Tanzanian beauty queen Jihan Dimack has made history after winning Miss Grand International 2026, becoming the first African woman to claim the international pageant’s crown.
Dimack secured the title after representing Tanzania at the competition, adding another milestone to a pageant journey that began nearly a decade ago.
The beauty queen previously won Miss Universe Tanzania in 2016 before representing her country at the Miss Universe competition in January 2017.
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Her return to international pageantry came after several years away from the major beauty contests, with Dimack winning Miss Grand Tanzania in August 2026 to earn her place at the international competition.
From Miss Universe to Miss Grand International
Dimack’s pageant career began with her Miss Universe Tanzania victory in 2016. She went on to represent the country at the international event, gaining experience on one of the world’s biggest beauty pageant stages.
After years away from the spotlight, she returned to the competition circuit in 2026, winning the national Miss Grand Tanzania title before travelling to represent her country internationally.
Before winning the international crown, Jihan also acknowledged the support she received from Tanzanians during the competition's public voting challenge.
“This achievement is much bigger than me. It belongs to every Tanzanian who voted, shared, reposted, encouraged me and brought others together to help us reach this point,” she said.
Her victory at Miss Grand International placed Tanzania at the centre of the pageant conversation, with her win also marking a first for Africa.
Her international career
Beyond pageantry, Dimack has worked in different countries, including China, where she gained experience in modelling, sales and live commerce.
She has also lived in Tanzania, Lebanon and Mozambique, according to her Miss Grand International profile.
Her international experience has included working across different industries while maintaining her involvement in modelling and beauty competitions.
Jihan Dimack’s winning answer
During the final question-and-answer segment at Miss Grand International, Dimack spoke about kindness and the importance of putting others first.
“I believe the quality she should possess is a kind heart, and to me, the perfect example is my mother,” she said.
She described her mother as a woman who puts others first and is always ready to serve, adding that these qualities allow someone to lead with kindness.
