Keep it public and relaxed
A good café, a busy restaurant or a well-known cultural spot works better than a private house or a quiet park for a first meeting. You both feel safer, and there's enough background noise to fill any awkward pauses naturally.
Bring culture into it
African food markets, art exhibitions, live music or a local festival make great first dates. They give you something to react to together, which is easier than staring at each other across a table for two hours.
Daytime beats late night
Brunch, a Saturday afternoon market, or an early evening walk are lower pressure than a 9pm dinner. If it goes well, you can extend it. If it doesn't, you still have your evening free.
Have a loose exit plan
Tell a friend where you're going, keep transport sorted yourself, and don't commit to a multi-course meal. Coffee or a shared snack gives you both an easy out if the vibe isn't right.