For the first time Malawi is preparing to take part at the Miss International Beauty Pageant to be held in Japan. Tina Nkombezi will represent Malawi following the invitation from Miss International officials, which the Miss Malawi Organisation considered before agreeing to facilitate her entry. The organisation says preparations are progressing although a substantial amount of the initial K17 million budget has been secured. While it is appealing to raise the balance, the organisation is also planning to crown in early 2027. Miss Malawi Organisation public relations officer STEPHEN MDALA explains Nkombezi’s selection, preparations and funding needs, as well as plans for future pageants. Q: What criteria did the organisation use in selecting Nkombezi as the queen to represent Malawi at Miss international?
A: Driven by her passion and commitment to her cause, Miss Nkombezi independently explored international pageant opportunities aligned with her vision. On 6th of October the Miss Malawi Organisation received the official invitation from Miss International officials for Tina Nkombezi to participate in Miss International 2026. Following this invitation, the organisation took time to navigate and seek guidance from relevant stakeholders and resolved to facilitate her participation, providing an opportunity for Malawi to be represented on this international platform. Miss Malawi believes this opportunity will showcase not only Miss Nkombezi’s advocacy and potential but also the warmth, resilience, and spirit of the Malawian people.
Q: How are the preparations going for Nkombezi ahead of the international competition?
A: Preparations are on the right track despite a couple of financial difficulties which we hope to resolve. We are calling on the government, non-governmental organisations, entertainment companies, fashion designers, corporate sponsors and partners, executives and the general public to support this initiative for it is for the betterment of Malawian youth and the industry itself
Q: How much money is required for the trip and how much has the organisation raised so far?
A: The initial budget was K17 million. A substantial amount has been secured and we hope to raise the remaining amount as soon as possible.
Q: This is not the first time the organisation has sent a queen to an international competition. Are you satisfied with the previous experience, and what lessons did you learn from it?
A: Nkombezi has represented Malawi before at Miss African Essence and she came out as third runner-up. We are hopeful that she will do more at Miss International in Japan.
She is addressing issues affecting young girls in the Global South, as well as issues within Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) three and four.
Q: Will the organisation send more girls to international competitions this year, or is she the last contestant to represent Malawi this season?
A: The organisation can receive invitations at any time. If resources are available at that time, we will definitely facilitate participation.
Q: Why has this year’s Miss Malawi competition been delayed, considering that preparations were underway by this time last year?
A: International pageant calendars begin in July every year. We, therefore want to crown the next queen as early as February or March, so that by July of that calendar year we have delegates ready for the pageants we want to pursue.
