Lisa Sibanda Shines as Top 10 Finalist at Miss Cosmo 2025
Zimbabwean model Lisa Sibanda made history at the Miss Cosmo 2025 pageant, securing a place in the Top 10 and standing out as the only African representative at that level. Her achievement marked a significant moment for Zimbabwe and the continent, highlighting representation on a global stage that celebrates beauty, intelligence, and advocacy.
The grand finale of Miss Cosmo 2025 took place on Saturday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, featuring more than 70 contestants from around the world. Yolina Lindquist of the United States won the crown, impressing judges with her poise, articulation, and stage presence. Despite not taking the top prize, Sibanda’s placement was widely celebrated as a historic achievement for Africa.
From the outset, Sibanda positioned herself as more than a contestant. She represented her nation and continent with purpose. She reflected, “Standing among 77 remarkable women from around the world as the face of Zimbabwe and the only African in both the Top 10 and Top 21 was itself a victory.” Her words highlighted the broader significance of her accomplishment, rooted in identity, resilience, and global visibility.
Sibanda’s participation extended beyond stage performance. The pageant served as a platform for cultural exchange and empowerment. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and connecting with women worldwide fighting for justice, education, and equality. Her advocacy through Legally Speaking, a mission to make the law accessible, remained central to her journey. “I’m bringing back new perspectives, friendships and a renewed commitment to advocacy that is both local and global,” she said.
Her wardrobe also told a story. Sibanda wore designs by Vietnamese creators inspired by Zimbabwean cultural heritage. The blend of traditional fabrics and contemporary styles showcased her roots and projected pride on an international platform. Each outfit became a visual expression of identity, heritage, and creative collaboration.
Sibanda highlighted the importance of African representation in global pageants. “African participation reshapes the narrative. When we stand on these stages, we bring our full selves, our heritage, our intellect, our innovation,” she said. She stressed the need for authentic representation that incorporates African languages, stories, and social missions, not just appearances.
Despite the crown going to Lindquist, Sibanda’s Top 10 placement remains a landmark achievement. She earned recognition for her poise, purpose, and perspective in a highly competitive field. Her success demonstrated that African voices and stories have a place at the centre of global conversations.
Returning to Zimbabwe, Sibanda carries lessons from her international experience and a renewed focus on advocacy. Her journey at Miss Cosmo 2025 showed that true success on a global stage is measured not only by titles won but by barriers broken, representation achieved, and narratives reshaped.
