March 14th 2024.
Idris Elba, the talented British actor, is not only known for his incredible performances on screen but also for his visionary mindset. Recently, he has been keeping himself busy with an exciting project - the development of a "smart eco-city" on an island in Sierra Leone, his father's native country. According to CNN, Elba is committed to his role as a brand ambassador for Sierra Leone, and this project is a testament to his dedication.
This development is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding that Elba signed with the local government in 2019, with the aim of creating an economic hub on Sherbo Island in Sierra Leone. Recently, at the Investopia investment conference in Abu Dhabi, Elba teased the project and shared more details about it. He revealed that it all started seven years ago when he had a conversation with his business partner, Siaka Stevens, about bringing tourism to the island. However, as they delved deeper, they realized the potential for much more than just tourism on this beautiful island.
With its picturesque beaches, crystal blue waters, and a thriving population of sea turtles, Sherbo Island has a lot to offer. Elba and his team saw the opportunity to transform it into something more than just a tourist destination. "First of all, it's a beautiful little island off the coast of Sierra Leone. It's about the same size as Chicago, with a population of around 40,000 people living in different regions across the island," Elba explained. He also highlighted the historical significance of the island, as it was once a major point in the slave trade. The relics of that era, such as the old houses, churches, and a grid system, are still present on the island, making it a culturally and historically rich part of Sierra Leone.
Elba also addressed the economic state of Sierra Leone, which he described as "one of the poorest countries in the world." He saw this project as an opportunity to not only bring in investment but also to create job opportunities and empower the youth of Africa. "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," Elba shared.
With a team of experts by his side, Elba has taken on the responsibility of developing the island and bringing in new opportunities for the people of West Africa. He is deeply passionate about this project and sees it as his "retirement plan." As someone who has worked on several films in Africa, Elba has witnessed firsthand the growth and potential of the creative arts industry in the region. He believes that the government should do more to support this industry, and he is determined to contribute towards its growth and success.
In 2019, Elba signed the MoU in New York City as a part of his Sherbo Alliance Partners, which he co-founded with Stevens. With his father being from Sierra Leone and his mother being of Ghanaian descent, Elba has a strong connection to Africa and is committed to making a positive impact on the continent. In fact, in 2014, he worked closely with the UK Secretary of State to help eradicate Ebola from West Africa.
Idris Elba's vision for a smart eco-city in Sierra Leone is a testament to his determination, creativity, and commitment to making a difference. As he works towards turning this vision into a reality, he remains a fierce advocate for Africa's creative arts industry and hopes to see more support and opportunities for the talented individuals in the region.
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