Although Africa is sometimes overlooked in global beauty pageants, exceptional women from the continent have scaled incredible heights, winning the Miss World crown or other prestigious titles. These victories have highlighted Africa’s grace, talent, and resilience, filling the continent with immense pride.
Here are 10 iconic African beauty queens who made history:
1. Antigone Costanda (Egypt) – Miss World 1954
Antigone Costanda became the first African to win the Miss World title. A model from Egypt, she impressed the world with her beauty and poise. Despite being raised in a Greek family in Egypt, she proudly represented her homeland in the competition.
2. Penelope Coelen (South Africa) – Miss World 1958
Penelope Coelen became South Africa’s first Miss World winner, dazzling the pageant world with her elegance. Her win catapulted her into fame, becoming a household name in Africa and cementing her legacy in fashion and advertising.
3. Anneline Kriel (South Africa) – Miss World 1974
Anneline Kriel claimed the Miss World title after its original winner was disqualified. Known for her philanthropy and storied career in media, Kriel firmly established herself as an iconic figure in South Africa and beyond.
4. Agbani Darego (Nigeria) – Miss World 2001
Agbani Darego made history by becoming the first Black African woman to win Miss World. Her achievement broke barriers, inspiring countless African girls to dream big and pursue excellence in beauty and beyond.
5. Rolene Strauss (South Africa) – Miss World 2014
A medical doctor by profession, Rolene Strauss mesmerized the world during Miss World 2014, defeating competitors from over 120 countries. Her work in women’s and children’s health established her as an inspirational figure combining intellect and beauty.
6. Nicolene Limsnukan (South Africa) – 1st Runner-Up, Miss World Asia 2018
Although she narrowly missed the ultimate crown, Nicolene captured attention as the 1st runner-up. With mixed South African and Thai heritage, she represented Thailand and demonstrated inclusivity and grace on the global stage.
7. Lesego Chombo (Botswana) – Miss World Africa 2024
Lesego Chombo’s success at Miss World Africa 2024 elevated Botswana's global recognition. As a champion of education and youth empowerment with her project "Law Talks," she also made history as one of Botswana’s youngest ministers at just 26. Lesego epitomizes beauty, leadership, and intelligence.
8. Nyekachi Douglas (Nigeria) – Top 5 & Miss World Africa 2019
Nyekachi Douglas left a lasting impression during Miss World 2019 with her energetic spirit and genuine joy for others' successes. She earned the Miss World Africa title and ranked among the competition’s top five contestants worldwide.
9. Emma Wareus (Botswana) – 1st Runner-Up, Miss World 2010
Emma Wareus became Botswana’s first contestant to achieve the 1st runner-up position in Miss World. Her elegance and humility turned her into a beacon of pride and inspiration for her country.
10. Evelyn Njambi (Kenya) – Top 5 & Miss World Africa 2016
Evelyn Njambi soared in the Miss World competition in 2016, claiming a spot in the global top five and taking home the Miss World Africa title. Her dedication to charitable causes and educational advocacy has solidified her legacy.
These 10 African women, through ambition and brilliance, redefined what it means to represent Africa on the global beauty stage. Their achievements have not only elevated the continent's profile but have also impacted countless lives, proving that African queens belong at the top.
As the Miss World 2024 pageant edges closer to its finale on May 31, all eyes are on the next generation of African contestants. Will they carry forward the legacy of these trailblazers and cement Africa's position among the beauty elite?