Idris Elba’s Impact: Sierra Leone Smart City and the ‘Reframing’ of Africa
Renowned actor Idris Elba, leading the construction of a smart city in Sierra Leone, has expressed his commitment to changing stereotypical perceptions of Africa. The eco-city is being developed on Sherbro Island off the West African coast in collaboration with Siaka Stevens, the grandson of Sierra Leone’s former president with the same name. In partnership with renewable energy company Octopus Energy Generation, the island city will feature a wind and solar farm to address the current electricity deficit in Sierra Leone, where less than a third of homes have access to power.
Elba aims to challenge prevailing views of Africa by redefining the narrative surrounding the continent. The project goes beyond profit, focusing on self-reliance, economic sustainability, and fostering a growth-oriented economy. Elba emphasized the importance of reshaping how Africa is perceived, moving away from the aid model and embracing an opportunity for transformative change.
The smart city aspires to attract business ventures, innovation, and tourism, all while empowering local communities. Elba envisions a multi-faceted development that not only serves economic and technological purposes but also incorporates elements like a film studio and a retirement home for his mother. Elba’s personal connection to Sierra Leone, through his father’s origins, adds a meaningful dimension to his involvement in this transformative initiative.
By leveraging his celebrity status and resources, Idris Elba exemplifies a commitment to positively impact Sierra Leone’s socio-economic landscape. The smart city project aligns with broader goals of sustainability, empowerment, and reframing the narrative around Africa as a continent capable of driving its own growth and development. As the initiative progresses, its success may not only transform the physical landscape of Sherbro Island but also contribute to reshaping perceptions of Africa on a global scale.
