Province Announces Support for African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity

HALIFAX, NS – March 30, 2023 - The Province of Nova Scotia is providing $150,000 to Halifax Partnership to support the implementation of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Plan for Years 3, 4, and 5.

Launched in 2021, the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Plan (REPP) is a five-year economic development strategy developed, owned, and led by African Nova Scotians (ANS). The first plan of its kind, the REPP is the result of more than two years of community consultation with ANS communities, building on the diverse history and lived experiences of African Nova Scotians.

Funding from the Province’s African Nova Scotian Affairs will support the continued advancement of the REPP’s three strategic priorities and 30 actions over the next three years, including building unity and capacity in ANS communities outside of the Halifax region to develop and implement community action plans.

The REPP five-year strategic priorities are:

1. Build Unity and Capacity Among African Nova Scotians.

2. Establish Land Ownership, Develop Infrastructure, and Attract Investment.

3. Increase Participation in Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship.

“Collaboration is an important part of the work between government and communities,” said Dwayne Provo, Associate Deputy Minister/CEO of African Nova Scotian Affairs. “It’s critical to support initiatives that seek to improve the economic well-being of African Nova Scotian communities and address generational economic challenges.”

The Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council provides leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance in developing and implementing the REPP. The Council is comprised of representatives from each Black community in the Halifax Region and organizations involved in economic development and capacity building in the community. Its work is supported by an Elder Council, Youth Council, and several working groups which have representatives from ANS communities throughout the province.

“The Government of Nova Scotia is a vital partner in advancing the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Plan. Today’s announcement is an added demonstration of the government’s commitment to support and work with African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province to build capacity, address systemic issues, and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for current and future generations,” said Dolly Williams and Irvine Carvery, Co-chairs of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council.

Halifax Partnership serves as the project office and a coordinating body for the REPP and is responsible for supporting the ANS community in the plan’s implementation in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Province of Nova Scotia, private sector sponsor RBC, and other partners.

“The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity builds on decades of community economic development work and is owned and led by African Nova Scotians to drive long-term economic development and prosperity. The Government of Nova Scotia’s support will enable us to further build unity, capacity, and momentum among ANS communities to lead and progress economic and community priorities," said Carolann Wright, Director Capacity Building and Strategic Initiatives African Nova Scotian Communities, Halifax Partnership.

Quick Facts:

• There are more than 50 African Nova Scotian communities, representing a vital part of Nova Scotia’s history and future.
• Statistics from the 2021 Census show significant education, employment, and income gaps for African Nova Scotians.
• The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity is designed to address socioeconomic inequalities African Nova Scotians face and build a more prosperous future.

Additional Resources:

• African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity
• Road to Economic Prosperity Plan