unique stories and achievements.

13. Miss Universe 2024 Nigeria – Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe stage is unique. She initially competed in the Miss South Africa pageant before transitioning to Miss Universe Nigeria. With this experience, she brings a blend of perspectives and a powerful ambition to elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.

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14. Miss Universe 2024 Senegal – Fatou Bintou Gueye

After being crowned first runner-up at Miss Senegal, Fatou Bintou Gueye now represents her country on the Miss Universe stage. As only the fourth contestant from Senegal, her participation brings a fresh wave of energy and excitement, reflecting Senegal’s vibrant culture and spirit.

15. Miss Universe 2024 Somalia – Khadija Omar

Khadija Omar makes history as the first hijabi to represent Somalia at Miss Universe. Her journey from a refugee camp to the pageant stage stands as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and empowerment. Khadija uses her platform to advocate for greater representation and diversity, inspiring people around the world.

16. Miss Universe 2024 South Africa – Mia le Roux

Making history as the first hearing-impaired Miss South Africa to compete at Miss Universe, Mia le Roux is breaking barriers with her cochlear implant. Her journey symbolizes resilience and inclusion, as she proudly represents South Africa’s legacy of excellence on the global stage.

17. Miss Universe 2024 Tanzania – Judith Peter Ngusa

Hailing from Dar es Salaam, Judith Peter Ngusa is a dedicated postpartum health activist. A seasoned pageant competitor, she previously won the title at Miss United Nations 2022 and placed in the Top 10 at Miss Tanzania 2019. Judith brings her advocacy for maternal health to the Miss Universe stage, highlighting the importance of postnatal care for women worldwide.

18. Miss Universe 2024 Zambia – Brandina Lubuli

As the founder of the Brandina Lubuli Foundation (BLF), Brandina Lubuli empowers women and girls through education and advocacy in Zambia. Making history as the first mother and married woman to represent her country at Miss Universe, Brandina combines her personal experience with a commitment to uplift her community, creating pathways to success for Zambian women and girls.

19. Miss Universe 2024 Zimbabwe – Sakhile Dube

Sakhile Dube is more than a pageant contestant; she’s a compassionate healthcare advocate and fashion designer. Driven to improve access to quality medical services, she uses her platform to champion universal healthcare. Additionally, Sakhile is dedicated to empowering youth in Zimbabwe by creating employment opportunities in the fashion industry. Her mission aligns seamlessly with her work in healthcare and fashion, making her a multifaceted and inspiring representative for Zimbabwe.

CONCLUSION

As the 19 African contestants take to the Miss Universe 2024 stage, they carry the hopes of their nations, ready to showcase their talents, passions, and commitment to advocacy. Each one brings a unique story, offering the world a glimpse into the diverse cultures, struggles, and dreams of Africa. Whether aiming to continue a nation’s legacy, break barriers, or champion important causes, these women are poised to inspire and empower. No matter the outcome, they stand as shining examples of resilience, courage, and the power of representation on a global platform. The 73rd Miss Universe competition is bound to be a historic moment for African women in pageantry.

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