Inaugural edition 2027
Africa Royal Queen
One continent · One crown · A new generation of African queens
Each African country selects its representative, and they all meet in the host country for the grand final. Ten criteria are scored, from general knowledge to social project.
Countdown to the grand final
Take part
Where to start
Six doors into the 2027 edition, whether you are applying, running the competition in your country, or backing it.
The project
Far more than a beauty competition
Candidates from several African countries, one title at stake. And judging that does not stop at the runway.
Ten criteria are scored: beauty and elegance, general knowledge, public speaking, African culture, leadership, talent, social project, tourism, entrepreneurship, media presence.
Around the competition: ministries, partner companies, media, tourism boards, designers and investors.
Each candidate becomes an ambassador of her country, her culture and a modern vision of African womanhood.
- 2027
- Inaugural edition
- 6
- African regions targeted
- 1
- Pan-African crown
Message from the management
An African platform for African excellence
Africa Royal Queen was born of a simple but powerful ambition: to create an African platform capable of revealing, showcasing and supporting the women who represent the excellence, the diversity and the potential of the continent.
ARQ is not limited to a beauty competition. We want to build a genuine pan-African platform allowing candidates to showcase their personality, their intelligence, their culture, their creativity, their leadership and their commitment to their communities.
Through this competition we also want to promote the tourism, cultural and economic riches of African countries.
Our ambition is to make Africa Royal Queen an annual event recognised across Africa and, progressively, on the international stage.
Abdourahmane Sylla
General Management, Africa Royal Queen
Vision
A new generation of African women
« To bring forward a new generation of African women able to represent their country with elegance, intelligence, leadership and responsibility. »
Three fronts: African women, the cultures of the continent, its tourist destinations.
Mission
What ARQ commits to
- Promote African female excellence
- Showcase African cultures
- Promote African tourist destinations
- Encourage female leadership
- Support young women's entrepreneurship
- Foster exchanges between African countries
- Give international visibility to participants
- Create professional opportunities
- Develop social and community actions
- Contribute to a positive image of Africa
Our values
Eight principles guiding every edition
Excellence
We aim for the highest standards in the organisation, the representation and the activities of ARQ.
Elegance
We stand for a refined, dignified and modern image of African women.
Intelligence
We value knowledge, reflection, general culture and the ability to communicate.
Leadership
We encourage women to become actors of change.
Diversity
We celebrate the wealth of African cultures, languages and traditions.
Integrity
We stand for honesty, transparency, respect and ethics.
Solidarity
We encourage mutual support and cooperation between women and communities.
Responsibility
We encourage a responsible commitment to society, communities and the environment.
The ARQ concept
Ten dimensions, one queen
« A queen does not only represent beauty. She represents a vision. »
Every candidate is assessed on ten complementary dimensions.
A pan-African structure
Three levels, one crown
National selection
Each participating country organises its own national selection. The winner becomes Africa Royal Queen [Country] and officially represents her nation in the pan-African competition.
International preparation
Selected candidates join the international ARQ programme: photo shoots, training, cultural activities, tourist visits, institutional meetings, social actions, rehearsals, interviews and media events.
Grand African final
The national representatives gather in the host country for the grand final, its rounds, the jury deliberation and the crowning.
Strategic pillars
Beyond the stage
Tourism
Every edition showcases the host country's destinations, and each candidate presents a site from her own country to the jury.
- Historic sites
- Beaches, mountains, national parks
- Nature reserves & monuments
- Cultural heritage & gastronomy
- Crafts, festivals & emerging destinations
Culture
Dance, languages, dress, food: the programme makes room for the cultures each candidate brings with her.
- Traditional dance & African music
- Traditional costumes
- African languages
- Gastronomy & crafts
- History, traditions & African designers
Entrepreneurship
Candidates present their company or their project to the partner network the competition brings together.
- Companies & startups
- Agricultural projects
- Digital projects
- Social initiatives
- Tourism & creative projects
Social impact
Every candidate is associated with a positive action, so that the ARQ title becomes a tool for impact rather than an honorary distinction.
- Education of young girls
- Women's empowerment
- Environment & child protection
- Community health & literacy
- Fighting violence against women
- Rural development & access to water
ARQ Women Leaders Network
A network built to last
The network will connect former candidates, entrepreneurs and partners. Five programmes are announced, their timeline is still to be set.
- ARQ Women Empowerment
- ARQ Girls Education
- ARQ Community Project
- ARQ Tourism Ambassadors
- ARQ African Women Entrepreneurs
Participating countries
A continent, all its regions
Six regions are targeted for the inaugural edition. The number of participating countries will change from one edition to the next, depending on the national directorates in place.
- West Africa
- Central Africa
- East Africa
- Southern Africa
- North Africa
- African island states
The crowning
One queen. One nation. One continent.
The winner holds the title for her whole mandate: international events, partner campaigns, social actions and tourism visits.
Additional titles may also be awarded
- 1st Runner-Up
- 2nd Runner-Up
- Miss Tourism Africa
- Miss Culture Africa
- Miss Leadership Africa
- Miss Social Impact Africa
- Miss Entrepreneurship Africa
- Miss Talent Africa
- Miss Photogenic Africa
- Miss Congeniality Africa
Roadmap
From structuring to the pan-African brand
Preparation phase
- International structuring
- Visual identity
- Official regulations & documents
- Recruitment of National Directors
- Partner search
- Institutional steps
Inaugural edition
- Official launch
- National selections
- Preparation of candidates
- International programme
- Grand final
- Crowning
Expansion
- More participating countries
- More partners
- Media development
- Growth of the ARQ network
- Consolidation of the pan-African brand
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before applying
The answers below cover the general framework of the 2027 edition. The binding conditions are set out in the official ARQ regulations.
Another question?
Contact usWho can take part in Africa Royal Queen?
Young African women who are nationals of a participating country, or who meet its representation conditions, and who fall within the official age range of the edition. The complete conditions are set out in the official ARQ regulations.
When does the inaugural edition take place?
In 2027. National selections come first, then the international preparation programme, then the grand pan-African final. The exact date and the host country will be announced officially.
How does the selection work?
In three levels: a national selection in each participating country, whose winner becomes Africa Royal Queen [Country]; the international preparation programme; and the grand African final in the host country.
Do I need modelling or pageant experience?
The competition assesses ten dimensions: beauty and elegance, intelligence and general culture, public speaking, African culture, leadership, talent, social project, tourism, entrepreneurship, media presence. Stage presence is one of them, not the whole picture.
Are there registration fees?
Two fees apply: 25 USD for the national application, then 300 USD for the international application once you are selected. They are paid only through the official channels listed on the Apply page, and the proof of payment goes with your file.
Which countries are represented?
ARQ is open to West, Central, East, Southern and North Africa as well as the African island states. The number of participating countries will grow with each edition and with organisational capacity.
What does the winner receive?
The title of Africa Royal Queen and an official mandate as ambassador of the programme: international events, promotional campaigns, social actions, tourism programmes, conferences and community work. Additional titles may also be awarded.
How do I become a National Director or a partner?
Through the dedicated pages: National Directors for anyone who wants to run ARQ in their country, and Partners for institutions, companies and media. Both forms reach the international management directly.
Applications for the 2027 edition are open
Candidates, national directors, institutions and companies: join the first edition of Africa Royal Queen.