Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas in Miss Universe top 30 with two other African Queens

BANGKOK – The Miss Universe journey has come to an end for Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas after she made it to the top 30 models in the universe and the top 3 African models, a remarkable milestone for the Zimbabwean catwalk queen.

The three African countries that made it to the top 30 are Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, while Côte d’Ivoire made it to the top 5 of the scandal hit pageant that was eventually won by Mexico’s Fatima Bosch.

Moyas narrowly missed being in the top 12 contestants.

Speaking after being eliminated, Moyas said she was nervous being at such a big stage.

“I was so nervous, I’m not gonna lie. But I later calmed down and got a sense that I deserve to be here. I’m going to do my best, and I did my best. Being in the top thirty is such an honour, I’m just happy, I’m just glad I got to this stage.”

Miss Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, was crowned as the new Miss Universe for the year 2025 to 2026.

In second place was Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, followed by Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé rounding out the top five.