Actor and philanthropist Idris Elba, together with childhood friend Siaka Stevens, embarks on an ambitious project to build Sherbro Island City, a sustainable smart city in Sierra Leone, aimed at promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Idris Elba, acclaimed for his roles in “Luther” and “The Wire,” has announced plans to transform Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone into a sustainable smart city. This environmentally friendly development, envisioned in collaboration with his childhood friend, Siaka Stevens, seeks to elevate Sierra Leone’s global standing by steering away from the traditional aid model towards promoting self-reliant economic growth. The project, named Sherbro Island City, aims to encompass African cultural values, emphasizing community, collaboration, and sustainability.
Sherbro Island, comparable in size to the Isle of Man, currently lacks basic infrastructure like mains electricity. To address this, Elba’s company, Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), has entered into agreements to initiate the construction of Sierra Leone’s first windfarm on the island. This initiative symbolizes a significant step towards improving access to electricity in a country where only 28% of the population is connected to the power grid.
The development of Sherbro Island City is set to be a public-private partnership, reflecting Elba’s ambition to integrate state-of-the-art infrastructure while preserving the island’s unique character and respecting local culture. By infusing the project with eco-friendly principles, Elba and Stevens are laying the groundwork for a resilient and self-sufficient urban environment that could serve as an economic hub not only for Sierra Leone but also for neighboring countries.
Although the project faces feasibility challenges and a long road ahead, Elba’s commitment to redefining Africa’s image and creating a tangible legacy underscores his passion for the continent and its potential for transformation.