Expanding the ethics horizon: integrating African canons for inclusive research ethics in Africa

Society 5.0 envisions a future where technology and humanity integrate to address societal concerns. In an era marked by significant technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, it is vital to uphold the core values of compassionate care and human connection. While the healthcare sector is central to this transformation, the prevailing research ethics frameworks remain dominated by Western individualism and positivism.

This conceptual paper aims to establish a case for integrating African research canons—ujamaa, utulivu, kujitoa, uhaki, and ukweli—into bioethical discourse to create a more inclusive, culturally relevant framework. As a conceptual review, this paper analyses existing Afrocentric paradigms and uses the Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) curriculum as an illustrative case study of decolonised ethics in practice.

Incorporating Ubuntu and specific African research canons challenges the Western-centric status quo, fostering a research environment that prioritises communal well-being and harmony.

We can contribute to humanising healthcare by integrating these Afrocentric values, working towards creating a society that is more inclusive and compassionate. The inclusion of African research canons may lead to inclusive and culturally relevant research ethics by shifting the emphasis from Western individualism to a more holistic and human-centred approach.