28 Most Beautiful African Women

Beautiful African women are a fine balance of beauty, talent, and intelligence. The strong-willed women have impeccable skin, gorgeous hairstyles, and personalities that leave the world in awe of them. In addition, the confidence they emanate in their skin and the unconditional self-love of African women have inspired women worldwide to love themselves unapologetically.

28 Stunning African Women Who Redefine Beauty

From famous jazz singers to writers, musicians, supermodels, and actors, beautiful African women are making a mark in every field. Here are some of our favorite African women who have inspired the world to level up. Scroll down to check out our list!

1. Zozibini Tunzi

• Date Of Birth: 18 September, 1993
• Place Of Birth: Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Model

The newest Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, holds the honor of being the third woman from South Africa to win the glamorous beauty pageant and the first African woman to do so since 2011. She is an activist who aims to put an end to gender-based violence. At the young age of 26, she is working hard to change the perceptions around prevailing gender stereotypes. She is one of the most beautiful women in the world and stands out for her grace, intelligence, and influence. The modern world needs more inspiring women and fashion icons like Tunzi.

2. Jawahir Ahmed

• Date Of Birth: 1991
• Place Of Birth: Logan, Utah, USA
• Height: 5’8
• Profession: Model

This African woman is the definition of smart and beautiful.

With the lovely dream to serve as a health advisor to Engineers Without Borders, she hopes to bring change in the world any way she can. Jawahir is signed to the Stars Talent Group Modelling Agency. She represented Somalia in the Miss Africa Utah pageant in 2013, which she won.

3. Atong Demach

• Date Of Birth: 16th June, 1988
• Place Of Birth: Malakal, South Sudan
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Model

 Atong Demach, a South Sudanese businesswoman, is yet another African woman with both beauty and brains.

She has strived for success from an early age and is extremely hardworking and graceful. This striking woman won the radiant title of Miss World Africa in 2011.

4. Joelle Kayembe

• Date Of Birth: 31st May, 1983
• Place Of Birth: Congo, Africa
• Height: 5’9
• Profession: Actor, Model

Joelle is best known for her role as Zina in the 2013 film Zulu. She started her career in acting at the young age of 19. She is highly admired by her fellow stars for her perseverance to work and grow as an actor.

Did You Know?

Joelle Kayembe is the first African woman to grace the cover of popular magazines like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, Cosmopolitan SA, and FHM SA.

5. Adaora Akubilo

• Date Of Birth: 1987
• Place Of Birth: Nigeria
• Height: 5’11
• Profession: Model

Adaora Akubilo is deeply attached to her native land, Nigeria. She spent a long time learning about her land and culture before she got signed by a modeling agency. She is one of the fittest fashion models in the world and has appeared in the 2012 and 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions.

6. Dillish Mathews

• Date Of Birth: 16th September, 1990
• Place Of Birth: Namibia, Africa
• Height: 6’1
• Profession: Actor, Model

Dillish Mathews is popularly known for participating in the reality television series Big Brother.

She is a student of psychology and has been fond of education since she was 7. She has done various photo shoots to kickstart her modeling career.

7. Lupita Nyongo’o

• Date Of Birth: 1st March, 1983
• Place Of Birth: Mexico City, Mexico
• Height: 5’5
• Profession: Actress

Though she was born in Mexico, Lupita grew up in Kenya. She graduated with a degree in Film and Theater Studies from Hampshire College. She is renowned for her bold and beautiful features that make her stand out in a crowd of diversity. In 2014, People’sMagazine named her “The Most Beautiful Woman.”

Trivia

Lupita Nyong’o became the first Black ambassador for the prestigious skincare brand Lancome in 2014.

8. Nonhle Thema

• Date Of Birth: 15th October, 1981
• Place Of Birth: South Africa
• Height: 5’9
• Profession: TV presenter?, actress?, and producer

Nonhle Thema, a South African woman, is a famous television personality.

She has been in showbiz for quite some time and has made her mark in the TV world as a star.

9. Thandie Newton

• Date Of Birth: 6th November 1972
• Place Of Birth: Zambia
• Height: 5’6
• Profession: Actor

Thandie Newton is popularly known for starring in iconic films, such as Mission: Impossible 2 and Solo: A Star Wars Story. She is widely renowned for her acting prowess. She states that from an early age, she was subjected to racism for being black. She often got picked on at school. All of this made her stronger and come back with more confidence. More power to her!

Fun Fact

Thandie Newton was voted “Sexiest Vegan of 2014” in the United Kingdom (UK) by PETA in 2014.

10. Miriam Chemmoss

• Year Of Birth: 1977
• Place Of Birth: Kenya
• Height: 5’4
• Profession: Musician and artist

Miriam is a supremely talented performing artist from East Africa. She grew up in Kenya and Tanzania where she was actively involved in music and theater programs. She has performed at many music festivals and become a favorite among the general African population. Miriam’s music is a beautiful blend of R&B and hip-hop music.

