South Africa’s Romanda Hombir reached the final six, while five African contestants made the Miss World 2026 Top 20 in Vietnam.
Nha Trang, Vietnam (Running Africa) — South Africa’s Romanda Hombir has been crowned Miss World Africa 2026 after finishing among the final six contestants at the Miss World 2026 finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The 27-year-old clinical audiologist from Mpumalanga emerged as Africa’s highest-placed contestant at the global pageant, which brought together 111 contestants as Miss World celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The overall Miss World 2026 crown went to 24-year-old Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic. Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés was named first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished second runner-up.
Romanda Hombir Represents Africa in the Miss World Top Six
Hombir strengthened her campaign through her performances in the pageant’s challenge events and her social-impact work.
Through the Caring Purpose Foundation, she advocates for improved access to healthcare, literacy, food security, and skills development in underserved communities.
Her Top Six finish secured her the Miss World Africa 2026 continental title and made her the highest-placed African contestant in the competition.
African Contestants Make Strong Miss World 2026 Showing
Africa recorded a strong performance at this year’s pageant, with contestants representing Zimbabwe, Zambia, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa advancing to the Top 20 — the maximum number permitted under the competition’s continental format.
Hombir and Eritrea’s Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin later progressed to the Top Six.
Nigeria’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George also made an impression, reaching the Top 12 after winning the Africa Top Model title.
Kenya’s Ivy Trizah Muhenje Akala was among the African contestants who advanced to the Top 20.
Miss World Celebrates 75th Anniversary in Vietnam
The Miss World 2026 finale in Nha Trang featured 111 contestants from around the world and marked the 75th anniversary of the international pageant.
For South Africa, Hombir’s Miss World Africa title adds another continental achievement to the country’s pageant history while highlighting African representation on one of the world’s largest international beauty-pageant stages.
