Actor Idris Elba is spearheading the development of a smart city in Sierra Leone in order to challenge the common stereotypes about Africa.
Elba is constructing an eco-city on Sherbro Island, a rural area off the coast of West Africa. Siaka Stevens, the grandson of Sierra Leone’s former president who has the same name, is also involved in this project.
They are collaborating with Octopus Energy Generation, a renewable energy company.
Residents of the island city will benefit from a wind and solar farm that will supply them with power.
The actor from Britain expresses his desire to alter the view of Africa as a model for aid.
At present, electricity is available in less than 30% of homes in Sierra Leone.
“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 informed the BBC Newsday show.
“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 included.
Elba informed Newsday that the city aims to draw in businesses and encourage innovation, while also attracting tourists and empowering the local communities.
In addition, the actor intends to establish a film studio in that location, as well as a retirement home for his mother.
Elba’s mother hails from Ghana and relocated to the United Kingdom, whereas his deceased father was of Sierra Leonean descent.
