Zimbabwean Model Yollanda Chimbarami Makes History at Miss International 2025

Zimbabwean model Yollanda Chimbarami has made history by finishing first runner-up at Miss International 2025, marking the highest placement ever for the country in the prestigious global pageant. She also earned the title Miss International Africa 2025, distinguishing her as the top African contestant in a competition that brought together 82 participants from across the world.

The coveted crown went to Catalina Duque of Colombia, who succeeded Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy of Vietnam. The second runner-up was Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia, while Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia finished third runner-up.

Chimbarami’s historic placement has been hailed as a breakthrough moment for Zimbabwe on the global pageant stage, demonstrating the country’s growing competitiveness and influence. She shone throughout the competition with her poised presence, natural Afro hairstyle, and unwavering confidence.

During the top five question-and-answer segment, Chimbarami reflected on the significance of her achievement: “This experience has been empowering. As a woman of colour, I have been in spaces and rooms where I have been undermined because of the colour of my skin and the texture of my hair. But Miss International has taught me that you can cheer all women, and there is enough room for everybody.” She added, “I began this journey as a young woman with hopes, but I am standing before everyone as a young woman with purpose ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to cheer all women who dare to dream, because I am a strong, powerful African Black woman.”

Chimbarami has consistently championed authenticity and quality as her guiding principles. She explained her choice to appear in her natural afro for most videos and public appearances, saying, “I believe in authenticity and quality that makes one stand out.” Her commitment to staying true to herself has resonated widely with fans across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Beyond pageantry, Chimbarami is a multi-talented artiste and entrepreneur. She has walked the ramp for acclaimed designers such as David Tlale and Danielle Allen, and her acting credits include Wind-fall, In Plain Sight, Finally Caught, Stump the Guesser, and The Day My Job Tried to Kill Me. She has also lent her voice to Disney’s animated series Supa Strikas, highlighting her versatility and creative range.

The pageant offered Chimbarami a platform to highlight her advocacy work. She has consistently championed quality education, citing how access to learning opportunities transformed her life despite humble beginnings. During the semi-finalist segment, videos of contestants presenting their advocacies were shown, and Chimbarami’s focus on education stood out for its clarity, passion, and personal connection.

“The experience has opened doors for me to cheer all women of colour,” Chimbarami said. “There is a responsibility that comes with being seen at this level, and I want to use my platform to amplify the voices of women who are often under-represented in spaces of influence.” Her words reflect a growing emphasis among African beauty queens on using pageantry as a platform for empowerment and social impact.

Miss International 2025 took place in Tokyo, Japan, with contestants travelling across the country for charity events, cultural exchanges, and various sub-contests. Beyond the glitz, these activities provided opportunities for contestants to engage meaningfully with communities, reinforcing the pageant’s focus on cultural ambassadorship and advocacy. Chimbarami expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the network that helped her succeed: “I want to thank my family, friends, sponsors, and fans across Zimbabwe for their overwhelming support. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to everyone who has believed in me and encouraged me along the way.”

Zimbabweans celebrated her accomplishment as a national milestone, praising her poise, intelligence, and determination. Many see her placement as proof that Zimbabwe can compete successfully on global platforms when talent, preparation, and resilience align.

Her success also reflects a broader trend in African pageantry, where delegates are increasingly claiming top spots in international competitions, challenging the traditional dominance of contestants from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Chimbarami’s performance underscores the continent’s growing influence and the unique qualities African delegates bring to the world stage.

As she returns home, her first runner-up placement and Miss International Africa title serve as inspiration for future generations. She has shown that with authenticity, purpose, and dedication, Zimbabwean women can excel globally while using their platform to uplift others. Her journey at Miss International 2025 was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of representation.