Elly Aron: Miss World’s new software developer

Newly crowned Miss World Namibia 2026, software developing student Elly Aron (20), is set to represent the country in Vietnam while advocating for the prevention of teenage pregnancy.

Aron says it took her a few days to digest being crowned Miss World Namibia 2026 last week.

“After a few days, the reality settled in, and I felt an overwhelming sense of honour, responsibility, and admiration. I truly feel called for this role, and I accepted it with gratitude and humility,” she says.

Aron is set to fly the Namibian flag at the 73rd Miss World International Competition in Vietnam, slated for the end of February.

“Representing Namibia is very personal for me. I believe when something aligns with who you are, God allows it,” she says.

Unlike most other pageant contestants, Aron is a newcomer to the pageant world. She says her pageant career started with Miss NGO Namibia.

“That was where purpose truly mattered beyond appearance,” she says, adding that her mother played a key role, encouraging her to take up pageantry.

Aside from pageantry, Aron is a bachelor of software development student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, juggling her academic life and her duties as a representative of the country.

At the core of her Miss World campaign is her work as an advocate for the Penomwene Trust, which is dedicated to the prevention of teenage pregnancy, an issue she says “is still prevalent in the country”.

“I aim to use the Miss World platform to raise education, awareness, and empowerment among the youth,” she says.

Aron says the existence of obstacles which she must overcome requires her to establish confidence because she needs to succeed in a challenging environment.

She says she is prepared to face difficulties through prayer and positive affirmation, together with time spent with people who uplift her.

Miss World Namibia was crowned at a Windhoek hotel last week.

Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti, who served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker, at the event said the Namibian government will support creative industries through ongoing funding.

“The creativity we possess serves as our national pride while it functions as an educational asset which helps our youth reach their full potential,” he said, adding that the gathering brought together high-ranking government officials, ambassadors and national leaders from different regions.

Outgoing queen Selma Kamanya ended her reign at the ceremony.

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