Idris Elba 'dreams big' with Sierra Leone eco-city plan for Sherbro Island
Hollywood actor Idris Elba has a grand vision for Sierra Leone, the West African nation where his father was born. His dream is to revitalize a stunning island off its coast and transform it into an eco-friendly "smart city."
Initially focusing on promoting tourism along the beautiful 19-mile beachfront of Sherbro Island, the British star's vision evolved into a more ambitious plan of sustainable development. This includes partnering with stakeholders to introduce wind-powered renewable electricity for the first time in Sierra Leone.
Elba, known for his roles in Luther, the Wire, and as Nelson Mandela, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It's a dream, you know, but I work in the make-believe business." He aims to inspire belief in this project and alter perspectives.
"It's about being self-reliant, bringing in an economy that sustains itself and fosters growth. I'm keen on reshaping how Africa is perceived, moving away from an aid model," he emphasized.
Elba's involvement in the project stems from his friendship with Siaka Stevens, the grandson of a former Sierra Leonean president. Stevens had initially planned a boutique hotel but realized Sierra Leone wasn't prepared for that level of tourism. Thus, thoughts shifted towards developing Sherbro Island, with encouragement from industry peers.
The venture, named Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), was established, striking a deal with the Sierra Leonean government in 2019 to develop Sherbro Island.
The island, approximately 600 sq km (230 sq miles), had a population of around 30,000 in 2013 and is expected to accommodate up to a million people under the project's scope.
Despite the ambitious scale, Elba emphasized preserving the island's character and natural beauty.
The project is to be financed through a public-private partnership, with the island designated as a special economic zone, enjoying regulatory exemptions akin to Walt Disney World in Florida.
Part of the project involves building a wind and solar farm by Octopus Energy Generation to provide electricity. This initiative is crucial for Sierra Leone, where only 28% of the population has access to electricity.
The broader vision for Sherbro includes an "Afro-dynamic eco-city" based on African values, adaptable to changing conditions and resilient to climate change.
While the project's success remains to be seen, it represents a significant effort towards sustainable development in Sierra Leone, driven by a vision to create lasting positive change.
