Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
MODEL Lisa Sibanda made history at the Miss Cosmo 2025 pageant, securing a coveted spot in the Top 10 and standing out as the only African representative at that level of the competition.
Her achievement was celebrated as a powerful moment of representation for Zimbabwe and the entire continent on one of the world’s stage for beauty, intelligence and advocacy.
The grand finale of Miss Cosmo 2025 was held on Saturday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, drawing more than 70 contestants from around the world.
By the end of the night, Yolina Lindquist of the United States was crowned Miss Cosmo 2025, earning top honours with her poise, articulation and stage presence in a competition that has rapidly become known for celebrating purpose-driven beauty.
From the moment she arrived, Sibanda presented herself not merely as a participant, but as a voice for her nation and her continent.
“For me, it was about representation and voice,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “Standing among 77 remarkable women from around the world as the face of Zimbabwe and the only African in both the Top 10 and Top 21 was itself a victory.”
Her words captured the deeper meaning of her accomplishment — one rooted in identity, resilience and global visibility.
Sibanda’s time at Miss Cosmo was about more than stage presence; it was a platform of cultural exchange and empowerment.
“Beyond the glamour, it was a platform of cultural exchange and empowerment,” she reflected, noting how the experience strengthened her commitment to advocacy.
“I learned the power if storytelling, how women from different corners of the world are fighting similar battles for justice, education and equality.”
“I understood that true impact is about consistency, not just moments.”
Across the competition’s different segments, Sibanda demonstrated not only confidence and grace but also a steadfast commitment to affecting real-world impact. Her advocacy through Legally Speaking, a mission to make the law accessible, remained at the heart of her pageant journey. “I’m bringing back new perspectives, friendships and a renewed commitment to advocacy that is both local and global,” she said, embracing the idea that true influence extends far beyond a single night on stage.
Her wardrobe was another element of storytelling. Sibanda chose outfits created by Vietnamese designers that were inspired by Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage — a blend of traditional fabrics and contemporary design that brought her roots into the international spotlight. Each look became a visual expression of identity and pride, celebrating both where she comes from and where she is headed.
“African participation is essential, it reshapes the narrative. For too long, the world has seen Africa through a narrow lens. When we stand on these stages, we bring our full selves, our heritage, our intellect, our innovation.”
“We show that African beauty is diverse, layered and powerful, that is said and I would love to see even more authentic representation, not just in appearance, but in having our languages, stories and social mission centred,” she explained after being asked how she sees African models on international pageants.
Lisa said her focus remains on purpose beyond the runway.
“Right now I am channelling this experience into educating, empowering and serving Zimbabwe.” Although the ultimate crown went to Lindquist, Sibanda’s placement in the Top 10 stands as a triumph in its own right. In a fiercely competitive field of beauty queens from across the globe, she emerged as one of the event’s most memorable figures, earning praise for her poise, purpose and perspective. For Zimbabwe and Africa, her success marked a significant moment of representation — proof that the continent’s stories and voices belong at the centre of global conversations.
As Sibanda returns home, she carries with her not just memories of a remarkable pageant, but a renewed dedication to service and advocacy. Her journey at Miss Cosmo 2025 demonstrated that success on the international stage can be measured not only in titles won but also in barriers broken and narratives reshaped.
