Idris Elba, renowned film star, spearheads the development of a smart city in Sierra Leone, aiming to challenge stereotypes about Africa.
Teaming up with Siaka Stevens, grandson of the country’s former president, they are constructing an eco-city on Sherbro Island, located off the West African coast.
Octopus Energy Generation, a renewable energy firm, joins forces with them. The island city will have a wind and solar farm to provide power to residents. Currently, less than a third of homes in Sierra Leone have electricity.
“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,” Elba told the BBC Newsday programme.
“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,” he added.
Elba told Newsday that the city is intended to attract business and innovation, while also appealing to holidaymakers and empowering local communities.
The actor also plans to set up a film studio there, along with a retirement home for his mother.
Elba’s mother is a Ghanaian who moved to the UK, while his late father was of Sierra Leonean origin.
SOURCE: bbc.com