Millen Magese gets Arts Council’s nod to organise Miss Universe Tanzania 2025

Dar es Salaam. The National Arts Council, popularly known in its Kiswahili acronym as Basata, has officially approved international model and former beauty queen Millen Happiness Magese to organise the Miss Universe Tanzania 2025 pageant through her company, Millen Privé & Co. Lifestyle, which specialises in bespoke luxury lifestyle and hospitality management.

The council’s endorsement allows Magese to spearhead the prestigious event in Dar es Salaam, with support already pledged by key stakeholders in the beauty and fashion industries—including Miss Universe Tanzania 2024, Judith Ngussa.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Basata Executive Secretary Dr Kedmon Mapana said the council had decided to fully support Magese in organising the event as part of its mandate to oversee and promote the creative and beauty industries in Tanzania.

“We are proud of Millen Happiness Magese, who despite living abroad—in the United States—has shown commitment to giving back to her country. Her decision to return and invest her expertise in Tanzania’s development is highly commendable,” said Dr Mapana.

“We wish her every success. We believe she has what it takes to lead this initiative, and we, as a nation, look forward to seeing a Tanzanian representative at Miss Universe through this platform,” he added.

Dr Mapana noted that the Miss Universe pageant involves many aspects that go beyond beauty alone. He said that in addition to granting approval, BASATA had handed Magese the official code of ethics to guide the organisation of the event.

“As Tanzanians, when we present ourselves on global platforms, we carry our cultural values and traditions with us. We expect this code to be implemented effectively. BASATA will work closely with Millen to ensure the pageant is conducted with integrity,” he said.

Magese expressed her gratitude for the endorsement, noting that she now holds licences both from the Miss Universe Organisation and from Tanzania’s regulatory body.

“I am honoured to have received this national endorsement from Basata, alongside my international licence. With these two approvals, we can now begin preparations to elevate Tanzania’s beauty and fashion industry,” she said.

She added that Miss Universe is followed by over a billion people worldwide and involves more than 174 countries, making it a powerful platform for national promotion.

“This is an opportunity to spotlight Tanzania on the global stage. I am thankful for the trust placed in me and my team,” she said.

Magese praised the importance of beauty pageants in shaping careers and promoting countries internationally, and commended Judith Ngussa for her recent participation at the global Miss Universe stage. She welcomed her to play an active role in this year’s pageant.

“We are inviting Miss Universe Tanzania 2024, Judith Ngussa, to join our efforts. She understands the scope of this competition and is an inspiration to many young women. If possible, we hope she can help mentor the 2025 contestants,” said Magese.

In response, Judith Ngussa said she was pleased with Magese’s appointment and expressed her willingness to support the 2025 edition of Miss Universe Tanzania.

“I thank BASATA for their continued support in the beauty industry. I am excited to see Millen Magese as the new licence holder and look forward to working with her to make this year’s pageant a success,” said Ngussa.