The Miss Namibia pageant has undergone a huge transformation since the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) took full ownership, with national pride and social impact now at the heart of the competition.
According to NBC’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nico Mwiya, the broadcaster’s involvement has repositioned the pageant from a struggling event with limited reach to a national platform that empowers women and inspires change.
“Since NBC took full ownership of Miss Namibia, we have prioritised national pride and the concept of the pageant being a social movement for change. Our goal is to ensure Miss Namibia is more than a beauty contest; it is a platform that reflects our national identity and contributes meaningfully to society,” he said. Prior to NBC’s takeover, the pageant grappled with low public interest and a lack of visibility. Today, it enjoys a broader audience and growing influence, thanks to increased media coverage and a renewed focus on community development.
The revamped Miss Namibia competition now positions its contestants not only as ambassadors of beauty but as advocates for education, women’s empowerment, and youth development.
Mwiya noted that this shift aligns with NBC’s broader mission to foster nation-building through media and public engagement. “This is about using the power of media to elevate platforms that matter,” he added.
Another key initiative is linked to regional outreach and inclusivity. With the introduction of regional hosting, activations for entries and community outreach initiatives, national representation is ensured from all corners of Namibia.
The contestants also benefit from structured training in leadership, public speaking, and social advocacy, transforming them into national ambassadors.
Mwiya said over the next five years,
they envision the pageant continuing to grow, particularly in terms of production value.
“The value of the pageant has grown exponentially, and since we at NBC and the Miss Namibia Organisation strive each year to surpass the previous one, the brand is on track to become a leading African pageant platform recognised for excellence, innovation and empowerment,” he said.