Maureen Keira Zimba has been selected to represent Malawi at the Miss Tourism International 2026 pageant, scheduled to take place in the Philippines in December. She was crowned Miss Tourism Malawi earlier this year during the Miss Culture Malawi national pageant grand finale, where she also received the title of Miss Culture Malawi second princess. Zimba's selection marks Malawi's continued participation in international beauty pageants.
The Miss Tourism International pageant brings together contestants from various countries to promote tourism, cultural diversity, and international friendship. According to Lorraine Kljajic, the chief executive of Miss Tourism Malawi, the experience gained from sending contestants to international pageants has helped the organization identify areas for improvement, including the need for more intensive stage training. This knowledge will be crucial in preparing Zimba for the competition.
Kljajic emphasized that the organization is working towards sending a representative who is not only beautiful but also knowledgeable, articulate, and capable of representing Malawi with distinction. The team is approaching the competition with experience, determination, and a clear understanding of what is expected. The organization is also working on Zimba's travel arrangements, wardrobe, and other requirements, while engaging potential sponsors to support her participation.
Zimba plans to use the platform to showcase Malawi's tourist attractions, cultural heritage, and traditions, while promoting the country as the Warm Heart of Africa. Kljajic noted that the competition offers an opportunity to market Malawi internationally and that support from businesses, government institutions, the media, and the public will be important in preparing Zimba for the event. She added that when a young woman represents Malawi on an international stage, she is representing over 20 million Malawians.
Malawi has previously participated in international pageants under the Miss Tourism Malawi organization. In 2025, Olivia Masonga placed in the Top 10 at Miss Tourism Africa International and received the Beauty Impact Award. This prior experience has provided valuable insights and lessons for the organization and Zimba.
Zimba is currently undergoing intensive training on catwalk, question and answer, and advocacy work. She is also working closely with her designers on her national costume and evening gowns that represent Malawi's beauty. Her project, Unstoppable Me, combines beauty, purpose, and sustainable tourism, using her personal experiences to inspire others and showcase Malawi's resilience.
Despite the demanding journey due to limited sponsorship, Zimba expressed gratitude to Mount Carmel Motors, Apple Store Malawi, and Sky Lockers Entertainment for sponsoring her. With their support and her hard work, Zimba is poised to represent Malawi with distinction at the Miss Tourism International 2026 pageant.
Key points
- Maureen Keira Zimba will represent Malawi at Miss Tourism International 2026 in the Philippines.
- The Miss Tourism International pageant promotes tourism, cultural diversity, and international friendship among participating countries.
- Zimba's participation is supported by various sponsors, including Mount Carmel Motors, Apple Store Malawi, and Sky Lockers Entertainment.
