The African entertainment industry is set for a groundbreaking new chapter with the official launch of the 2026 season of “Queen of Africa,” a continental reality series ambitiously branded as “Africa’s First Lady Beauty Election.” Following a successful debut in 2025, the show is scaling up to feature 54 contestants, one from every nation in Africa, all vying for the title of a global “Cultural Ambassador.”
The announcement was made at a world press conference held on February 3, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The series is produced by LFC Int’l Production Limited, led by veteran showrunner Jerry Jide Obi, in a landmark partnership with Hollywood producer Christian Ruart’s Fashion Group and New York Fashion Week.
This season, the 54 finalists will enter a 90-day residency at a “Royal Palace,” where they will face challenges centred on leadership, diplomacy, and cultural heritage.
The ultimate winner will embark on a two-year reign, receiving a platform for global advocacy, an Innoson Jeep, and a $50,000 annual salary. A key part of her mandate will be to establish free education and healthcare centers in underserved African communities.
Executive Producer Jerry Jide Obi described the show as “a platform for rebirth” and a “new symbol of African strength and character.”
The high-powered production team includes Christian Ruart, known for his work on “The Wendy Williams Show” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and James Corbett, a major producer for New York Fashion Week.
“This show is a cultural revolution,” said Christian Ruart at the conference. “We’re building a platform that not only entertains but uplifts, educates, and transforms lives.”
The collaboration will also see African designs and the show’s winner showcased at global events like New York Fashion Week, furthering its mission to elevate African culture on the world stage.
Following the press conference, the organisers announced that registration for the new season is officially open, inviting aspiring contestants from across the continent to apply at the show’s official website.
The journey has officially begun to find the woman who will represent the continent’s modern excellence and purpose.
