ON
VENANCIO
MONDLANE
Born on January 17, 1974, in Lichinga, capital of Niassa province, in northern Mozambique, a land of resistance and deep roots.
From an early age, Venâncio revealed himself to be more than just an ordinary citizen: a visionary determined to change the course of his country, through the power of words, actions, and authenticity.
With a degree in Forestry Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University, he began his professional career in the environmental and financial fields, working for companies such as SGS and Millennium BIM. But it was in the social and political arena that his voice became impossible to ignore.
In the 1990s, he founded the Jovens Solidários movement and created cultural spaces such as the Édipos group and the Oficina Artístico-Literária, promoting art, literature, and social awareness. He established himself as a commentator and columnist for various media outlets, where his courage in denouncing injustices captured national attention.
He officially entered politics in 2013 as a member of the MDM party, running for mayor of Maputo with impressive results. In 2015, he was elected a member of parliament. Later, in 2018, he joined RENAMO, remaining one of the most active and disruptive voices in the Mozambican parliament. In 2023, he ran again for mayor of Maputo, winning the parallel counts with over 55%, but was the target of a widely denounced electoral manipulation process.
In 2024, he launched his presidential candidacy as an independent candidate, supported by the PODEMOS party and the CAD coalition, mobilizing large crowds, especially young people. He faced persecution, censorship, death threats, and spent months in exile until his triumphant return to Mozambique on January 9, 2025, enthusiastically received by thousands of supporters.
But Venâncio is more than politics. He's a symbol of resistance, authenticity, and expression. In 2024, he joined forces with an international team specializing in prestigious European brands to bring a new project to life: VM7—a clothing and accessories brand that exudes African identity, courage, and style with a European touch.
VM7 was officially launched in Portugal on July 5, 2025, reflecting a life of struggle, purpose, and vision. More than fashion, VM7 is attitude, revolution, and culture embodied.