Albertina Haimbala, who finished as first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Namibia pageant and later competed as Miss Earth Namibia in 2024, has returned to compete in the 2026 pageant, aiming to represent Namibia at Miss Universe.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Albertina Haimbala, who finished as first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Namibia pageant and later competed as Miss Earth Namibia in 2024, has returned to compete in the 2026 pageant, aiming to represent Namibia at Miss Universe.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi has announced her departure after 35 years with NBC and leadership of the Miss Namibia Organisation, saying it is time to focus on personal projects and live a full life. Under her stewardship since 2023, she transformed Miss Namibia into a movement for change centred on education, housing, and women's empowerment, with contestants achieving international placements including a return to the Miss Universe Top 20 after two decades.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, longtime media executive at the NBC and chief of the Miss Namibia Organisation, has stepped down after 35 years, citing her philosophy that "a good dancer knows when to leave the stage." During her tenure, she repositioned the pageant as a platform for social change and empowerment, emphasising educational scholarships and supporting Namibia's culture and tourism sectors.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Miss Namibia Organisation has closed applications for 2026 competitions and completed candidate screening. The pageant continues to position itself as a platform for leadership and social impact, with winners and finalists involved in charity work, mentorship, and national development initiatives.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
The Miss Namibia Organisation has opened entries for the 2026 pageants, with applications closing 30 January. Reigning Miss Namibia Johanna Swartbooi describes the competition as a "starter pack for adulthood" requiring professional coaching in public speaking, interviews and presentation skills, while the winner receives a house, car, cash and scholarship plus the chance to represent Namibia at Miss Universe.
26 January 2026 · The Namibian →