Halfway through the 1992 telecast, the first Thai edition felt like Carolina Izsak of Venezuela‘s to lose. But after fumbling in Top Six interview, the momentum shifted towards India’s Madhu Sapre, who in turn, gave a simplistic Top Three answer. With no heavy favorites left in the running, it was Michelle McLean, the Miss World 1991 alum from Namibia, who emerged victorious with her calm and collected demeanor. It was a surprising result at the time, coming from a country that only gained independence two years prior. Since then, only one other African country went that far in Thailand. That was South Africa‘s Tamaryn Gray, who missed a back-to-back victory by a hair in 2018. We know why. Here’s this year’s Africa group, together with two entries from Oceania (Yes, it’s strange they clumped that region here):

ANGOLA – Maria Augusta de Cunha. We can’t really the say the country stopped trying. On the contrary, it’s been steadily regaining its edge since its lone queen, Leila Lopes, took over the franchise. Well, consider this advocate another step in the right direction. With luck, she might even end the drought.

AUSTRALIA – Lexie Brant. It’s hard to blame Miss Earth fans for reeling over Sheridan Mortlock’s shutout. But, perhaps, their franchise really just shies away from high-profile crossovers. Good thing this medical secretary’s proven to be a refreshing choice. She’s no heavy favorite at this juncture but, then again, neither were Monique Riley and Moraya Wilson, and look how far they went.

BOTSWANA – Lillian Nompumelelo Andries. This geologist may not be the strongest Botswanan post-Mpule, but she’s easily among the most photogenic. Sure, that alone doesn’t automatically make her a shoo-in, but she’s still one to watch.

CABO VERDE – Prissy Gomes. Given this country’s recent momentum in other pageants, debuting here was only a matter of time. Bringing forth this milestone is this TV host and international model who, while accomplished, seems inclined to replicate her Miss Supranational 2017 finish.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Olivia Yacé. As it stands, she’s already historically her country’s best performer, as Miss World 2021’s 2nd Runner-Up. But there was always this inkling we’d see her again. And behold, here she is, no longer relying on head adornments to grab attention. Much as this battle’s perceived to be an Asian-Latin showdown, she could very well the one to defy those expectations. Even if she doesn’t, the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title feels like hers to lose. 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – Dorcas Dienda. Taking over after the original national winner, Deborah Djema, was a breeze for this Paris-based model. The real challenge bringing the former Zaire back in the running, 40 years after Benika Mureka Tete’s iconic 2nd Runner-Up finish. Her voting figures bode well.

EGYPT – Sabrina Maged Erian. Last year’s vitiligo warrior wasn’t short of a trailblazer, but while the half-Moldovan Christian successor is just as stunning and competitive, the buzz isn’t as strong. 

EQUATORIAL GUINEA – Carmen Ismelda Obama. The climb may remain steep for Africa’s lone Spanish speaker, but this stylish teen deserves huge props. A surprise breakthrough wouldn’t be objectionable.

GHANA – Andromeda Peters. Two Massachusetts natives are on board as non-Americans and, in this psychotherapist’s case, she was Miss United States 2018 (not to be confused with the fictional pageant from Miss Congeniality). A crowning moment may be far from reach in this go-round, but you never know what strong credentials might unlock.

GUINEA – Tiguidanké Bérété. Miss World alum Saran Bah may seem like a tough act to follow, but the sophomore’s no slouch herself. Apart from being an accomplished model, she set up a foundation advocating for education and women’s development. It’s standing out which remains the clincher, really.

MAURITIUS – Aurélie Alcindor. 50 years since the islands’ debut, and they’ve still yet to make the cut. And while it’s interesting to see this former Olympian sprinter in the mix, outrunning the favorites feels like a stretch.

MAYOTTE – Nourya Aboutoihi. Being a French department may explain this island’s botched 2001 debut. Obviously, the rules have tweaked, since here comes this radiant scientist turning heads, if not making inroads. It begs the question if the island’s former archipelago of allegiance, Comoros, will soon follow suit.

NAMIBIA – Johanna Swartbooi. Remember, the first Thai staging was won by a Namibian, and it’s been 30 years since the country served as host. Those tidbits may or may not bolster this model’s chances, though she does have a very distinct look.

NEW ZEALAND – Abbigail Sturgin. It was in Thailand where a Kiwilast made the cut. That was Lisa de Montalk from 1992. Much as this half-Laotian police officer’s dolled up since Miss Earth 2017, the drought is expected to remain. It’s a bummer, considering Victoria Velasquez Vincent seemed to have it in the bag last year.

NIGERIA – Basil Onyinyechi. There was drama on the national front when fan favorite Nyekachi Douglas was barred for entering again, which drove reigning Miss Universe Africa and Oceania to excuse herself from the narrative. Even without that back story, however, this women’s education advocate isn’t garnering as much buzz and is, therefore, not foreseen to outdo Chiddima Adetshina.

RWANDA – Solange Keita. This humanitarian and UNICEF ambassador went from Miss Universe Canada also-ran to her homeland’s debutante at age 42. So, yes, there’s so much more to her than that hilarious viral clip of her falling asleep during the Moonlight Gala. 

SENEGAL – Ndeye Ngone Diagne. For the second straight year, this recent returnee sent us a strong one. The question, though, is if this Miss Earth alum can overcome the onslaught of heavy pre-pageant favorites. Guess what, she actually just might.

SOUTH AFRICA – Melissa Nayimuli. We have to thank Bokang Montjane for stepping up, after the missed opportunity that was Mia la Roux and the eventual withdrawal of the former franchise. It just doesn’t feel the same without the Rainbow Nation, given that it won twice over the past decade. So, while this half-Ugandan’s not pegged to emulate its recent glories, she’s bound to leave a mark in interview. 

TANZANIA – Naisae Yona. If her MGI compatriot’s success were any indication, the country’s slowly regaining its edge. It’s comforting, even if this entrepreneur’s prospects are middling at best.

ZAMBIA – Kunda Mwamulima. Obviously, 2025 will now be a year to cherish for this country, which scored its first placements in Miss World, Miss Supranational, andMiss Grand International. This registered nurse could very well pull a similar feat but, then, it’s tough to call with this contest sometimes.

ZIMBABWE – Lyshanda Moyas. By completing her three-year pageant run here last year, Sakhile Dube also endedher country’s 21-year drought. This registered nurse may not be expected to sustain that momentum, but she has solid presence.

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