Benhura wins Zimbabwe’s First Miss Africa crown
HISTORY was made at the Calabar International Convention Centre in Cross River State, Nigeria, as Zimbabwe’s Kundai Benhura was crowned Miss Africa 2025, becoming the first Zimbabwean to take home the prestigious title.
Raised in Warren Park, Harare, the 28-year-old beauty queen and climate advocate clinched the crown after beating 15 formidable competitors from across the continent.
Her victory comes after entering the Miss Africa pageant four times, a testament to her resilience and unwavering passion for Africa’s development.
The Miss Africa Organisation, known for its unique approach to pageantry, focuses on educating and empowering young Africans through mentorship and leadership boot camps.
Contestants emerge not just as beauty queens but as purposeful ambassadors tackling some of the continent’s most pressing challenges — chief among them, climate change.
A queen with a green vision
This year’s theme, Climate Action, resonated deeply with Benhura’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
As Miss Africa 2025, she will spearhead a series of green initiatives, including a continent-wide reforestation project, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and promoting ecological balance.
Her passion for climate advocacy was evident before she was crowned.
As a finalist, Benhura launched an Instagram talk series titled Kijani Konversations, a platform spotlighting African change-makers driving environmental transformation — from grassroots activists and entrepreneurs to policy leaders.
Her vision is to feature one inspiring guest from each African country, amplifying the message that climate change is a shared crisis requiring unified African action.
“There’s an assumption that everyone knows how Africa is affected by climate change,” said Benhura during her acceptance speech.
“But climate disasters know no borders. We are stronger when we fight together — as one continent, one voice.”
Breaking barriers, inspiring generations
Benhura’s crowning is not only a national triumph but also a symbol of perseverance and purpose.
Her journey to the crown — marked by persistence, community engagement and bold storytelling — serves as an inspiration to young women across Africa to rise up, stay rooted in purpose and lead with impact.
The Miss Africa 2025 reign promises to be a year of action, education and transformation, with Benhura at the helm — gracefully carrying Zimbabwe’s flag and Africa’s hope for a greener, united future. Newsday