11. Isha Sesay

• Date Of Birth: 6th January 1976
• Place Of Birth: Bordeaux, France
• Height: 5’8
• Profession: Journalist

This intellectual and fiercely gorgeous woman has worked with CNN as an anchor for the longest time. She is of Sierra Leonean and British descent. She is a popular media personality who has strong opinions on important subjects such as racial and gender equality.

12. Nadia Buari

• Date Of Birth: 21st November, 1982
• Place Of Birth: Ghana
• Profession: Actor

Nadia Buari, a Ghanaian actress, has been nominated twice for Best Actress in a Leading Role by the Africa Movie Academy. A well-known actress in Nollywood, Nadia is widely respected for her work and contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

13. Leila Lopes

• Date Of Birth: 26th February, 1986
• Place Of Birth: Angola
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Actress and TV hostess

Angola is famously known as the home of some of the most beautiful women in the world. One of them happens to be Leila Lopes. She is widely recognized for her remarkable beauty. Leila has made her mark in the modeling world by bagging the titles of Miss Angola UK 2010, Miss Angola 2010, and Miss Universe 2011.

14. Honorine Uwera

• Date Of Birth: 30th July, 1990
• Place Of Birth: Rwanda
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Model

This young woman from Rwanda immigrated to Canada in the late ‘90s. She began her modeling career at the early age of 16. She worked with the reputed model Naomi Campbell in the Roca Wear Spring 2005 campaign.

15. Lorraine Van Wyk

• Date Of Birth: 24th September, 1981
• Place Of Birth: Belville, South Africa
• Height: 5’9
• Profession: Model and social media personality

This African beauty began her career by appearing in advertisements and commercials. She moved to London at an early age to pursue her dream of acting. It was not too long before she got featured on the cover of the famous Maxim magazine in the Netherlands. Soon after, she bagged the title of Model of the Year in both 2003 and 2004.

16. Nyasha Matonhodze

• Date Of Birth: 31st July, 1995
• Place Of Birth: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Height: 5’11
• Profession: Model

Nyasha hails from a simple family in Zimbabwe. She was raised by her grandmother and received a humble upbringing. She then moved to London to live with her mother. Due to her tall and lean physique, she was often told to try her hand at modeling. At the young age of 14, she got signed by the popular Elite Modeling Agency.

17. Genevieve Nnaji

• Date Of Birth: 3rd May, 1979
• Place Of Birth: Mbaise, Nigeria
• Height: 5’5
• Profession: Actress, model, and singer

Genevieve Nnaji was born and raised in Lagos. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in Nigeria. She has won several awards for her outstanding performances, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005.

18. Kandyse McClure

• Date Of Birth: 22nd March, 1980
• Place Of Birth: Durban, South Africa
• Height: 5’0
• Profession: Actress

Kandyse McClure, a Canadian actress, is popularly known for her role as Anastasia Dualla in Battlestar Galactica. She also stars in the Netflix original series, Hemlock Grove. Kandyse is on a mission to wipe out poverty. She works with an NGO called CARE to help drive out poverty in Third World countries.

19. Ella Thomas

• Year Of Birth: 1981
• Place Of Birth: Asmara, Eritrea
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Actress, model, and producer

Ella Thomas moved to Germany at a very young age. She was extremely interested in performing arts and actively took part in school plays. Her skills were recognized, and she was encouraged to pursue a career in acting. She made her Hollywood film debut alongside Bruce Willis in Surrogates.

20. Megalyn Echikunwoke

• Date Of Birth: 28th May 1983
• Place Of Birth: Spokane, Washington
• Height: 5’7
• Profession: Actress

Though Megalyn Echikunwoke hails from the US, she is of Nigerian descent. Her grandfather was a reputed tribal leader in Nigeria, thus making her African royalty. Megalyn is famous for her role in CSI: Miami as Tara Price.

21. Michelle Van Der Water

• Year Of Birth: 1978
• Place Of Birth: Cape Town, South Africa
• Height: 5’6
• Profession: Actress

Michelle Van Der Water was born in South Africa but raised in Australia. She graduated from Wollongong University with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts and Graphic Design. She soon started taking acting classes. Michelle then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She appeared on NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009.

22. Ajuma Nasanyana

• Date Of Birth: 16th August, 1984
• Place Of Birth: Lodwar, Kenya
• Height: 5’10
• Profession: Model

Ajuma Nasanyana was intrigued by the world of modeling at a very young age. Lucky for her, her body type was the perfect fit. Her friends and family pushed her toward her goals. She participated in the Miss Kenya Tourism pageant in 2003. She won the pageant and was crowned Miss Nairobi. She received a lot of exposure during this event and was soon signed up by Surazuri Modeling Agency.

