Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Dr. Somto Mbelu, Founder and Program Lead, Ottawa Responsible AI Hub | Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Online
Today, AI is moving faster than the rules meant to guide it. Every week, new tools appear that can write, predict, decide and recommend. Yet most people, including most business owners, have little say in how those tools are built or governed.
That is why responsible AI in Canada is not just a topic for researchers and policymakers. Rather, it affects every entrepreneur who uses AI with customers, every worker whose job is changing and every community that could be helped or harmed by automated decisions.
So on Tuesday, October 13, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a forward-looking fireside chat featuring Dr. Somto Mbelu, Founder and Program Lead of the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub (ORAH), on responsible AI, ethics, inclusion and technology for the public good.
Who Is Dr. Somto Mbelu?
Somto is a researcher, certified project management professional and community builder working at the intersection of AI, governance and inclusion. In 2025, he founded the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub, a nonprofit initiative that aims to position Ottawa as a global leader in responsible AI.
Importantly, for Somto, digital inclusion goes beyond internet access. Instead, it means helping people feel confident navigating rapid technological change, whatever their age, background or profession.
Inside the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub
ORAH‘s mission is to drive the future of ethical AI through education, advocacy and cross-sector collaboration. In fact, the hub has set an ambitious goal: to help create 500 responsible tech innovations in Ottawa over the next decade.
To get there, it also runs a growing set of programs:
- Ottawa Responsible AI Summit: a gathering of leaders shaping ethical AI in Canada
- Global Forum on Responsible AI: an international forum co-organized with The Hague University, which drew participants from more than five global regions in March 2026
- Ottawa Responsible AI Talks: an ongoing speaker series
- AI for All: programs that help seniors and volunteers build confidence with AI
- Youth AI Changemakers: a program that prepares young people to shape AI, not just use it
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Governance decides who benefits
In practice, rules about data, transparency and accountability decide whether AI serves everyone or only a few. Consequently, when Black communities are absent from governance conversations, our concerns are easy to overlook. Hubs like ORAH create openings for more voices at the table.
2. Inclusion starts with confidence
Admittedly, many Black entrepreneurs, especially older founders and solo operators, feel left behind by AI. Fortunately, Somto’s approach focuses on building confidence first. When people understand the basics, they can use AI safely and spot when it is being used unfairly.
3. Responsible AI is good business
Meanwhile, customers increasingly care how businesses use their data. Therefore, entrepreneurs who adopt AI responsibly, with clear policies, human review and strong privacy practices, build more trust. Over time, that trust becomes a real competitive advantage. (See also our Day 10 spotlight on ethical AI for entrepreneurs.)
4. Youth are the next wave of builders
Likewise, programs like Youth AI Changemakers matter for our community’s future. At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, including overconcentration in professional services. By preparing Black youth to lead in AI, we help the next generation build in high-growth sectors from day one. (Our Day 7 post explores AI economic opportunity for Black Canadians.)
5. Clarity turns AI from risk into opportunity
Of course, before adopting any technology, business owners need a clear view of their goals and risks. This is where ACBN’s 3C Framework™ comes in: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on where AI fits in your business and what safeguards you need. Next, connect with experts and peers who can guide you. Finally, access capital to invest in growth responsibly.
Ready to grow your business with clarity? 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.
What You Will Walk Away With
- What responsible AI means and why it matters to every business
- How AI governance decisions affect Black communities
- Practical steps to use AI safely and fairly in a small business
- How cities like Ottawa are building responsible AI ecosystems
- A live Q&A with the founder of the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is responsible AI?
In simple terms, responsible AI means designing, deploying and governing AI systems so they are fair, transparent, accountable and safe. In practice, it includes protecting data, testing for bias and keeping humans involved in important decisions.
How can a small business use AI responsibly?
Start by choosing reputable tools, reading how they handle your data and never entering sensitive customer information without safeguards. In addition, keep a person involved in decisions that affect customers or employees, and be open with customers about how you use AI.
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 13
Day 13 continues a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you want AI to work for your community and not against it, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Dr. Somto Mbelu | BEEConference Day 13
Tuesday, October 13, 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.
