Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Becomes Miss World Africa 2025 and Makes Africa Proud

At just 19 years old, Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje has captured the attention of the world and the heart of an entire continent. 

Representing Ethiopia at the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant held in Telangana, India, Hasset didn’t just show up; she showed out.

 After weeks of intense competition among 108 contestants from around the world, she not only earned the crown of Miss Continental Africa but also finished as the first runner-up, placing in the Top 4 and making history for her country and the African continent.

This is a major moment for Africa. Hasset Dereje stood tall and proud on the global stage, competing against representatives from every corner of the globe. In a competition known for spotlighting intelligence, compassion, and cultural pride as much as physical beauty, Hasset proved that she had it all.

She advanced through every round, never faltering, and ultimately secured a position as one of the final four women standing, alongside Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim, Poland’s Maja Klajda, and Thailand’s Opal Suchata, who went on to be crowned Miss World 2025.

What makes Hasset’s win even more impressive is the life she leads off the runway. Behind the pageant glamour is a highly motivated young woman currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. 

In balancing academics with a global competition of this scale, she’s shown resilience, intelligence, and ambition. She’s a scholar, a role model, and a proud daughter of Africa.

This achievement marks a powerful comeback for Ethiopia at Miss World. The last time the country saw a major placement was back in 2003, when Hayat Ahmed reached the Top 20 and was honored as Miss World Africa.

Over two decades later, Hasset Dereje has surpassed that milestone. Her victory signals a new era for Ethiopian pageantry and for African representation on international platforms.

When the results were announced and she was crowned Miss World Africa, the runway model took to Instagram with a heartfelt message: “This title is not just mine. It belongs to Africa.” Her words resonated far and wide.

She thanked her family, her aunt who raised her, and all the people who supported her from day one. In that moment, she made it clear that this win wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour. It was about identity, pride, and purpose.

The Miss World pageant itself followed a format familiar to long-time fans. Delegates were introduced at the start of May, and fast-track competitions like Top Model, Talent, Multimedia, and Beauty with a Purpose allowed some to advance. 

Others were selected based on individual interviews and performance in the preliminary rounds. From the original 108 contestants, 40 were chosen to represent each continental region. These were then narrowed down to 20, then 8, and finally 4, each representing a different part of the world.

Hasset rose above the tough competition in the Africa region. Her grace, intelligence, and authenticity set her apart from the beginning. And by the time she got to the final round, where each contestant had to answer a question from the judges, it was clear she had something special. The judges looked for confidence, clarity, and passion and Hasset delivered.

Though the ultimate Miss World crown went to Thailand’s Opal Suchata, who gave a moving speech about girls’ empowerment, Hasset’s own finish as first runner-up was a defining moment for African pageantry. For many watching across the continent and the diaspora, she already won.

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As Miss World Africa 2025, Hasset is now expected to take on various humanitarian and public advocacy roles. The title comes with responsibilities, and from the look of things, she’s more than ready to take them on.

Her plans include using her platform to amplify African voices, support girls in STEM fields, and change the narrative about what it means to be a modern African woman.

She may only be 19, but this Ethiopia model is already making a lasting impact. Her name now sits beside some of the most respected women in pageant history; not just for her beauty, but for the way she’s using her platform to drive change.

Africa has every reason to celebrate. From the heart of Ethiopia to the global stage, Hasset Dereje stood tall, competed with pride, and made history. In doing so, she reminded the world that African excellence is not an exception; it’s a standard.

And Africa is proud.

Photo: Instagram/hasset_dereje