Sierra Leone: Idris Elba to Build a Smart Eco-City on Sherbro Island

Renowned Hollywood actor Idris Elba has set his sights on transforming Sherbro Island, located off the coast of Sierra Leone, into an eco-friendly “smart city” that could potentially revolutionise the region’s economic landscape. Elba, whose father hailed from Sierra Leone, envisions a sustainable development project that not only preserves the island’s natural beauty but also fosters economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Initially conceived as a tourism initiative to capitalise on the island’s stunning 19 miles of beachfront, the project has evolved into a more ambitious endeavour aimed at sustainable development and renewable energy integration. Elba’s dream is to bring wind-powered electricity to Sierra Leone for the first time, while simultaneously redefining Africa’s image beyond the traditional aid model.

Teaming up with childhood friend Siaka Stevens, grandson of a former Sierra Leonean president, Elba embarked on this journey to create Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) and establish a partnership with the Sierra Leonean government. Their goal is to transform Sherbro Island into an economic powerhouse, potentially accommodating up to a million people, while preserving its pristine environment.

The project’s financing model revolves around a public-private partnership, with plans to designate Sherbro Island as a special economic zone with its own legal and economic framework. Critical to the project is the construction of a wind and solar farm, facilitated by Octopus Energy Generation, to provide electricity to areas currently lacking access, addressing a crucial need in Sierra Leone where only 28% of the population has electricity.

Moreover, Sherbro Island’s development aims to embody African cultural values and prioritise sustainability, resilience, and community collaboration. As a “smart eco-city,” it will adapt to changing environmental conditions while promoting energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Despite the magnitude of the undertaking, Elba remains steadfast in his commitment to realising this vision, driven by a desire to contribute to Africa’s economic growth and reshape its narrative. Through partnerships with organisations like the Stellar Development Foundation, Elba seeks to leverage technology and the creative arts to empower African creators and foster economic equity.

Idris Elba’s ambitious project embodies the potential for innovation and sustainable development in Africa, offering a beacon of hope for a brighter future. As he aptly puts it, “I am qualified to dream big,” and his dream for Sherbro Island exemplifies the transformative power of vision and collaboration.