Cameroon makes a highly anticipated return to the Miss Universe stage in 2026, and the woman carrying the flag to San Juan, Puerto Rico is Audrey Moutongo Black – a 30-year-old whose path to the international crown came through an unexpected but well-earned turn.
Audrey Black’s appointment marks Cameroon’s return to Miss Universe after missing the previous edition, making her selection a significant moment for the country’s pageant program. She is now set to carry the Cameroonian flag on the global stage at the 75th Miss Universe in Puerto Rico this November.
Her path to the title took an unconventional route. Originally the runner-up in the Miss Cameroon competition, Audrey stepped into the Miss Universe Cameroon 2026 title after the original titleholder was unable to compete – a situation that has played out across several countries this Miss Universe cycle as national organizations adjust to a new appointment framework. Audrey now holds the title of Miss Cameroon 2025 and will represent the country internationally.
Beyond pageantry, Audrey has built a public platform centered on inclusion and inspiration — her online presence carries messages around neurodivergence, inclusivity, and representation, themes that speak to a broader and more authentic definition of what a Miss Universe titleholder can represent in this era of the competition.
Cameroon’s return to Miss Universe after an absence gives Audrey’s participation extra weight — she isn’t just representing her country, she’s re-establishing Cameroon’s presence on one of pageantry’s biggest stages.
Pageanthology’s Assessment:
Audrey Black arrives in Puerto Rico with a story of resilience – stepping up when circumstances shifted and carrying her country’s flag back onto the Miss Universe stage after time away. Cameroon has never been a dominant force at Miss Universe, but a strong showing from Audrey could mark the beginning of renewed momentum for the country. One to watch as more of her journey unfolds ahead of November.