Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in BANGKOK, Thailand
AFRICA came closer than ever this year to claiming the Miss Universe crown, with several representatives advancing through the toughest stages of the global competition in Thailand on Friday.
From the Top 30 to the Top 12 and finally the Top 5, the continent showcased extraordinary strength, beauty and intelligence.
Yet the crown once again slipped away.
The near-victory ignited deeper conversations about representation, fairness and the future of African modelling on the world stage.
This year’s African delegation was one of the continent’s strongest in recent history.
Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas, Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé and Rwanda’s Solange Tuyishime Keita, all advanced into the Top 30, demonstrating Africa’s growing competitiveness in global pageantry.
From that group, only Yacé (Côte d’Ivoire) surged into the Top 12, thrilling fans across the continent, who for a moment felt this could finally be Africa’s year.
The biggest celebration erupted when Yacé, already a fan favourite, secured her place in the Top 5 and eventually came out fourth.
Her elegance, powerful speaking ability and natural charisma made her one of the brightest stars of the night.
A Kenyan analyst watching the event live remarked: “This was the closest Africa has come in years.
“Olivia carried the hopes of an entire continent. She showed that Africa is no longer just participating; Africa is competing to win.”
Despite Yacé’s momentum, the crown eventually went to Mexico, leaving many African fans proud and disappointed at the same time.
For some, the result revived long-standing questions about whether the Miss Universe crown disproportionately gravitates towards Latin American, Asian or European countries.
A Ghanaian pageant coach voiced what many Africans felt.
“No matter how outstanding our queens are, the crown often ends up in the same regions.
“But our girls keep proving that they have everything the title requires: beauty, poise, purpose and intellect.
“Africa is no longer the underdog; Africa is the standard.”
Africa’s battle for recognition on the Miss Universe stage is not new.
The last African to win the crown was South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi in 2019. Her historic victory reshaped global beauty discussions.
Competing with her short, natural afro, Tunzi became an emblem of authenticity and cultural pride.
A South African cultural critic reflected: “Zozibini did not just win a crown; she won a fight for every Black woman who had been told her natural beauty was not enough.
“She walked onto that stage wearing her truth and the world applauded her for it.”
Before Tunzi, Leila Lopes of Angola won in 2011. Before Lopes, African victories were rare.
Tunzi’s win was not just continental; it was global, inspiring Black girls everywhere to embrace their features, skin and hair without apology.
Shifting mindsets
With Africa coming closer again this year, yet falling short, some fear a sense of discouragement may creep into the next generation of African models.
A Nigerian modelling instructor said: “Some young girls feel like they must outperform everyone else just to be considered equal.
“That mindset is exhausting. But they must remember, every time Africa advances, the world sees our power. We are winning ground.”
But others insist that Africa’s strong showing in Thailand reflects rising global respect for African beauty.
From Moyas’ breakthrough to Yacé’s near-win, Africa’s presence was undeniable.
A Zimbabwean pageant blogger commented:
“Just look at the lineup: Lyshanda, Melissa, Maria, Olivia. Africa dominated conversations online.
“This was not luck; it was preparation, talent and presence. The momentum is ours.”
Moyas, who made it to the Top 30, was one of the most beloved African contestants.
Following Sakhile Dube’s Top 30 placement last year, Moyas proved the country is building consistency and visibility on the world stage.
She impressed with her calm confidence, articulate interviews and ability to fuse Zimbabwean culture into modern pageantry.
Speaking after the finale, she expressed deep gratitude.
“Representing Zimbabwe was the greatest honour of my life. I carried my country in every step.
“Making it to the Top 30 is something I will hold in my heart forever.
“Thank you to Zimbabweans everywhere who believed in me,” she said.
Moyas also earned a loyal Thai following during the preliminaries, with local fans drawn to her humility and grace.
One Thai supporter said:
“Lyshanda was a surprise star. She was soft-spoken but powerful. She made Zimbabwe shine.”
As the day drew to its climax, hopes for an African victory became electric.
When Yacé stood among the final five, many Africans felt history was about to repeat itself, six years after Tunzi’s reign.
But when Mexico was announced the winner, the shock inside the venue was unmistakable.
Murmurs quickly turned into open frustration.
Fans from Côte d’Ivoire, Thailand and parts of Africa began to boo, their discontent echoing through the massive arena.
The noise grew louder as Mexico’s representative took her first walk, signalling that large sections of the audience felt the result did not reflect the day’s performances.
Amid the uproar, one Ivorian supporter shouted above the noise: “Olivia was our Miss Universe; the world knows it, even if the crown does not show it. Next year, Africa will return stronger.”
And that was the energy with which the day was closed in Bangkok: a mixture of pride, disappointment and fierce determination for Africa’s next attempt in Puerto Rico.
