Award-winning actor Idris Elba is set to embark on a groundbreaking project to transform Sierra Leone’s Sherbro Island into a modern eco-smart city, following formal approval from the country’s Parliament.
Elba, alongside his childhood friend and business partner Siaka Stevens, co-founded Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) in 2019 to drive this ambitious vision. With Parliament ratifying a landmark public-private partnership, SAP has been granted the authority to lead the development of the island as a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“This is more than a development project,” Elba said. “It’s a platform for long-term investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. My commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential and reshaping how the world sees development on the continent has never been stronger. Sherbro is ready, and the future starts now.”
Stevens described the milestone as a defining moment for Sierra Leone. “This represents years of hard work, collaboration, and belief in what our country can offer when we think boldly and build with purpose,” he said. “Sherbro Island City is now a legally enshrined commitment to building a new model of sustainable development, investment, and innovation in Africa.”
Following the ratification, Elba and Stevens paid a courtesy visit to President Julius Maada Bio to express gratitude for his administration’s support. Elba noted that the milestone represents years of perseverance and called for continued collaboration to realise the vision.
President Bio reaffirmed his full commitment to the initiative. “This project is personal for me, not just because I come from Bonthe, but because I believe in its potential to unlock major investment and tourism opportunities for Sierra Leone,” he stated. “It is our collective responsibility to position Sierra Leone as a destination where investment can thrive. This project is just the beginning.”
