Sylvie Isimbi, a rising model from Rwanda, is representing the country on the global stage. She is currently competing for the highly sought-after crown of Miss Friendship International 2023.

Miss Friendship International aims to promote friendship, cultures, and goodwill through beauty. After a three-year delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s pageant is currently being held in Chengdu, China. It commenced earlier this month and has drawn 60 participants from around the globe.

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The 20-year-old stands at 5 feet 9 inches and is a second-year student at the University of Kigali (UoK) pursuing a course in finance.

Isimbi’s journey to this international competition was made possible through her association with Embrace Afrika, an organisation dedicated to empowering young women from different countries, enabling them to participate in beauty pageants and international fashion shows.

It is creating a ‘revolution’ that constantly seeks to promote African excellence, diversity, beauty, fashion, tourism, and culture.

The competition Isimbi finds herself in is highly competitive, featuring contestants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the United Kingdom (UK), North Macedonia, Russia, and various other countries around the world. Africa also has a significant presence in the pageant, with participants from Botswana, Burundi, and other nations.

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Isimbi said: "Modelling is my daily job, and I enjoy it because it provides the opportunity to discover new places, make new friends, and engage in diverse networking.

"They spotted my Instagram photos and catwalk videos and the selection team approved and immediately shortlisted me for the competition,” she shared.

"However, there are various criteria set by the panel of judges, but overall, being friendly is the key aspect of Miss Friendship,” she added.

On October 27, one exceptional contestant will be crowned the winner of Miss Friendship International.