The Tanzanian government officially signed a deal with the Miss World Organization to host the 74th Miss World pageant in May 2027.
The signing ceremony, confirming the nation as the first in East Africa and the second African country after South Africa to host the event, was held on April 20, 2026, in Dar es Salaam and is expected to draw over 20,000 international visitors and a television audience of more than two billion people worldwide.
According to Daily News, Minister for Information, Culture, and Sports, Paul Makonda, witnessed the signing ceremony, hailing the event as a breakthrough that will position Tanzania prominently on the global stage. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the minister stated that the hosting rights place Tanzania among a select group of nations. Makonda said the milestone reflects years of effort to elevate Tanzania’s international profile, crediting President Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing the country’s global visibility, unity and inclusive development. “This is more than a beauty pageant. It is a powerful platform to showcase Tanzania’s tourism, investment opportunities, culture and talent to the world,” he said.
The minister noted that over 130 countries are expected to participate, with national broadcasters set to air the event live, projecting Tanzania into homes across the globe. The exposure, he added, will boost key sectors including tourism, agriculture, mining, and the creative industry. Organisers anticipate a minimum of 20,000 international guests attending the month-long event, which will feature a series of activities such as the Miss World welcome ceremony, welcome dinner, talent finals, charity events, fashion shows, and the grand finale. Makonda also called on stakeholders, including sponsors and organisers, to ensure professionalism and integrity in the competition, urging contestants to uphold the dignity of the crown and help reshape public perceptions surrounding beauty pageants.
He further pledged full government support to all participants and organisers across various categories, stressing the importance of nurturing talent and expanding platforms that promote Tanzanian youth internationally. In a bold proposal, Makonda appealed to Miss World Organisation chairperson Julia Morley to consider granting Tanzania rights to host multiple editions consecutively up to 2030, citing examples of countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and China, which have hosted the event several times. “This is a rare opportunity and a great honour. Tanzania is ready to open its doors to the world and tell its story through tourism, culture, and its people,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited, Julia Morley, called for global attention on the nation’s tourism potential and emphasized the power of tourism to transform lives, create jobs, and unite communities across nations. Additionally, Morley urged Tanzanians to take pride in their country’s natural beauty and hospitality, encouraging the press to help showcase its wonders to the world. “Put your crowns away, you’re not representing any other country. You’re representing Tanzania,” she said, rallying support to make the nation a global destination for travelers and investors.
