Tanzania Makes History as Jihan Dimack Wins Miss Grand International 2026
When Jihan Dimack took her final step to the center of the Miss Grand International Hall stage in Bangkok on October 10, 2026, the reaction in the room was more than just a routine crowning. Out of 76 contestants competing from around the world, the Tanzanian representative was named Miss Grand International 2026, a decision that makes her the first candidate representing an African country to claim the golden crown in the competition’s 14-year history.
Dimack’s path to the top spot was built over more than a decade of persistent effort across the modeling and beauty circuit. Born into a Tanzanian-Lebanese family and raised across Tanzania, Lebanon, and Mozambique, she took her first steps into national competition in 2014, finishing as second runner-up at Miss Tanzania. By 2016, she captured the Miss Universe Tanzania title and represented her nation on the global stage in the Philippines. Following that initial international run, Dimack spent years sharpening her craft as a commercial model and live-commerce host in China, accumulating the poise, adaptability, and stage presence that defined her performance throughout this year’s preliminary and final rounds.
The final night in Thailand brought together a diverse field of contenders, culminating in a strong lineup across the top five placements. Following Dimack’s victory, Ecuador’s Shyare Andrade was named first runner-up, with Beau Megan Goos of the Netherlands securing second runner-up, Ximena Carrillo of Guatemala placing third runner-up, and Vietnam’s Emoura Pham finishing as fourth runner-up. Taking over the reign from outgoing titleholder Emma Mary Tiglao of the Philippines, Dimack earned high marks from the selection committee during the swimsuit and evening gown presentations, but her decisive momentum took hold during the speech and question-and-answer portions.
When asked to address the core requirements of true leadership and empowerment, Dimack pivoted her response away from self-promotion, arguing that genuine influence stems from compassion, humility, and dedicated community service. She aligned her message directly with the pageant’s official mandate against violence and social division, framing youth education, active listening, and equal economic opportunity as fundamental tools for building peaceful societies.
Now officially based in Bangkok for her reign, Dimack will spend the next year embarking on an international campaign that combines global media tours, charitable initiatives, and advocacy engagements on behalf of the Miss Grand International organisation.
