Africa is celebrating a landmark moment for Zambia after model Luay Latif was officially crowned Mr Supranational Zambia recently.

The win earns him the honour of representing Zambia at the international Mr Supranational pageant in Poland this June–July, where he will compete against delegates from around the world.

From the moment the official candidate’s photos were released, Latif emerged as one of the strongest contenders. His presence, poise, and cultural pride resonated with both the judges and the public throughout the competition. The national pageant was co-directed by Ms Alice Rowlands Musukwa and Kabaso Nkanda Yatu, whose leadership was widely praised for raising the standard of this year’s event.

One of the standout moments of the night came during the cultural showcase, where Latif took to the catwalk in striking Ngoni attire. The outfit paid tribute to one of Zambia’s most prominent ethnic groups, known for their resilience, discipline, and proud warrior heritage.

The Ngoni are a Bantu people spread across Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Historically pastoralists and agriculturalists, they are also celebrated for their deep sense of community, respect for elders, and rich oral traditions.

Latif used the Facebook platform to make a powerful statement about unity and representation:

“I walked for every tribe, every tradition, every ethnicity, every skin colour, and every dreamer who believes our culture deserves to be seen on the world stage. One Zambia! One nation,” he said.

Beyond the cultural segment, Latif delivered consistently strong performances across the interview, formal wear, and public speaking rounds. He maintained active engagement with supporters throughout the pageant, using social media to share behind-the-scenes moments and encourage young Zambians to believe in their potential.

Following his crowning, Latif expressed deep gratitude to the team behind his journey, posting on his Facebook page the day after his coronation:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my two exceptional National Directors, Ms Alice Rowlands Musukwa and Kabaso Nkanda Yatu, and to Arm Model Management Agency for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Thank you for your guidance, mentorship, advice, and the countless sacrifices and hard work invested in our team. Your leadership, dedication, and belief in me have played a tremendous role in my growth and success.”

As part of his winnings, Latif, who represented Lusaka Province, also received a brand-new vehicle sponsored by Jelume Zambia. The company described the gift as part of its commitment to balanced youth empowerment:

“At Jelume Zambia, we believe that empowering both the girl child and the boy child is one of the greatest investments we can make for the future of our nation,” the company stated.

“That is why we proudly presented a vehicle to Miss Universe Zambia 2026 Mubanga Hatyoka and another to our Mr Supranational 2026 Luay Latif—not just as gifts, but as symbols of belief, responsibility, and support for their journeys.”

The win has already generated international attention. Since the announcement, several global pageant bloggers and analysts have tipped Latif as a strong contender for a top-three finish at the international finals. His combination of stage presence, cultural pride, and articulate messaging has set him apart as a delegate to watch.

With this achievement, Luay Latif makes history as the first Zambian male model to represent the nation at Mr Supranational.

His journey now shifts to Poland, where he will carry Zambia’s flag and showcase the country’s diversity, talent, and spirit on a global stage.