Before I proceed with the delegates from Africa, I have to note that initially there were two confirmed delegates from this region who ultimately failed to show up due to various reasons:
GHANA - Caroline Naa Nunoo. This slight and slender lady seems to have every intention of competing here, considering she actually submitted an SDG advocacy video. But it seems there were hitches that ultimately prevented her from competing here--is it lack of sponsorship or visa issues that's the culprit here?
SIERRA LEONE - Fatu Rugiaru. In another pageant, her sort of features would've been appealing. But I feel the predominantly senior Japanese panel wouldn't gravitate to her sort of features. So it's really no loss that she didn't make it to Japan at all.
Now it's time to discuss the seven African delegates who made it to Japan.
CABO VERDE - Stephany Amado. She's a model who is making major waves here, and based on her SDG video she seems to also be a good communicator. Based on early results of the popular vote, she is topping the polls for Europe & Africa, but I feel even without winning the poll she'll make the cut anyway and may even go very far and make the "royal court". Though some might quibble about her hairstyle during the preliminary swimsuit round, it's not a major quibble though I suggest she slicks and tie her hair back for the finals all throughout to maximize her prospects.
KENYA - Cindy Iseni. She stands out with her cropped hairdo. But the attention is likely being focused on CABO VERDE so there is little room for her to advance.
MAURITIUS - Ava Memero. There are some who loved her wavy pre-Raphaelite locks and believe she can be in contention for the Top 15. But I find her a bit of a hot mess based on what I see in the preliminary swimsuit and casual wear competition so I tend to put her in the bottom of the list. But then again, I pegged Madagascar's Esmeralda Malleka as a cellar-dweller back in 2018 and that lady somehow won over the judges and made the Top 15.
NAMIBIA - Erika Kazombaruru. She's one of the shortest ladies in this batch. She's generally polished and attractive but I think her height might be a disadvantage.
NIGERIA - Precious Obisoso. She's a short-haired African who is attractive and polished. She could've made more serious inroads, but she's clearly overshadowed by the formidable CABO VERDE.
SOUTH AFRICA - Ferini Dayal. She seems to be of Indian descent. We tend to think the top African to be from this country but this year, that honor goes to CABO VERDE.
TOGO - Océane Bellow. She looks like the most polished African in this batch behind CABO VERDE. Not sure if there will be room for her, but she's so far performing at a high level.
If I were to strictly follow the order as presented, I would've gone to the Europe group, but I'll break the sequence and for space purposes discuss the Oceania Group first, and there are only four delegates from this continent.
AUSTRALIA - Anjelica Whitelaw. She looks Asian. She's reasonably polished but not charismatic enough to make an impact.
HAWAII - Priscilla Wang. She's very polished and a good speaker. I have a feeling she can be the winner of Miss International - Oceania, a continental honor accorded to the most congenial delegate from her region.
NEW ZEALAND - Lydia Smit. This blonde seems to be the top lady from this region, and she seems to have a chance to make the Top 15.
NORTHERN MARIANAS - Savannah Delos Santos. Based on looks and stage presence, this lady would be the obvious cellar-dweller. But her saving grace is her likable personality and strong communication skills (check her SDG video).
COMING UP: DELEGATES from EUROPE
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