Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has officially endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026, marking a major milestone for the continent’s fashion and creative industry and strengthening Kenya’s position as a premier destination for African talent, tourism and global fashion.
The highly anticipated scouting campaign officially kicks off on 29 August 2026 in Nairobi, launching a high- stakes search for the next African model with the potential to conquer the international fashion stage. The Ministry’s endorsement comes as Africa’s Next Super Model prepares to embark on an ambitious continental talent search, bringing together some of Africa’s most promising modelling talent and international industry scouts.
The scouting will run from 29 August through the end of September, with casting taking place in different parts of Kenya, including Turkana and Maasai communities, ensuring that the search reaches beyond major cities and uncovers exceptional talent from across the country. Models from Kenya, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Ethiopia, among other African countries, are expected to be part of the wider continental search.
Speaking on the endorsement and the upcoming scouting campaign, Hon. Julius Bitok, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, encouraged Kenyan girls aged 18 to 26 years to take advantage of the opportunity and put themselves forward for consideration.
The Ministry’s endorsement is a significant boost for the initiative, highlighting the growing role of fashion and modelling in promoting Kenya’s tourism, culture, creativity and international visibility.
At the heart of the initiative is Joan Okorodudu, icon, founder and CEO of Isis Models International and the visionary behind Africa’s Next Super Model. With 20 years of experience in discovering and developing African modelling talent, Okorodudu continues to build bridges between African models and the global fashion industry. The initiative is supported by Nailantei Kenga through PR and Communications, helping position the competition as a major continental fashion, tourism and entertainment platform.
The search is open to aspiring female models aged 18 to 26, with scouts looking for distinctive features, confidence, personality, runway presence and the potential to compete internationally.
And the stakes could not be higher.
One outstanding model will be crowned Africa’s Next Super Model 2026, walk away with a USD 5,000 cash prize, and receive an opportunity to pursue international modelling opportunities.
The platform has already produced global success stories. Magdalene Takanyiro, a Kenyan who was scouted in Kenya, went on to secure opportunities on international runways, including a breakthrough appearance with Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) in Paris proof of the extraordinary global possibilities that can emerge when African talent is given the right platform.
The highly anticipated grand finale will take place on 21 November 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, celebrities, leading African personalities, fashion industry stakeholders and international scouts from Italy, Paris and New York.
The event will feature musical performances, a glamorous red-carpet showcase and a spectacular fashion presentation, culminating in the crowning of Africa’s Next Super Model 2026.
For Isis Models International, this year’s edition is particularly significant as the organisation celebrates 20 years of discovering, developing and championing African modelling talent.
With the Ministry of Tourism now officially endorsing the initiative, Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 enters a new chapter one that places Kenyan and African talent firmly in the global spotlight.
The search has begun. Africa has the beauty. Africa has the talent. Now, the world is watching. Who will become Africa’s Next Super Model 2026? Africa’s Next Super Model 2026
