Zimbabwe celebrates historic win as Yollanda Chimbarami becomes Miss International 2025 First Runner-up

ZIMSPHERE

HARARE/TOKYO - Zimbabwe has a new reason to celebrate on the world stage. On Thursday night in Tokyo, 26-year-old Yollanda Chimbarami achieved what no Zimbabwean has done before: placing First Runner-Up at Miss International, one of the world’s biggest and oldest beauty pageants. She also took home the title Miss International Africa 2025, crowning her as the continent’s leading representative this year.

Her remarkable finish surpasses the long-standing record set by Angeline Musasiwa at Miss World 1994, and positions Zimbabwe among the top two at a Big Four pageant for the very first time.

The competition brought together 80 contestants from around the globe. Only Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola made it into the Top 20, but the night ultimately belonged to Harare’s very own.

Yollanda raised the flag high through her intelligence, grace and a clear sense of purpose. She reminded the world that Zimbabwe’s story is one of talent, ambition and heart.

Performing with power and composure through every stage, Yollanda left no doubt about Zimbabwe’s place in global beauty and culture.

“This victory is not mine alone, it is for every Zimbabwean who dared to dream with me. We have shown the world that greatness lives here at home. I hope young girls see this moment and believe that their voices, too, can reach the world,” Yollanda joyously stated.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust Director Patience Lusengo praised the achievement, saying: “Yolanda has shown the world the best of who we are. Her confidence, her values, her fire, this is Zimbabwe. We are incredibly proud and we hope the nation celebrates her the way she deserves.”

Yollanda is a model, actress, shoe designer and philanthropist currently studying for a Master’s in Economics and Finance. She co-founded Help a Child Save a Nation (HACSAN), which supports tuition for 11 rural schools in Mashonaland Central.

She has represented Zimbabwe on multiple global platforms that include:

• UN panelist for education advocacy
• Voice actor in Disney’s Supa Strikas
• Featured in films now streaming on Amazon
• Named among Top 3 Most Influential Youth in Canada (2022)
• Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2022 (Top 20 globally)

Her journey has sparked genuine national pride and inspired young people across the country who see themselves in her victory.