At least 30 models were selected during the pre-selection of Rwanda’s Global Top Model contest held at the Olympic Hotel over the past week. Three winners will get a chance to participate at prestigious runways across the globe.

Organized by Embrace Africa, the model contest aims at giving Rwandan models a platform to showcase their runway talent at various international fashion events which have produced famous top models like Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen who are currently among the three highest paid supermodels in the world.

The 30 selected models include five most voted for contestants, five people’s choice models and five best performing models in virtual casting while 15 were selected by judges.

Paulette Ndekwe, the organizer of the contest, told The New Times that the last two editions opened doors to Rwandan models, some of whom went on to win international awards while others featured in renowned fashion magazines in the United States.

She also disclosed that the contest has a new partner in Ludwik Kędziora, a Polish businessman. The list of the top 30 selected contestants includes Gloria Bobette Gahigana, Justine Tuyizere, Naillah Mugeni, Azim Mizero, Mike Manirakiza, Gilbert Mugisha, Kelia Uwase, and Rachel Isheja among others.

After the pre-selection, contestants will compete through interviews which will run until July 29. The finale, scheduled for August 10, will see the three best models selected as Rwanda’s Global Top Models of 2024.

The three winners must include one model with the highest number of votes, a model selected by judges, and a wild card for the third model. A coronation and send off ceremony for the top three finalists will be held in Kigali on August 17.

Last year’s winners got a chance to hit the runway at various international fashion gigs. Diane Ngabonziza, for instance, represented Rwanda at the fourth edition of the Miss Supermodel Worldwide contest held in New Delhi, India in April 2023 while Sylvie Isimbi took part in Miss Friendship International which took place in Chengdu, China in October 2023.

Justine Tuyizere

Ingrid Shema

Gloria Bobette Gahigana