Things are looking up for Rwandan beauty queens, Jolly Mutesi and Peace Kwizera.

After launching her new book, ‘Oh Rwandan Child’, the Miss Rwanda 2016 first runner-up, Kwizera, is set to represent Rwanda at the famous Miss Naiades, scheduled for November 12 in West Africa.

The 2016 edition of the Pan-African beauty pageant will be held in Benin’s economic capital Cotonou and is designed to "develop cultural exchanges between African peoples.

Speaking to The New Times, the beauty queen couldn’t hide her joy.  "I am so excited about representing my country. This is the first time Rwanda is taking part in the contest and that makes me a bit nervous, but I’m really excited about this amazing opportunity,” said Kwizera.

 "I hope to do my best to represent my country as I will be competing with contestants from all over the continent,” she added.

The reigning Miss Rwanda, Jolly Mutesi, was invited as a special guest, to inspire the beauty contests.

"I’m so excited for having been invited to be of influence to other beauty queens. With reference from the causes I have been involved in, I was invited to portray positive influence through my experience and represent my country for a greater cause,” she told The New Times.

From Cotonou, Mutesi will return back home to prepare for the Miss World Beauty contest due December 18, in Maryland, USA. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw