Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Osita Nwajiufor, Founder and CEO of BlackTECH Hub | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Online
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how work gets done, how businesses compete and where the next wave of wealth will be created. However, every major technology shift creates two groups: the people who help shape it and the people who get left behind.
That is why AI economic opportunity for Black Canadians is one of the most urgent conversations of this decade. In short, if our community is not at the table while the AI economy is being built, we will spend the next generation trying to catch up.
So on Wednesday, October 7, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Osita Nwajiufor, Founder and CEO of BlackTECH Hub, to talk about technology, AI and economic opportunity.
Who Is Osita Nwajiufor?
Osita is a technology executive with more than 20 years in the IT space. In particular, he has spent over 15 years in enterprise resource planning, leading SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations across financial services, manufacturing, retail and the public sector.
Along the way, he saw a pattern that many Black professionals know too well: talented, qualified people who were unemployed or underemployed in tech. As a result, he founded BlackTECH Hub, an organization focused on networking, career advancement, entrepreneurship and leadership for Black and underserved communities. More recently, he has turned his attention to AI through the Black AI Centre.
His community work has been recognized, too. For example, in 2023 BlackTECH Hub received a Community Champion Award from the BlackNorth Initiative.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. AI will change who gets hired and who gets paid
Across industries, AI is automating routine tasks and creating new roles that did not exist five years ago. Consequently, the skills gap is also an opportunity gap. Black workers and business owners who understand AI will be better positioned for the jobs, contracts and clients that come next.
2. Small businesses can use AI to punch above their weight
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back. The first is small teams: most Black-owned businesses in Canada have fewer than five employees. Fortunately, AI tools can help a solo founder draft proposals, answer customers, manage marketing and analyze numbers. In other words, AI can act like the extra team members you cannot yet afford. (See our Day 1 spotlight on how Thierry Lindor is using AI to close the funding gap.)
3. Talent was never the problem
Osita built his organization around a simple truth: Black professionals have the talent, but not always the access. Similarly, the second of our Four Strikes is difficulty attracting talent. When more Black professionals move into tech and AI, Black-owned businesses gain a deeper pool of skilled people who understand our communities.
4. Opportunity follows readiness
Of course, understanding AI is only one piece. To turn opportunity into growth, you also need a clear plan, the right network and capital. This is where ACBN’s 3C Framework™ comes in: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on where AI and technology fit in your business. Next, connect with the people and partners who can help you build. Finally, access the capital that lets you invest in growth. (For the basics, read our Day 6 post on technology for Black-owned businesses.)
Ready to position your business for what comes next? ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
5. We need Black voices shaping AI, not just using it
Finally, AI systems reflect the people who build them. Therefore, when Black technologists, founders and leaders are involved, the tools are more likely to serve our communities fairly. That conversation continues on Day 10 of this conference, when Dr. Kem-Laurin Lubin explores ethics and inclusion in AI.
What You Will Walk Away With
- How AI is reshaping jobs, business and economic opportunity
- Practical ways Black entrepreneurs can start using AI tools today
- Why representation in tech matters for the whole community
- How to position yourself and your business for the AI economy
- A live Q&A with a technology executive and community builder
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Black entrepreneurs benefit from AI?
AI tools can save time on writing, marketing, customer service, bookkeeping and research. For example, a solo founder can use AI to draft a grant application or social media plan in minutes. Generally, the best approach is to start with one repetitive task and build from there.
Do I need a tech background to use AI in my business?
No. Many AI tools are designed for everyday users and work through simple conversation. Still, it helps to learn the basics, understand the risks and protect your customer data.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 7
Day 7 continues a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you want to understand where the AI economy is heading and how our community can claim its share, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Osita Nwajiufor | BEEConference Day 7
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
