Namibia’s pride, Selma Kamanya, has made a significant leap forward at the Miss World 2025 competition, advancing to the final round of the prestigious Head-to-Head Challenge, which takes place today in Hyderabad, India. Kamanya’s strong performance has earned her a spot in the global Top 20 and positioned her as the second-highest-ranked contestant from Africa, just behind South Africa.
This remarkable achievement follows her outstanding results in the initial stages of the Head-to-Head and Beauty with a Purpose challenges, two of the competition’s most influential segments. The Beauty with a Purpose initiative, central to the Miss World pageant, emphasizes humanitarian advocacy and the contestants’ efforts to drive social change in their home countries.
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Kamanya’s project, centered on youth empowerment and community upliftment in Namibia, has drawn praise from international judges and audiences alike. Her work aims to provide educational and career development opportunities for disadvantaged young people, promoting long-term positive change in under-resourced communities.
“Being on this stage and representing Namibia is already a dream come true,” Kamanya shared in a pre-event interview. “But to be recognized for the work we are doing at home, it makes everything worthwhile. I hope this inspires more young people to believe in their power to make a difference.”
Namibia’s growing prominence in this year’s pageant underscores a broader African presence on the global stage, with several countries from the continent delivering impressive showings in multiple segments of the competition. Kamanya’s advancement not only elevates her personal journey but also reflects positively on Namibia’s dedication to empowering young leaders and fostering sustainable development.
The Miss World 2025 pageant is being held in India for the first time in nearly three decades, bringing global attention to Hyderabad, a bustling city known for its historic architecture, modern tech industry, and rich cultural heritage. Over 108 contestants from around the globe have gathered for this year’s competition, which has featured a month-long series of challenges, charity events, and cultural showcases across various Indian cities.
The Head-to-Head Challenge, in particular, tests contestants’ communication skills, intelligence, and passion for their causes. It involves direct interviews where delegates present their advocacy work and respond to tough questions from judges. Kamanya’s articulate presentation and sincere commitment to youth development earned her one of the coveted spots in the final round.
The culmination of the Miss World 2025 festivities will be the Grand Finale on 31 May, held at the HITEX Exhibition Center in Hyderabad. The event promises to be a dazzling celebration of beauty, intellect, and compassion, attended by celebrities, dignitaries, and millions of viewers across the world.
As Kamanya prepares to represent Namibia in the finals, the nation watches with pride and anticipation, hopeful that she could bring the Miss World crown to Namibia for the first time. Regardless of the final outcome, her presence on the global stage has already inspired countless Namibians and highlighted the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership.
