The Miss Namibia beauty pageant is more than a glitzy stage show.
It is a N$10 million operation with ripple effects throughout the country’s economy, chief commercial officer of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation Nico Mwiya revealed on Monday at the meet-and-greet with the Miss Namibia finalists.
He said funding is allocated across several key areas, including production, logistics, accommodation, entertainment and prize money.
A portion of the budget is allocated to production, an area fully managed by NBC, the official production partner.
NBC’s involvement is not just logistical but also financial, as the broadcaster ensures compliance with national financial legislation, including the Public Enterprises Governance Act (PEGA). “The quantum of the budget goes to staging, lights, accommodation, the creative industry and prize money. It’s all accounted for in the management and financial reports as required by policy,” Mwiya stated.
The title winner of the pageant receives N$150 000 in prize money, sponsored by Debmarine Namibia.
The monthly incentive allowance is paid by NBC for the duration of the one-year reign.
Runners-up are also handsomely rewarded.
The first runner-up receives N$75 000, while the second runner-up walks away with N$50 000.
Contestants who make it into the top 10 each receive a N$2 000 incentive.
The winner of the Public Choice Award is granted an additional N$5 000.
Mwiya added that hosting brings regional economic benefits, which extend beyond the event itself.
He said hosting the pageant has injected millions into local economies.
“When Miss Namibia was hosted in Swakopmund for the first time, nearly N$3 million was invested into the local economy. Last year, when the pageant was held in Luderitz, the figure was approximately N$1.5 million,” he revealed.
The economic boost is reflected in increased accommodation bookings, catering contracts, venue hire and local event management services.
“This is not just a beauty contest but an economic driver,” Mwiya stated.