Olivia Manuela Yacé, 27, represented Cote d’Ivoire in the 74th edition of Miss Universe. She was fourth runner-up to Fatima Bosch of Mexico and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025.
Olivia Yace
Yace is an alumna of Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, United States and Richmond American University London in London, England, United Kingdom. She was born in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire to Jean-Marc Yacé and Yolande Eluh Yacé.
On September 4, 2021, Olivia competed against 23 other candidates at Miss Cote d’Ivoire 2021 at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan and won the title. Miss Universe 2025 is not her first international beauty pageant.
In December 2021, Olivia represented Cote d’Ivoire at Miss World 2021 and competed against 96 other candidates in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA. She was selected as one of the 40 quarterfinalists.
On March 16, 2022, Olivia competed against 39 other quarterfinalists during the Miss World 2021 coronation night at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan. She was second runner-up to Karolina Bielawska of Poland and was crowned Miss World Africa 2021.
Miss Universe 2025
Hosted by Steve Byrne, Miss Universe 2025 was held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand on November 21, 2025. Including Olivia and Bosch, a total of 120 women competed for the title but only 118 of them appeared onstage during the coronation ceremony.
On November 19, 2025, Jamaica’s candidate Dr. Gabrielle Henry fell while walking across the stage during the evening gown round of the preliminary competition at the Impact Challenger Hall. She was rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand and had to withdraw from the competition.
Albania’s candidate Flavia Harizaj did not join the final round of the competition. She later took to social media to explain that she was not feeling well and pointed out that her Miss Universe Albania 2025 title was just a small fragment of her life.
On November 24, 2025, Olivia announced her decision to give up the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025 title. Here is her full statement:
As the representative of Cote d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence and equal opportunity – the strongest pillars that guide me.
With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline and determination. However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values and guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.
As I stated on stage, my greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation, especially young girls. I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong and to proudly embrace their identity. It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today. Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear.
I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American and Afro-descendant communities: continued entering spaces where you are not expected. Let us open the way for the brothers and sisters who will follow us. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters and our voices must be heard.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Miss Universe. I also wish Miss Universe Jamaica a swift recovery and send her all my affection. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and for the unforgettable experiences that have shaped me. I will now continue my journey differently with the same determination to uplift and inspire.
Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. Let us continued to defend our values and strive for greatness together.
IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.
With love and respect,
OLIVIA MANUELA YACE
The Miss Universe organization has yet to respond to Olivia’s resignation. A replacement is expected to be announced soon.
CONAN Daily 