Malawi: Organisers of the Miss Malawi 2025 have claimed that this year’s event will be different and more impactful. they say they are focusing on sustainability and relevance beyond the coronation of Miss Malawi. They want to make sure that Miss Malawi remains impactful throughout her reign.
A representative of a newly formed Miss Malawi Organisation, Godfrey Kambewa, outlined a strategic shift. These shifts include post-crowning activities, corporate partnerships, and a structured support system.
Kambewa called on government ministries, corporate sponsors, and private individuals to collaborate in making the event a success.
“This year Miss Malawi is not just a beauty queen; she is a national ambassador. We want to ensure she has a clear role and tangible projects that contribute to Malawi’s development,” he said.
Kambewa said unlike previous years, where regional events played a significant role in the selection process, Miss Malawi 2025 will feature a single preliminary elimination event in July.
Applications will be submitted online through a Google form, after which 30 contestants will be shortlisted for the preliminary event with top 12 proceeding to the grand finale scheduled for November, 2025.
The new approach is designed to streamline the process and ensure a more competitive selection. Kambewa said in a move to honor Miss Malawi’s rich history, organizers are bringing back the traditional crown associated with the pageant’s legacy.
“Over the years, the crown has changed with different management teams, but this year, a replica of the original Miss Malawi crown will be reintroduced.
“This crown is more than an accessory; it represents the heritage and prestige of Miss Malawi. We want our beauty queens to wear a symbol that carries the legacy of those who came before them,” he said.
Kambewa said another significant shift of the pageant is the formalization of Miss Malawi as a legal entity, ensuring that it operates as a structured organization than just an event.
The reigning queen will receive professional support in areas such as resource mobilization, project management, and financial management.
According to Kambewa, a dedicated Miss Malawi office has been established, providing the titleholder with a physical workspace where she can carry out her duties effectively.
This year’s eligibility criteria require contestants to be Malawian citizens, biologically born female, unmarried, and without children, must hold a minimum of a Malawi School Certificate of Education, be fluent in at least one Malawian language, and be of good moral standing.
Organisers have also taken a firm stance against cyber bullying by incorporating psycho-social support into the competition to ensure contestants’ well-being.
A trained counselor will be available to help them navigate the pressures of the pageant. Current Miss Malawi, Jescar Mponda, expressed both excitement and emotions as she prepares to pass on the crown.
“I have carried this crown since 2022, and it’s finally time to hand it over. It’s an emotional moment, but I’m excited for the new contestants. I know the team behind this year’s event, and I trust they will do an amazing job,” she said.
Reflecting on her reign, Mponda acknowledged the challenges she faced, particularly online criticism.
“The hate was louder than the love, but I’m grateful for the people who stood by me. It was tough, but it made me stronger,” she said.