Miss Culture Global has cemented its status as one of Africa’s most promising pageants after being recognised as one of the Best Emerging Brands in Africa at the Emerging Brands in Africa Awards held on March 1 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The awards aim to recognise and celebrate dynamic and innovative brands across the African continent in various sectors.
Three of its queens, former Miss Culture Malawi(2023) Ireen Navicha, current Miss Culture Global Zimbabwe Samantha Mundoringisa and reigning Miss Culture Global Casey Esmeraldo from South Africa also received individual awards for their contributions to the pageantry and cultural industries.
The recognition has marked a milestone for Miss Culture Global, a pageant founded by Malawian Lorraine Kljijac.
Established in 2021, Miss Culture Global has expanded its presence securing franchises in countries such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines, considered among the world’s most competitive pageantry nations.
Reacting to the recognition, Kljijac expressed pride, describing it as a validation of the brand’s mission to celebrate cultural diversity, empower young women and propel African pageantry to the global stage.
“To see that we were recognised out of the countries that were present is encouraging. It shows that what we are doing is worth celebrating. Being a Malawian and having something from Malawi embraced by the global community is an incredible achievement,” she said
Kljijac, who is also founder of Lush Africa and Lushhxurious cosmetics brand, said her goal is to ensure the pageant pageant becomes one of the top five worldwide by 2030.
“The impact that such recognition carries is more than what we can anticipate. It is times like these that we are pushed to go over and beyond to represent our country and show that something big can come out of our nation,” she said.
Kljijac emphasised that the award is not only for the brand but also for young Malawian girls who aspire to make a global impact.
“This proves that Malawian talent can shine globally. It is a testament to dreams and hopes coming true. There are a lot of girls who want to do big things and this is the encouragement they need,” she said.
Meanwhile, receiving an individual award at the Emerging Brands in Africa Awards was another moment of validation for Navicha’s efforts.
The recognition also went a way in inspiring and empowering fellow young women.
“This recognition means so much to me. Representing Malawi on such a grand stage has been a privilege. This award is not just mine, it belongs to every young Malawian girl who believes in herself,” she said.
Just last year, Navicha participated in various pageants, including Miss Teen Universe in Malaysia and Miss Culture Global in Johannesburg, South Africa.
She also said it is time to start recognising the pageantry’s potential to boost different sectors.
“This shows that the industry is growing and has potential to put us on the global map. This is no mean achievement,” said Navicha.
Throughout her tenure, she has been an advocate of cultural heritage, tourism, and women’s empowerment, using her platform to inspire young women.
Kljijac commended Navicha’s performance, noting that her recognition was well-deserved.
“Ireen has represented Malawi beautifully. She is a great example of how Malawian women can thrive at a global level,” she said.
Mundoringisa and Esmeraldo’s success from South Africa further highlights Miss Culture Global’s growing reputation as a platform that discovers and nurtures talent with a lasting impact beyond the pageant stage.
Kljijac said the recognition is portrays the pageant’s influence in shaping the future of African beauty and cultural representation.
“All three ladies received their nominations because of their affiliation with Miss Culture Global,” she said.
Miss Culture Global’s impact extends beyond the competition stage and focus solely on beauty.
