Dr. Tedla Desta is a globally-experienced multi-disciplinary researcher, policy advisor, and the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the CanAfro Research Institute. He is the co-creator of the CanAfro Methodology-a unique research framework that marries Afrocentric Research Methods (Ubuntu Ethics) with Western approaches to produce culturally appropriate, equity-centered research for African, Caribbean, and Black-identifying (ACB) communities in Canada and beyond.

Tedla’s work focuses on solving systemic challenges facing ACB communities. Under his leadership, CanAfro has produced 10+ major policy reports, including:

• “Being Black in AI” – a 41-page policy study on ACB communities in Canada’s AI ecosystem, featured at Mila’s Black History Month Panel and Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies
• Canada’s First National Study on ACB Community Associations – revealing 417+ organizations providing essential services while receiving only 0.03% of foundation grants
• A landmark 8-Year Study on Anti-Black Racism in Canadian Schools
• “Systemic Financial Barriers Facing ACB Canadians” – documenting 18x housing stress disparity and 56% underemployment gaps

• Black Data Sovereignty – ABR Dashboard 

He applied for grants and received funds by the Foundation for Black Communities (Black Ideas Grant), the Government of Canada, unions, and private sector partners. He has built a national network of 20+ researchers, partnered with 5+ universities, and mentored 30+ youth participants.

Tedla’s academic foundation includes a PhD in Media, Peace, and Conflict from Trinity College Dublin, an MA in Development Studies, and postdoctoral fellowships at Wilfrid Laurier University (Institutional History), Maynooth University (Conflict Resolution & Mediation), and Tshwane University of Technology (Innovation & Technology). He has held research positions at Queen’s University and the University of Toronto, and served as a Lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University.

He is the author of a book published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing (January 2024) and has contributed articles to various academic journals. His interdisciplinary expertise and research spans various disciplines mostly focused on ACB communities. 

Tedla often takes part and is available for research collaborations, keynote speaking engagements, policy consulting, and media commentary. He welcomes conversations with policymakers, community organizations, academics, and funders committed to systemic change and equity-centered research.

🔗 Connect with Tedla:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedladesta-canafro-researcher/  
📧 Email: contact@canafroinstitute.com 
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