Elsa Iradukunda crowned Miss Rwanda 2017

Elsa Iradukunda, an 18-year-old, was crowned Miss Rwanda 2017 in a fiercely contested pageant, making history as one of the most competitive in recent years. She emerged victorious as a strong advocate for the promotion of Made in Rwanda, bringing a fresh perspective to the prestigious title. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Elsa shared her plans and aspirations for the year ahead. Elsa appeared composed and determined as she discussed her ambitions post-her crowning moment. She expressed her readiness to navigate the expectations placed on her shoulders, emphasizing her focus on balancing her projects, studies, and commitments. Having recently graduated from high school, Elsa is planning to return to school next year, post-her reigning period. She highlighted her current dedication to her projects and the promotion of her country. One of the most intriguing aspects of the interview was Elsa's approach to her stipend. With a monthly stipend of 800,000, Elsa's plans on giving back to society differed from her predecessor. While the former queen used her remuneration to help the less fortunate, buying breakfast daily, Elsa's focus lies on her ongoing project. She hinted at future endeavors without divulging specifics, retaining an air of mystery around her philanthropic intentions. The core of Elsa's platform lies in the Made in Rwanda campaign, a government-led initiative to boost local industries and reduce the trade deficit. Elsa outlined her plan to visit various industries to understand the production processes, with the aim of promoting Rwandan products effectively. By educating both Rwandans and foreign audiences on the quality and appeal of locally made goods, Elsa aims to drive interest and support for the Made in Rwanda movement. Recognizing the power of social media, Elsa emphasized the need to engage the Rwandan youth in her campaign. With a considerable portion of the population being millennials, she believes that involving them in showcasing Rwandan products will enhance awareness and appreciation. Through exhibitions and social media platforms, Elsa aims to change perceptions and encourage increased consumption of local products. Looking ahead, Elsa discussed her forthcoming participation in Miss World, scheduled for December. Expressing her desire to bring honor to Rwanda, she pledged to represent her country diligently. While unsure of the specifics of the preparation process, Elsa remains committed to giving her best and potentially securing the Miss World crown. In conclusion, Elsa addressed common misconceptions about beauty pageants and their impact. She emphasized that Miss Rwanda serves as a platform for empowering and building confidence in young women. By showcasing talents, abilities, and the potential for positive change, Elsa believes that such competitions can challenge stereotypes and contribute to personal and national development. Elsa Iradukunda's reign as Miss Rwanda 2017 symbolizes a new era of advocacy and empowerment, where beauty meets purpose and passion. With her focus on promoting Made in Rwanda and engaging the youth, Elsa is poised to make a significant impact during her tenure.