Far beyond the glitz, glamour and crowning moment, the Miss Namibia pageant has become an engine for economic activity and job creation in the creative sector across the country. 

As preparations intensify for the 2025 edition, set to be hosted in the Oshana region, the event continues to offer a platform for diverse sectors to flourish.

From hairstylists and fashion designers to caterers and sound engineers, a range of professionals rely on Miss Namibia for income and exposure. 

The organisation’s commitment to inclusive development has transformed the pageant into more than just a beauty competition.

 It is now a celebration of Namibian talent, business, culture and industry.

Aina Shigwedha, an emerging designer, said designing for Miss Namibia has given her work a beautiful level of visibility that she would not have had otherwise. 

“As a small studio, the exposure has helped me grow my network and introduced my custom designs to a wider audience. It’s been encouraging to see how many people are starting to recognise and appreciate local craftsmanship,” she said. 

Shigwedha believes that pageants like Miss Namibia can help young designers get noticed. 

It is one of the few platforms in Namibia where fashion is put in the spotlight on a national level. 

For emerging designers like herself, it gives her a chance to build credibility and gain practical experience under real pressure.

“Miss Namibia does something special in showing the beauty of Namibian culture through fashion. It creates a moment where people pay attention to local design. That visibility helps build appreciation for homegrown talent. It inspires pride in who we are and encourages people to invest in local fashion,” she stated. 

Choreographer Stanley Mareka highlighted that ever since he started working with Miss Namibia, his hard work has been noticed. 

“Miss Namibia opened doors for me in sectors I could never have accessed on my own – all thanks to the culture of pageantry. If you are studying fashion, the platforms are there to showcase your new collections. If you are in media, working with filming, sound and graphics, it is nothing like sitting in a classroom. Even directing an entire production takes real experience, but opportunities are there,” he said. 

“Imagine being a man in this space. I had to set aside my interests at times to uplift and empower women. This goes beyond a career. It’s a journey filled with mentors, professionals and purpose.

“Today, my life is full of opportunities and direction. I wouldn’t mind being the head coordinator for stage choreography. This is a career beyond borders,” he added.

Miss Namibia CEO Umbi Karuaihe-Upi said the pageant’s annual audition process opens doors for choreographers, makeup artists, nail technicians and other creatives. 

This year’s first call closed on 16 May. 

Successful applicants are set to be contacted soon for roles in the upcoming main events. 

These behind-the-scenes roles are essential to the production value and presentation of Miss Namibia, creating seasonal job opportunities.

Designers also benefit from immense visibility, especially through the creation of the national costume worn on international stages.

“It’s a chance to show the world what Namibian design is capable of,” she said. 

Karuaihe-Upi noted that, since 2023, the Miss Namibia Organisation has enhanced its focus on inclusivity and regional representation. 

Hosting the event in different regions, like Lüderitz in 2024 and Oshana in 2025, opens avenues for local businesses to participate and benefit.