About DatePALOP
More Than Dating A Community
DatePALOP is the first social networking platform created exclusively for the PALOP (Portuguese-speaking African Countries) community. We believe that culture is one of the strongest foundations for building meaningful relationships, lasting friendships, and valuable professional connections.
Our mission is simple: to bring people together through shared language, heritage, and culture—no matter where they are in the world.
Founded in January 2024, DatePALOP was built to solve a challenge faced by millions of people across the African diaspora. While PALOP countries share a common language and rich cultural traditions, geographical distance often makes it difficult to create genuine connections. Existing global platforms rarely reflect the identity, values, or relationship dynamics of the Lusophone African community.
DatePALOP changes that
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
We aim to strengthen the bonds within the PALOP community by providing a platform designed around its people, traditions, and aspirations.
Whether someone is looking for love, friendship, or professional opportunities, DatePALOP offers a space where every connection feels authentic and culturally meaningful.
Our Vision
To become the leading digital community for Portuguese-speaking Africans worldwide by creating a trusted platform where people can connect, collaborate, and grow while celebrating their cultural identity.
What Makes DatePALOP Different?
Unlike traditional social or dating platforms, DatePALOP combines three experiences into a single application.
Encontros
Find meaningful romantic relationships with people who share your language, values, and cultural background.
Pro
Build genuine friendships, expand your social circle, and become part of an active community that celebrates PALOP culture.
Kambas
Connect with entrepreneurs, professionals, recruiters, businesses, and creatives across the Lusophone African world. Discover networking opportunities, collaborations, career growth, and business partnerships.
One platform. Three ways to connect.
Our Story
DatePALOP was founded with a vision of reconnecting the Portuguese-speaking African community across borders.
Since our launch, we have continued to grow through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to building technology that reflects the needs of our users.
Our Journey
January 2024: DatePALOP was founded.
May 2025: Android MVP launched.
August 2025: iOS MVP launched.
September 2025: Selected for the Startup23 Accelerator.
November 2025: Showcased at Web Summit Lisbon.
2025: Selected by Djassi Africa to join the Afropreneurs Mission: Web Summit programme, receiving strategic mentorship, international exposure, and access to a pan-African innovation ecosystem.
May 2026: Launch of DatePALOP PRO on both Android and iOS.
Each milestone represents another step toward creating the largest digital community for the PALOP diaspora.
Our Partnership with Djassi Africa
Being selected by Djassi Africa for the Afropreneurs Mission marked an important milestone in our journey.
This partnership has strengthened DatePALOP's presence within the African technology ecosystem by providing mentorship, international visibility, and opportunities to collaborate with founders, investors, and innovators from across Africa and the diaspora.
Together, we are helping build stronger bridges between Lusophone Africa and the global community.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Katya Aragão
Founder & CEO
With more than 10 years of experience in communication and leadership, Katya is passionate about empowering communities through technology. She has been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Black Personalities in Lusophony by Bantumen's POWERLIST.
Ailton Fortes
Co-Founder & CTO
A Full Stack Software Engineer with over six years of experience developing scalable digital products across healthcare, finance, and media. He leads the technological vision and product development of DatePALOP.
Denise Fortes
Co-Founder & CMO
Holding a Master's degree in Marketing and five years of international experience, Denise brings expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, and community building. She previously served as Community & Marketing Manager at Unicorn Workspaces Portugal.
Tânia Costa
Co-Founder & COO
A Business Analyst with more than ten years of experience improving business operations for major financial institutions. Tânia oversees operational excellence and strategic growth across the company.
Building Connections That Matter
DatePALOP is more than an app.
It is a growing community where culture is celebrated, opportunities are created, and meaningful relationships begin.
Whether you're searching for love, making new friends, expanding your professional network, or reconnecting with your roots, DatePALOP provides a safe, inclusive, and culturally authentic space designed for the PALOP community worldwide.
Join us as we continue to redefine connection through culture.