The search for Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 is set to begin in Kenya on August 29, with organisers planning a month-long scouting exercise to identify aspiring female models aged between 18 and 26.
The search will start in Nairobi before moving to different parts of the country through September.
According to a communique shared with TNX Africa, this year's scouting will extend beyond major towns and include communities in Turkana and Maasai areas as they look for new modelling talent.
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has endorsed the initiative, with Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Julius Bitok, encouraging eligible Kenyan women to take part in the search.
The search is expected to attract participants from countries including Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Candidates will be assessed on factors such as confidence, personality, runway presence and distinctive physical features. The organisers will also be looking for models who can potentially compete on international fashion platforms.
The overall winner will receive Sh 647,000 ($5,000) and a chance to pursue international modelling opportunities.
The competition is led by Nigerian model scout and entrepreneur Joan Okorodudu, founder and CEO of Isis Models International. Okorodudu has spent two decades scouting and developing African modelling talent and connecting models with opportunities in the international fashion industry.
Kenyan model Magdalene Takanyiro is among those previously discovered through the scouting programme. She later secured opportunities on international runways, including an appearance for French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent in Paris.
The 2026 edition will culminate in a final in Nairobi on November 21, where the winner will be selected.
The event is expected to bring together fashion industry professionals and scouts from international fashion centres.