This year, all roads will lead to Cattle Country, which will host the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen 2026 event.  

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) spokesperson Beulah Boois-Beukes said NBC decided to take the event nationwide.

“Since the NBC acquired the Miss Namibia pageant, the event has been successfully staged in Swakopmund, Lüderitz and Ongwediva,” she said.

She stated that hosting the pageant in Gobabis completes the event by being in all four corners of Namibia.

“The decision to host both Miss Namibia and Miss Teen in Gobabis aligns with our strategic objective of taking the pageant to every corner of Namibia. By bringing the event to Gobabis, we are reinforcing our commitment to national inclusivity and regional representation,” she said.

Boois-Beukes described the move as a milestone for NBC.

“This milestone ensures that the pageant has now been hosted across all four corners of the country, further strengthening NBC’s mandate to deliver nationally representative flagship events,” she added.

The economic impact on Gobabis and Omaheke is expected to be significant.  She said the event will benefit local vendors, hospitality establishments, guesthouses, restaurants, transport services, designers and event suppliers.

“Increased visitor numbers, including contestants’ families, sponsors, media and supporters, will generate revenue and stimulate not only short-term economic activity but also longer-term improvements,” she said.

The pageant is expected to boost regional tourism through national and digital coverage, reaching audiences across the country and beyond.

“With the Top 10 excursion set for surrounding areas of the region and the winner being crowned there, the winners’ shoots, which are automatically used for the international pageants, will further showcase the beauty of Gobabis and the region,” Boois-Beukes said.

She said hosting pageants locally helps young people see that national platforms are within reach.

“It fosters pride and strengthens community identity,” she said.

This year’s edition will also highlight the culture and heritage of the Omaheke region. 

“We are placing a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and public participation this year,” she remarked.

Contestants will engage with communities and social initiatives, while the public can now help select the national costume and crown design. 

The NBC thanks Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, authorities, local businesses and sponsors like Debmarine Namibia for their support.

“Hosting both Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia in Gobabis is more than an event. It is a strategic milestone. Together, we are not only crowning ambassadors of beauty and purpose, but we are also showcasing the strength, diversity and potential of Namibia’s regions,” Boois-Beukes said.

NBC board chairman Lazarus Jacobs urged Omaheke’s local businesses to seize event opportunities.

“The national broadcaster’s role is to place the spotlight on Namibia as a whole, not only on the capital city. Namibia is made up of 14 regions, and hosting the pageants in Omaheke highlights the importance of inclusivity and regional development,” he said.

Jacobs announced that the pageant will be managed under NBC’s commercial department going forward. -pmukokobi@nepc.com.na