Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title has been left vacant following Olivia Manuela Yacé’s surprise resignation on Monday, a move that has sparked debate and speculation across the pageant world.
Yacé, who represented Côte d’Ivoire and finished in the Top 5 at Miss Universe 2025, stepped down citing personal values and principles. Her exit leaves the continental crown open, and pageant followers are now watching closely to see whether the Miss Universe Organisation will appoint a replacement or let the title remain vacant.
If performance at the global pageant becomes the determining factor, Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas immediately emerges as a strong contender. Moyas reached the Top 30, placing her among the highest-ranking contestants from the Africa & Oceania region.
From the Top 30, only two contestants fall under the now-vacant regional bloc: Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas and Rwanda’s Solange Tuyishime Keita, aged 42. This leaves the race, if there is to be one, between the two.
Other continental queens crowned this year include Stephany Abasali (Venezuela) – Miss Universe Americas; Zhaona Zena (China) – Miss Universe Asia; and Julia Cluett (Malta) – Miss Universe Europe & Middle East.
The Continental Queen system, introduced in 2024, assigns winners to travel and support Miss Universe during her reign.
This year’s global crown went to Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, who was named Miss Universe 2025 at the finale held in Pak Kret, Thailand, on November 20.
As of now, the Miss Universe Organisation has not issued any statement regarding the vacancy, leaving fans, contestants, and national directors waiting to see how the situation will be handled.
