Renowned actor, Idris Elba, in collaboration with Siaka Stevens and Octopus Energy Generation, is spearheading the development of an eco-city on Sierra Leone‘s Sherbro Island, challenging conventional perceptions of Africa.
The ambitious project includes a wind and solar farm to address the country’s electricity shortage, with Elba emphasising the goal of self-reliance over profitability.
With less than a third of homes in Sierra Leone currently having access to electricity, the eco-city aims to be a beacon of innovation, attracting businesses, fostering growth, and reshaping Africa’s narrative beyond the traditional aid model.
Elba envisions a city that not only appeals to tourists but also empowers local communities through sustainable development.
“Are we ever gonna make a profit? I don’t think so, but it is about being self-reliant, it’s about bringing an economy that feeds itself, that has growth potential.
“I’m very keen to sort of reframe the way Africa is viewed. We often view the framing of Africa as an aid model and this opportunity is completely different,” Elba told the BBC Newsday programme.
In addition to the eco-friendly initiatives, Elba plans to establish a film studio and a retirement home for his Ghanaian mother on the island.
The actor, with Sierra Leonean roots, is driven by a desire to change the perception of Africa while creating opportunities for economic growth and innovation in the region.