Meet the Eight African Beauty Queens for the 2016 Miss Universe Competition.

 The grand finale event of the 2016 Miss Universe competition is set to be held on 3oth January 2016 in Philippines. The competition which is aimed at empowering women to develop the
confidence they need to achieve their personal best. The Miss Universe contest is more than a beauty pageant: women aspiring to become Miss Universe must be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured, the organizers said.
We can’t be more proud of the eight African beauty queens who have made it to the Miss Universe Competition. Meet the eight African beauties to watch out for this year….

NIGERIA 

Meet 22-year old Unoaku Anyadike who is a young, ambitious and beautiful 22-year-old, born into the Anyadike family from the eastern part of Nigeria, Anambra State. This 6” beauty graduated with honors in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, which is the the first University in Nigeria. She is currently undergoing the National Youth Service corps ( NYSC) in her country at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which is a mandatory service to her country. Anyadike is an advocate of Endometriosis in her country and is very passionate about children. If she were to hold the title of Miss Universe, Anyadike would hope to have her own school and help counsel youths to enable them to have a brighter future.

TANZANIA

Meet 20-year old, Jihan Dimack representing Tnazania. Despite her gentle appearance, this 5′ 9” is a fierce young woman filled with determination. This Lebanese-Tanzanian grew up in a mixed culture and is the embodiment of diversity and beauty. Dimack currently works as an Administration Officer, and when she isn’t doing that she is continuing her modeling career. She has graced the cover of 3 Tanzanian magazines, won several Swahili Fashion Week awards, worked with over 15 designers, and has been featured in advertisements. Dimack hopes that her knowledge and beauty will take home the crown this January, and if so, she hopes to raise awareness on Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania.

KENYA

Meet Mary Esther Were from Kenya. After a gap of one year Kenya is ready to send its envoy to the Miss Universe 2016 beauty pageant. Mary won the coveted title of Miss Universe Kenya 2016. This African beauty is a trained journalist from The Daystar University and currently works at CNBC Africa. She is passionate about Environmental Conservation matters and has written several proposals. She was also a finalist of Miss Commonwealth Kenya.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’s Ntandoyenkosi Kunene is a 24 year old, Bachelor of Education Honours graduate who is currently the official ambassador for the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day. The organization gives South African girls first-hand experience in an industry, and it allows them future career opportunities. As the late Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the one tool that can be used to change the world.’ Ntando believes that having an education is vital, and it empowers others to be the best person they can be. If crowned Miss Universe, this 5′ 9” beauty would want to pass his message on to young women, hoping it will it will be one of the key factors for South Africa’s socio-economic development.

SIERRA LEONE

26-year old Hawa Kamara is making history this year by being the first contestant to represent her beautiful republic of Sierra Leone during the Miss Universe competition. This 5′ 7” beauty was born in Kono, the land of diamonds, and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital city. After graduating Methodist Girls High School, one of the most prestigious girls school in Freetown, she began traveling and competing in beauty pageants. On the weekends, Kamara spends her time volunteering by talking to young girls about the importance of education. Kamara is looking forward to meeting all of the contestants representing their country in the competition. Kamara hopes to continue to make history by taking home the crown, if she does, she hopes to advocate and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.

NAMIBIA

 20-year old Lizelle Esterhuizen is very proud to represent Namibia for the first time in four years at this year’s Miss Universe Competition. This 6′ believes that holding the title of Miss Universe brings great influence to those in need. Lizelle is working towards national reconciliation and the uplifting the previously disadvantaged in her homeland. From a small town girl to earning the title of Miss Namibia, she is now even better positioned to make a meaningful difference and to live her dream by representing her country on a global scale.

ANGOLA

Meet 21-year old Luisa Batista is a native of Kuando Kubango currently attending UPRA where she studies Psychology. On top of school, she volunteered for the National Institute of the Fight Against Cancer. In Batista’s spare time, you can catch her reading, going to the movies, dancing, or playing handball. If she were to become Miss Universe, she would love to continue to help raise awareness for Cancer.

MAURITIUS

 

26- year old Kushboo Ramnawaj is the first Miss Universe Mauritius to come from Riviere Du Poste. With a degree in BEng (Hos) in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering and an active contributor to non-governmental organizations, she uses her diverse experiences to inspire herself to keep moving forward in learning even more. As a lover of nature, the Flora and Fauna of Mauritius is very important to her. If don’t see Ramnawa behind the camera, you can find her walking on the beach, listening to the sounds of the waves and spending time with her family and loved ones. Ramnawa is excited to prepare for the upcoming Miss Universe Competition and is determined to take home the crown.