From the Polana Caniço neighbourhood to international catwalks, from the classroom to the boardroom, Sílvia Ernesto Linha is living proof of how talent and discipline can go hand in hand. At 26, this young woman from Maputo carries a story of courage, versatility and authenticity. A model since the age of 12, a marketing professional, an insurance technician and one of the six finalists of the prestigious Miss Africa 2025 pageant, Sílvia has been establishing herself as a voice of representation and inspiration for Mozambican youth. With impeccable poise, an intelligence shaped by her academic training in Marketing at Eduardo Mondlane University and a presence that transcends fashion, Sílvia defies labels and reveals herself to be a woman of many dimensions.

In this exclusive conversation with Xonguila Magazine, we travel through her childhood, her awakening to the world of fashion, the experience behind the scenes of beauty pageants and her professional path away from the spotlight.

You grew up in Maputo and showed an interest in fashion and communication from a very early age. What memories do you hold of your childhood, and of how those interests began to take shape?
My childhood was in Maputo. Through my older sister, who worked in fashion and also as a protocol officer, I began occasionally to accompany her to castings. That was how my love of fashion was born, since many people, because of my tall, slim build, encouraged me to try this field.

You began your modelling career at 12. What was that first contact with the world of fashion like, and what were the main challenges you faced at such a young age?
My first contact was at the Elite Model casting, where, unfortunately, I was not selected because I did not have the right height or the body structure required. After that, I chose to model for a friend who loved photography. His father gave him a camera and he started doing street shoots with me and a friend of mine. From then on, I began to gain visibility and was invited to different jobs, such as photo shoots with renowned photographers of the time, advertising campaigns and appearances in videos. In this early phase, I did more photographic work than runway work.

In higher education, what motivated you to choose the Marketing course at Eduardo Mondlane University, and how does it intersect with your career?
As I grew up, I decided to study Marketing because it stimulates my creative and communicative side, as well as being a very versatile field.

What did it mean to you to represent Mozambique at Miss Africa 2025 and to reach the Top 6?
Representing Mozambique at Miss Africa was a deeply moving and enriching experience. What surprised me most, throughout this journey, was my ability to solve problems, the strength I had without even being fully aware of it, and the way I managed to handle the activities I had before the trip to Abuja. During the pageant, that same strength helped me to remain determined until the end.

What was the preparation like for Miss Mozambique and, afterwards, for Miss Africa? What surprised you most throughout those processes?
It was a great satisfaction to be able to represent my country and our culture. I hoped to bring the title back to Mozambique and I worked very hard for it, but, even so, I feel proud to have reached the Top 6.

You have a diverse career spanning marketing, insurance, executive secretarial work and human resources. How do you balance so many roles with your personal life and fashion?
Unfortunately, fashion is still not properly valued in Africa, which makes it difficult to depend exclusively on this profession. Understanding this reality led me to explore opportunities in the job market and to join one of the best companies in the country. Thank God, that experience has contributed immensely to my progress in the corporate world. In addition, the company supports me by granting leave for urgent fashion jobs. At weekends, I devote myself to other projects, replying to messages and organising schedules of fashion-related activities.

Do you feel you are a role model for young Mozambican women? What message do you seek to convey through your image and your journey?
I feel that I inspire many young women through my persistence in fashion and my determination. With my image, I try to be as authentic as possible and to make my essence as a person clear.

How important is it to you to represent Mozambican culture at international events, both in fashion and in the business world?
Representing Mozambican culture, in fashion as well as in the business world, is essential, as it makes me a vehicle for promoting the best of what we have. Unfortunately, Mozambique is often forgotten, and that saddens me.

Was there ever a moment when you thought of giving up everything? How did you overcome those moments of doubt or tiredness, and what motivated you to carry on?
The first moment when I thought of giving up was when the organisers officially announced the participants of Miss Africa 2025. I was afraid of not being able to fulfil the mission because of various limitations, mainly financial. I also thought of giving up the day before the final gala in Abuja, because I fell ill and feared I would not be able to present myself at my best.

Did you feel that, throughout the process, you had the support of the Mozambican people and of the country's institutions for your participation in this event?
I received a great deal of support from the Mozambican people, through social media, throughout the whole process. I also had the support of Emose SA, Taussy Daniel, Kamana Félix, and friends and family.

What do you still aspire to achieve, both in fashion and in your professional and academic career?
I believe in a world full of infinite possibilities. I want to keep taking Mozambique to the world, grow even more in fashion and explore international opportunities. In the near future, I intend to complete sustainable projects to support children and women, as well as deepen my knowledge of Marketing. Who knows, perhaps I will specialise in fashion and self-knowledge.

And finally, if you had to leave a message for the little twelve-year-old Sílvia who dreamed of the catwalks, what would you say to her today?
I would say: always trust in God, control your emotions, stay calm and follow your intuition. You can do it!