Idriss Elba’s Eco-City Gets Green Light
By Gibrilla Kamara
In a landmark decision, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has officially approved the ambitious Sherbro Island regeneration project spearheaded by internationally renowned actor and philanthropist, Idris Elba, in partnership with Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP). The announcement was made during a high-profile event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
The approved project aims to transform Sherbro Island, located in Bonthe District, into a sustainable, eco-friendly city that could serve as a model for environmentally conscious development across Africa.
Speaking at the event, Idris Elba expressed his deep personal connection to Sierra Leone and his long-standing desire to contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
“This project is not just about building an eco-city,” Elba said. “It’s about building a community—one that reflects our rich natural heritage, confronts our environmental challenges, and creates economic opportunities for generations to come.”
He further explained that the vision for Sherbro Island is rooted in sustainability, inclusive development, and innovation, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of local residents and fostering regional growth. Elba noted that he and his childhood friend, Siaka Stevens, co-founded SAP in 2019 with the shared dream of turning Sherbro Island into a vibrant, future-focused eco-city.
“We’ve received no funding from the government or external donors yet,” Elba emphasized. “But the support and ratification by Parliament is the green light we’ve been waiting for.”
Siaka Stevens, SAP co-founder and project lead, issued a press statement hailing the parliamentary ratification of the Investment Framework Agreement as a “landmark moment” for Sierra Leone.
“This goes beyond a development project,” Stevens stated. “It is a legally binding commitment to building a new model for sustainable growth and investment in Africa. Sherbro Island City is no longer just a dream—it is a reality taking shape.”
He described the initiative as a platform for long-term innovation, inclusive growth, and responsible environmental stewardship, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the project and inviting development partners to join the transformative journey.
The event concluded with a Q&A session attended by government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps. All questions were addressed thoroughly, reinforcing confidence in the project’s viability and strategic importance.
With parliamentary approval secured, the Sherbro Island Eco-City initiative is now poised to move from vision to implementation—potentially becoming one of the most significant infrastructure and sustainability ventures in Sierra Leone’s history.