It was an evening of fun and excitement as Yvette Mukamwiza was crowned Miss Career Africa 2019 bringing to an end the month-long contest that focused on public speaking, business projects and ideas of public interest.
Mukamwiza beat 15 other contestants in the final to take the crown and a cash prize of $5, 000. In total, 42 contestants tussled it out for the title.
She will now head to Miss Career East Africa to compete for the continental title in March 2020 in Angola.
The finals of the contest held at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village saw the contestants engage in catwalk on the runway, showcase public speaking skills and presenting their projects.
The contestants also took questions from a panel of judges testing their knowledge of social-economic issues and to also understand their projects and what they will contribute to society.
The panel of judges comprised Dr Muyombo Thomas (Tom Close), Honorine Uwase Hirwa, commonly known as Miss Igisabo, Cheez Bienvenue Muragwa, Dr Achille Manirakiza, author Karen Bugingo, Dr Mercy Ngunjiri and Dr Fidele Rubagumya.
The ‘hurdle’ involved presenting pitches of socio-economic projects that they would like to implement during their reign and the contribution they will have on society.
After consideration of their projects and their presentations, 7 contestants made it through to the awarding stage.
Faustine Iradukunda, who presented a make up project particularly for the movie industry, was crowned Miss Art while Mpano Yvonne Umuhumuriza presented the electronic health project to win Miss Hospitality.
Jaliyah Baluubu from Uganda, with the project of designing clothes out of paper was crowned Miss Talent while Ornella Munezero from Burundi, who presented a project of electronic consultation for treatment, was crowned Miss Speaker.
Chadia Mireille Mahoro emerged as Miss Science after she presented her project of a solar cooker.
Hyacinthe Habonimana also from Burundi with a project of electronically developing construction blocks was crowned Miss Entrepreneur but it was Mukamwiza who would emerge the title winner.
Mukamwiza, who presented a project of a Digital blind stick was crowned Miss Technology as well as Miss Career Africa and $5, 000.
All the top 7 went away with $1, 000. Victor Rukotana and Bruce Melodie graced the show with performances.
The top 5 winners were all from Rwanda and the eventual winner in the highly contested race. Mukamwiza will now represent the region in Miss Career Africa 2019.
She said her project is aimed at encouraging disabled people to take up opportunities at their disposal and prove that disability is not inability. The digital stick works like the white cane, directing the visually impaired.
Apart from the title and the cash prize, Mukamwiza will also get support to develop her project further to benefit society. All eyes will be on her as she takes part in Miss Career Africa come March next year.