Being Black in AI in Canada: A Call for Inclusion
On February 12, 2026, a landmark study was released by the CanAfro Research Institute, focusing on the participation and state of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities within Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The report, titled Being Black in AI, highlights critical disparities and proposes a new framework for inclusive Afrocentric AI governance.
The Current Landscape
The study reveals that while ACB Canadians make up 4.3 percent of the population, they hold less than two percent of leadership positions in AI. This lack of representation is compounded by a wage gap of 10 to 18 percent in tech roles. Moreover, less than one percent of venture capital funding reaches Black-founded AI startups, and facial recognition systems continue to demonstrate accuracy disparities across different skin tones.
A New Vision: Afrocentric and Afrodiasporic AI
The report advocates for a fundamental shift in the conception and governance of AI. It emphasizes the importance of Afrocentric and Afrodiasporic knowledge systems, which highlight relationality, agency, community consensus, and collective benefit. A notable recommendation is the development of legislated ACB Community Data Principles, drawing inspiration from First Nations’ OCAP® frameworks. This would ensure that Black communities can govern data collected about them and derive benefits from AI systems utilizing that data.
Recommendations
The report urges policymakers to:
- Amend the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act to include mandatory Equity and Human Rights Impact Assessments.
- Condition public funding on race-disaggregated reporting.
- Legislate minimum ACB representation on all public AI advisory bodies.
Additionally, it calls for universities to integrate African and Caribbean philosophical traditions into AI ethics curricula and address the 50 percent attrition rate of Black students transitioning from undergraduate to PhD levels.
A $100 Million Innovation Fund
A significant proposal within the report is the establishment of a $100 million Black Innovation and AI Fund. This fund aims to provide patient capital and grants for ACB-led AI startups, fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
A 36-Month Roadmap
The report outlines a phased implementation roadmap for policymakers, industry, and academia. Key milestones include:
- Mandatory demographic reporting.
- Expanded fellowship programs.
- Establishing Canada as a global leader in inclusive AI governance.
Initiated in April 2025, this 38-page report was produced entirely by volunteers, representing a civic contribution during a period of rapid AI development. Based on its findings, the CanAfro Research Institute is committed to developing training, workshops, and educational programs aimed at advancing systemic change within Canada’s AI ecosystem.
The full report is accessible for further insights and information.
