Mariyam Lorba Konneh to Represent Sierra Leone at Miss World 2026

Mariyam Lorba Konneh to Represent Sierra Leone at Miss World 2026

Sierra Leone has officially selected Mariyam Lorba Konneh as its representative for the 2026 Miss World pageant, marking the country's participation in the global beauty competition's 75th anniversary celebration.

According to a letter from the Miss World Organisation, signed by its Chairperson and CEO, Julia Morley CBE, Mariyam has been confirmed as Sierra Leone's official delegate for the 73rd Miss World Pageant,

which will be held in Vietnam. The competition will culminate in the grand finale in Ho Chi Minh City on September 5, 2026.

Mariyam, who was the First Runner-Up in the 2025 Miss Sierra Leone Competition and previously won the AYV Miss University Sierra Leone 2022 title, was endorsed by the Board of Miss Sierra Leone Limited following consultations with the Miss World Organisation.

In a press release, the Miss Sierra Leone Organisation explained that the decision became necessary after it was determined that the 2026 Miss Sierra Leone national competition could not be concluded in time to select and adequately prepare a winner for this year's international pageant.

The Board stated that the move was made to ensure Sierra Leone does not forfeit its place at the prestigious global event, stressing that participation is both a franchise obligation and a matter of national pride, international visibility, and continuity.

According to the organisation's guidelines, two names the national winner and the First Runner-Up are submitted annually to the Miss World Organisation.

The First Runner-Up is eligible to represent the country if the reigning titleholder is unable to participate, perform her duties, or if the subsequent national competition is not held in time.

Based on this provision, the Board unanimously endorsed Mariyam Lorba Konneh as Sierra Leone's official representative, noting that the decision safeguards the country's continued presence on one of the world's foremost platforms for beauty, culture, and humanitarian service.

At just 21 years old, Mariyam has already established herself as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She runs a successful company and charity foundation focused on creating employment opportunities and supporting business start-ups for women and young people. Her foundation also promotes human capital development and provides menstrual hygiene support to women and girls.

The Board further commended Mariyam for her outstanding performance during the 2025 Miss Sierra Leone competition, describing her as intelligent, graceful, and a strong leader with an unwavering commitment to community development.

It expressed confidence that her passion for

empowering young people and representing the aspirations of Sierra Leonean women makes her an ideal ambassador for the nation at Miss World 2026.