Hollywood actor, Idris Elba has taken after the steps of singer Akon, who’s also hoping to transform Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone into an eco-friendly smart city.
Elba is not the first celebrity to have this huge ambition as he’s following in the footsteps of Akon, a Senegalese-American singer who is also building a smart city in his home country, Senegal.
In collaboration with his childhood friend, Siaka Stevens, who’s the grandson of a former Sierra Leonean President, Idris Elba envisions transforming the island’s economy through sustainable development, renewable energy, and promoting African cultural values, going beyond traditional tourism.
This project, which is a collaboration with the Sierra Leone government, under Sherbro Alliance Partners and Stevens, aims to transform the historically flourishing island into an eco-tourism destination for travellers who value sustainability and technological innovation.
The Sierra Leonean government has thrown its weight behind this groundbreaking initiative, viewing it as a pivotal force for both national and regional prosperity.
This ambitious development is not merely focused on conserving the island’s pristine natural beauty but also on spearheading innovative energy solutions.
One of such solution involves harnessing the abundant wind and solar resources available, achieved through a strategic partnership with Octopus Energy Generation.
This collaboration aims to establish a robust renewable energy infrastructure that not only powers the envisioned smart city but also serves as a model for sustainable development across the region.
Idris Elba mentioned while speaking to BBC,
“Originally, we went there thinking how could we bring tourism to the most incredible 19 miles of beachfront.”
After speaking to his friend, they both thought that
“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. This opportunity is completely different.”
Speaking to the press about the significant and historical background of the island, he mentioned that;
“It was where England had their capital city of Sierra Leone [when it was a colony], in a city called Bonthe, which is still there. And the relics of the city are still there: the grid system, road system, the old houses, the churches. It’s an incredibly historically rich part of Sierra Leone. There’s 19 miles of beachfront there.”
On Idris Elba‘s ambition for the smart city,
“So what we needed to do is understand how to package an investment opportunity around this beautiful island without destroying it, being climate-conscious, and being conscious that there is a youth culture across Africa of the average age of about 20, that wants something.”
Also Read: How Sierra Leone Aims To Transform Healthcare System
What Does Idris Elba’s Smart City Mean For Sierra Leone’s Economy and Culture?
The creation of the smart city focuses on building a sustainable and resilient infrastructure that showcases Sierra Leone’s culture and local community values on a global stage with technological advancement.
The official designation of Sherbro Island as a special economic zone not only confers a distinct legal and economic status but also fosters an environment ripe for investment and innovation.
This designation paves the way for the establishment of unique frameworks that incentivize both local and international investments, encouraging a surge of creativity and breed entrepreneurial culture within the region.
The vision for the smart city in Sherbro Island transcends mere urban development; it envisions the creation of an Afro-dynamic eco-city that places paramount importance on community collaboration and resilience.
By prioritizing community engagement and inclusivity, the project aims to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that thrives amidst dynamic challenges and opportunities.
Furthermore, the strategic approach of integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices underscores the project’s commitment to not only creating economic prosperity but also ensuring environmental stewardship.
Through partnerships with leading experts in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure, the Sherbro Island project aspires to set new benchmarks in sustainable urban development within the African context.
After the smart city is completed, Sierra Leone will be known for technological advancement and a remarkable tourist location. This will further improve the nation’s economy with a bigger platform to showcase her cultures.
In essence, the designation of Sherbro Island as a special economic zone represents a transformative step towards realizing a holistic vision of inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and community resilience in the heart of Sierra Leone.
Embarking on the smart city project on Sherbro Island is just one facet of Idris Elba‘s multifaceted approach to leveraging technology and the creative sector to drive economic and social advancement in Africa.
