Africa had a strong showing at the Miss World 2026 Head-to-Head Challenge, with five contestants making it through to the final stage of the continental competition.

Representing Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Eritrea were Tamunosoye “Soye” Karibi-George, Trizah Muhenje Akala, Romanda Hombir, Dr Adah Mushibi and Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin, respectively.

The Head-to-Head Challenge is one of Miss World’s key competitions, giving contestants a chance to speak about their experiences, beliefs and Beauty With a Purpose projects. The format places less emphasis on the traditional pageant spectacle and more on how contestants communicate their ideas and the causes they represent.

Ultimately, it was South Africa’s Romanda Hombir who emerged as Africa’s winner. A 27-year-old audiologist from Mpumalanga, Hombir is the founder of the Caring Purpose Foundation, which focuses on healthcare access, literacy, nutrition, skills development and community health initiatives.

Her win gives South Africa an early boost as the Miss World 2026 competition continues in Vietnam, where 24 African contestants are competing ahead of the September 5 finale.