Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé Places Fourth Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2025, Sparking Interest in Her Homeland

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant concluded with a surprising entry into the Top 5 that has captured worldwide attention—Olivia Yacé, representing Côte d’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, secured the position of fourth runner-up. At 28 years old, Yacé’s strong performance has introduced many to her West African country, which is often less recognized on the international pageant stage.

Traditionally, the Top 5 features contestants from countries like the United States, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Yacé’s success disrupted this trend and sparked curiosity among Filipino viewers in particular, many of whom admitted that the event was their first introduction to Ivory Coast.

Online reactions from Filipinos included humorous admissions such as, "Napa-search sa Google Map ang mga bakla kung nasaan ang Cote d’Ivoire" and "‘Yung sinearch ko rin pano i-pronounce hahahaha," reflecting their newfound interest sparked by the pageant.

Ivory Coast is noted as the world’s leading producer of cocoa and raw cashew nuts and is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, the largest church globally. The country invites tourists with its picturesque beaches, remnants of French colonial architecture, and vibrant Senufo cultural experiences.

Olivia Yacé is not only a beauty queen but also a philanthropist and entrepreneur. She founded the Olivia Yacé Foundation, focusing on empowering women and children through educational and health programs. Additionally, she holds the position of General Manager at Olivia Yacé International, serves as a Tourism Ambassador for Côte d’Ivoire, and is the Brand Ambassador for Air Côte d’Ivoire.

Yacé earned particular praise for her poised and empowering message during the pageant’s Q&A segment, encouraging young women worldwide. She declared, "I want to be the face of a new era of women that are bold, that are leaders, that are unapologetic about who they are. If I'm Miss Universe, I want to be a role model for all the young girls and let them know that you too can make it." She further urged, "Go in those rooms where you think you don't belong, shine, and make sure you assume your identity."

The Philippines’ representative, Ahtisa Manalo, achieved third runner-up, while Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández was crowned Miss Universe 2025, succeeding Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig.

This event has not only celebrated beauty but also brought attention and newfound respect to Ivory Coast’s rich heritage and Olivia Yacé’s inspiring leadership on the world stage.