Miss Rwanda 2018 has commenced with the selection of Top 20 finalists for the national pageant. The pre-selection ceremony took place at Gikondo Expo Grounds, Kigali, Rwanda where a panel of judges chose the best 20 girls out of the 35 who qualified during countrywide auditions.

The grand coronation night of Miss Rwanda 2018 is slated to be held on 24th February 2018 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Randa. Reigning queen Miss World Rwanda 2017, Elsa Iradukunda will crown her successor at the end of the coronation night. The winner of Miss Rwanda 2018 will represent Rwanda in Miss World 2018.

(Photo Credit - Miss Rwanda Facebook Official)

Here are the names of Top 20 finalists of Miss Rwanda 2018 –

1.           Uwase Ndahiro Liliane (through public voting)

2.           Umunyana Shanitah

3.           Irebe Natacha Ursule

4.           Munyana Shemsa

5.           Umuhioza Karen

6.           Umuhire Rebecca

7.           Ishimwe Noriella

8.           Iradukunda Liliane

9.           Uwase Fiona

10.         Irakoze Vanessa

11.         Umutoniwase Anastasie

12.         Dushimimana Lydia

13.         Ingabire Belinda

14.         Ingabire Divine

15.         Uwankunda Belinda

16.         Umutoniwase Paula

17.         Uwineza Solange

18.         Mushambokazi Jordan

19.         Nzakorerimana Gloria

20.         Umutoni Charlotte

The pageant is sponsored by Sandrine, Saint-Hautimana Francine and Carine Urusaro. In the course of the evaluation of girls' knowledge, the pageant mainly focuses on issues affecting Rwandan culture, Kinyarwanda language and its use, economics, tourism, education, women's welfare in Rwanda, technology and various issues.

The winner will walk away with a brand new Suzuki Swift and a monthly salary of Rwf800, 000 courtesy of Cogebanque and a package of additional prizes that will include cosmetics and air tickets to international beauty contests from RwandAir, among other goodies from different sponsors.

Miss Rwanda pageant incepted in 2016 when for the first time Jolly Mutesi was crowned Miss Rwanda 2016 to represent Rwanda in Miss World 2016 happening in the USA that year. In 2017, Rwanda participated in the international pageant with Elsa Iradukunda as Miss Rwanda 2017.

As the pageant returns again this year, it would be interesting to see some tuff competition the ladies to battle it out for the coveted title.