23. Fatima Siad

• Date Of Birth:  17th December, 1986
• Place Of Birth: Somalia
• Height: 5’8
• Profession: Model

Fatima Siad hails from a humble family. She was passionate about modeling ever since she was a little girl. She has been recognized for her patience and hard work by her fellow model friends. She is currently signed with IMG Models in New York City, Paris, and Milan.

24. Helen Getachew

• Date Of Birth: 13th January 1990
• Place Of Birth: Ethiopia
• Height: 5’9
• Profession: Model

Helen Getachew is the epitome of grace, wisdom, and beauty. She was crowned Queen of Ethiopia in 2012 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Ethiopian women.

25. Yemi Alade

• Date Of Birth: 13th March, 1989
• Place Of Birth: Nigeria
• Profession: Musician

Yemi Alade has loved singing for as long as she can remember. She is a famous Nigerian singer as well as a songwriter. She got her big break on the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She is known to draw attention with her beauty, voice, and moves as a beauty influencer.

26. Jackie Appiah

• Date Of Birth: 5th December 1983
• Place Of Birth:  Ghana
• Profession: Actress

Jackie Appiah’s beauty is definitely captivating. She has gained lots of recognition for her acting work. Jackie grabbed the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards. She is also considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the African film industry.

27. Freema Agyeman

• Date Of Birth: 20th March 1979
• Place Of Birth: London
• Profession: Actress

Freema Agyeman captivates her audience with charm and grace. Though an English actress, she is of Ghanaian and Iranian descent. She rose to popularity with her role in Doctor Who, a science fiction series. Agyeman’s talent and versatility have made her a prominent figure in the television industry, earning her praise from audiences and critics alike.

28. Liya Kebede

• Date Of Birth: 1st March 1978
• Place Of Birth: Ethiopia
• Profession: Model, actress, fashion designer

Liya Kebede is widely recognized for her exceptional skills and captivating beauty. She is a prominent figure in the fashion industry and has appeared on many magazine covers and prestigious runways, including Vogue. In 2007, Forbes named her eleventh in the list of the World’s 15 Top-Earning Supermodels. She has made history by becoming the first Ethiopian representative for Estée Lauder cosmetics in the company’s 57-year history.

Infographic: The Top 10 Most Beautiful African Women

African women are truly stunning. With their beautiful dark skin, gorgeous facial features, and fiercely wild tresses, it’s no wonder that some of these women are among the world’s most beautiful! They also come from diverse cultures, which adds so much to their overall personality and influences how they dress and imagine themselves. And not to forget their immense influence in different spheres ranging from entertainment to activism, placing them among the most beautiful women in the world, in and out.

To refresh your memory, check out the below infographic to look through our hand-picked list of the top 10 most beautiful African women.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Africa define beauty?

In Africa, beauty is defined in terms of virtue as well as physical appeal. It goes beyond good looks and beauty standards and takes into account the good character of a person.

Which tribe has the most beautiful ladies in Africa?

The Himba tribe is said to have the most beautiful ladies in Africa. This tribe’s women are admired for their strength and beauty.

What countries in Africa are considered to be the home of beautiful African women?

While all the countries in Africa have beautiful women, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ghana have gained recognition for their attractiveness and talent.

How has African women’s representation in the media changed over time?

There has been an increase in African women’s representation in the media over time due to the efforts of African women themselves, as well as greater awareness and demand for diverse representation. However, there is still work to be done to ensure accurate and positive portrayals of African women in all forms of media.

How does African beauty differ from Western beauty?

In Africa, different countries have different beauty standards, traditions, and notions of beauty, as opposed to how it is in Western societies, where typically a tall, blonde, blue-eyed person is considered attractive.

Are there any famous African models or beauty influencers?

Yes, there are many famous African models and beauty influencers, including Ajuma Nasanyana, Fatima Siad, and Helen Getachew.

How can someone enhance their natural beauty using African beauty practices?

Try homemade African beauty products such as shea butter, coconut oil, and black soap that are rich in nutrients and have moisturizing and healing properties. You can also incorporate African herbal ingredients such as baobab, marula, or aloe vera into a beauty routine for their antioxidant, anti-aging, and skin-clearing properties.

What are some common misconceptions about African women and beauty?

There are common misconceptions that African women’s beauty is limited to a certain look, but Africa has a diverse range of unique and stunning aesthetics. Also, facts like they do not require sunscreen, cannot wear bright lipsticks, or only one shade of nude works for them are also misconceptions.

Illustration: Most Beautiful African Women

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

African women are a gorgeous people of mesmerizing beauty. Check out this amazing video showcasing 30 of the most beautiful African women!

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Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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