19-Year-Old Ethiopian Student Hasset Dereje Becomes Miss World Africa 2025

Hasset Dereje, a 19-year-old chemical engineering student from Ethiopia, has been named Miss World Africa and first runner-up at the 72nd Miss World pageant. Her achievement marks the highest placement for Ethiopia in over 20 years.

The grand finale took place in Telangana, India, where 108 contestants from around the world competed for the crown. Thailand’s Opal Suchata was named Miss World 2025, but all eyes in Africa were on Hasset, who advanced through every stage of the competition and reached the final four.

Alongside her were representatives from Poland, Martinique, and Thailand, but Hasset’s presence stood out. Not just as a beauty queen, but as a symbol of intelligence and resilience. While many contestants brought glamour, Hasset also brought grit, juggling pageant preparations with her studies at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University.

Her victory is more than just a title; it’s a testament to her perseverance. It revives Ethiopia’s presence at Miss World, which last saw major success in 2003 when Hayat Ahmed made it to the top 20 and was also crowned Miss World Africa. Now, two decades later, Hasset continues that legacy, inspiring young Africans with her story.

Nigeria’s Joy Mojisola Raimi also made the continent proud by finishing in the top 20.

As celebrations pour in from across Ethiopia and the continent, Hasset’s story reminds the world that beauty, intelligence, and determination can coexist.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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