Acclaimed actor Idris Elba is expanding his talents from the film world to develop a pioneering eco-friendly, smart city on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone.
Elba, whose father was born in Sierra Leone, is spearheading the project alongside east London childhood friend Siaka Stevens, the grandson of a former Sierra Leonean president Siaka Stevens. They both grew up together in east London, UK and often worked together on the DJ scene.
“Originally we went there thinking how could we bring tourism to the most incredible 19 miles of beachfront,” Idris told the BBC. “But as the idea was explored, a more innovative plan came into play – to bring in partners and seriously develop the area in a sustainable, eco way. The project also intends to bring wind-powered renewable electricity to Sierra Leone for the first time.”
@The two friends and business partners formed Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) and in 2019 an agreement was struck with the Sierra Leonean government to develop Sherbro Island, which falls within the home district of current President Julius Maada Bio.
Elba describes the vision as “an Afro-dynamic eco-city, based on African cultural values, putting community, collaboration and nature at the fore…I’m very keen to reframe the way Africa is viewed … as an aid model.”
SAP continues to forge dynamic global collaborations and partnerships including with Octopus Energy to develop Sierra Leone’s first wind farm and renewables. Lloyd’s has also entered into a partnership SAP in a bid to bolster economic resilience and foster growth opportunities on Sherbro Island. Global architectural firm Fosters will oversee the overall masterplan and landscape architecture for the megaproject alongside international architecture firm Sasaki Associates. MIC-HUB, a transport planning company, has been charged with administering efficient transport to and from the island, along with eco-friendly travel on Sherbro.
Elba Is determined to preserve the beauty of Sherbro adding: ‘It’s a beautiful, green part of the world and we don’t want to disturb that.
“It’s a dream, you know, but I work in the make-believe business…It’s about being self-reliant, it’s about bringing an economy that feeds itself and has growth potential. I’m very keen to reframe the way Africa is viewed… as an aid model.
“Never in my lifetime would I have thought I could build the foundation for a new smart-city… I’m not qualified for that. But I am qualified to dream big.”
Reflecting on his father – Elba tells the BBC that “he would probably think the dream was too big, but he would be proud and have some sound advice: ‘If you’re going to do it, make sure you do it properly.’
“You do it good, you do it with all your heart because that’s the best you can do.”
