MELLA TABLE
MELLA TABLE is our curated gathering format. It brings together Black and Afro-Lusophone professionals, founders, creatives, and partners to examine the questions shaping community, work, business, and economic participation in Portugal.
Three editions so far. Each one builds on the last: from whether a community exists, to peer knowledge and practical networks, to power, business and investment.
One event does not build infrastructure. A recurring room does: listening, connecting, testing ideas, agreeing next steps.
The story so far
MELLA TABLE 1
The first edition brought together around 30 Black professionals to ask whether a Black community exists in Portugal and what is needed to turn shared identity and potential into stronger structure.
Read the BANTUMEN article ↗MELLA TABLE 2
The second edition, held at Casa do Impacto, focused on peer mentorship and the circulation of practical knowledge between Afro-descendant and Lusophone professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
Read the BANTUMEN article ↗MELLA TABLE 3
The third edition, held during the Feira Cultural da Diáspora Africana at Fábrica Braço de Prata, explored what sustained commitment looks like — and how relationships, direct investment, and stronger structures can support Black businesses and professionals.
Read the BANTUMEN article ↗Next edition
MELLA TABLE 4 takes place on 10 November 2026 in Lisbon, during Web Summit week.