HUNDREDS OF YOUNG WOMEN from East Africa and beyond have started to register the 2021 Miss East Africa beauty contest whose winner will be announced during a grand finale slated for November 26, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The regional beauty contest will bring together contestants from 17 African countries including the host nation Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Seychelles, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea among others.

The New Times spoke to Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi, the vice-president of the regional beauty pageant, who took us through the key things you need to know about this year’s edition of the beauty contest.

How can you describe this year’s Miss East Africa edition?

It is coming back after nine years with a different motto, organisation and we believe it will impact very many young women’s lives.

When will the 2021 Miss East Africa crown winner be announced?

The winner of Miss East Africa will be announced during the grand finale scheduled on November 26.

Girls will start coming in at the end of October. We have two months of promotion and scouting girls.

Who is eligible to contest for the Miss East Africa 2021 crown?

A woman aged between 18-28 years, a national of the respective countries allowed to participate, healthy BMI.

An aspirant must be at least a high school graduate, speaking at least one of the three languages, i.e Swahili, English, French.

According to your experience so far, what makes this year’s edition so special?

This year’s edition of Miss East Africa is special in so many different ways. From the organisation, to prizes and even having a former beauty queen who understands the industry on board organising brings in some spice. And it's going to be an annual event.

What has your experience been like coordinating such a regional beauty pageant like Miss East Africa?

It's an amazing experience to get to do something that I love most but also getting to use my experience to bring an impact to the project, and learning from other industries too.

What prizes will winners take home?

The winner of Miss East Africa 2021 will walk away with a brand new Nissan x trail car 2021 version worth USD 44,000 and a monthly pay of USD 1500 which she will get within a period of 12 months.  

The first and second runners-up will pocket USD 5, 000 and 3, 000 respectively.