​By Lewis Nyamakosi
​In the high-octane world of international pageantry, it is a rare and refreshing occurrence to find a figure who balances the elegance of a global crown with the grit and determination of a grassroots conservationist. Yet, meeting Monde Moola—the reigning Miss Tourism World Zambia 2025 and the freshly crowned Runner-up at the Miss Tourism World 2025 global finals—is exactly that: a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t just represent the aesthetic beauty of our vast landscapes; she represents the ambition and the heartbeat of the modern Zambian person. I sat down with Monde to discuss her whirlwind year, the pressing realities of our tourism industry, and why her mission as a national ambassador goes far beyond the velvet sash and the sparkling tiara.
​For many observers, the life of a beauty queen is often perceived as a curated series of red carpets, polished speeches, and formal dinners. But for Monde, the journey is defined by a literal leap of faith that most would shy away from. When I asked her about her most memorable experience to date, she didn’t point to a glamorous gala in a far-off city. Instead, her eyes lit up with a genuine, youthful spark as she described the gorge swing adventure with Abseil Zambia. She described the experience as exhilarating, noting that it pushed her completely out of her comfort zone in the best way possible. For her, it served as a profound reminder that our country isn’t just a destination to be looked at through a camera lens—it’s a place to be felt, experienced, and lived. This adventurous spirit is exactly what she hopes to ignite in travelers coming to our shores.
​While she finds joy in the adrenaline of our natural wonders, Monde is acutely aware of the structural work required to keep Zambia competitive on the global stage. She isn’t afraid to speak candidly about the “boring” but essential parts of tourism. As a vocal advocate for development, she believes that the future of the industry depends heavily on two pillars: infrastructure and sustainability. She advocates passionately for investment in eco-friendly accommodations that respect the land, and enhanced road networks that can reach the hidden, remote attractions that currently remain a secret to most of the world. She is also a champion for the digital era, pushing for better online platforms and digital tools to make trip planning easier for the modern international visitor. Crucially, she emphasizes community-led tourism, ensuring that local economies benefit directly and tangibly from the visitors they host, creating a cycle of wealth that stays within the villages and towns surrounding our parks.
​One of Monde’s biggest challenges on the international stage has been the constant battle against a singular narrative. She has made it her mission to debunk the “safari-only” myth that often pigeonholes African nations. She notes that the biggest misconception global travelers have is that Zambia is just a wildlife destination. While she admits our animals are world-class and our parks are second to none, she is quick to point out our stunning waterfalls, our vibrant and evolving modern culture, and the legendary, unmatched warmth of the Zambian people. To truly see the soul of the country, she points toward the Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people. To her, this spectacular display of tradition and community spirit—marking the king’s move to higher ground—is the pinnacle of Zambian heritage. It is a story of resilience and history that she carries with her wherever she travels.
​However, she is clear that this beauty must be protected if it is to survive for the next generation. Monde has strategically used her platform to partner with local organizations, focusing on wildlife protection and the mounting issue of plastic waste. Her goal is to ensure that “sustainable tourism” isn’t just a buzzword used in marketing brochures, but a lived reality across the country. Despite her global travels and the high-profile nature of her role, she remains deeply grounded in the basics of Zambian life. When I asked about her favorite meal, she didn’t hesitate for a second to name Kapenta with nshima. She calls it her go-to staple, perfectly representing the flavors of our local fish and providing the literal taste of home that she misses most when she is representing us abroad.
​It is this delicate balance of the global and the local that allows her to manage the heavy duties of her title without burning out. She credits her success to strict time management and a fierce commitment to recharging with her loved ones, ensuring she never loses sight of the woman behind the crown. As her reign continues, Monde is already looking toward a future in tourism development and policy, with a specific focus on empowering young Zambians to take the lead. She encourages the youth to get involved not just as consumers, but as creators—becoming tour guides, promoting local attractions on social media, or starting community-led tours in their own districts.
Her message to the nation as we concluded our interview remains simple yet powerful: let’s keep embracing our natural beauty and cultural heritage with pride. She calls on every Zambian to work together to make the country a top-tier destination while remaining the fierce guardians of our environment. For Monde Moola, the crown is a tool, the title is a platform, and the goal is a Zambia that the whole world can’t help but admire.
