Hollywood actor and entrepreneur, Idris Elba, is set to spearhead one of the most ambitious development projects in West Africa: the transformation of Sierra Leone’s Sherbro Island into a sustainable, eco-smart city.
The initiative, designed to become a benchmark for innovation, tourism, and inclusive economic growth, recently received formal approval from Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
Alongside his longtime friend and business partner, Siaka Stevens, Elba co-founded Sherbro Alliance Partners in 2019.
The duo envisioned Sherbro Island evolving into a large-scale eco-city that would serve both local and regional development goals.
That vision has now taken a major leap forward with the ratification of a landmark public-private partnership. This agreement grants SAP the authority to lead Sherbro Island’s transformation under the legal framework of a Special Economic Zone.
“This is more than a development project,” said Idris Elba, Co-Founder of Sherbro Alliance Partners. “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.”
With unanimous endorsement from the island’s Paramount Chiefs and widespread support from the Bonthe District community, SAP is now recognized as the official Development Authority for Sherbro Island.
Siaka Stevens, SAP’s Co-Founder and CEO, described the milestone as a pivotal achievement: “This marks a defining moment for our beloved country and for this transformative project. This milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and belief in what Sierra Leone can offer the world when we think boldly and build with purpose. Sherbro Island City is more than just a dream, it is now a legally enshrined commitment to building a new model of sustainable development, investment, and innovation on the African continent.”
Following the parliamentary ratification, Elba and the SAP leadership team visited President Julius Maada Bio to express gratitude for the government’s continued support. Elba highlighted the years of work that led to this phase and praised President Bio for his role in helping move the project forward.
“This milestone represents years of perseverance, and we are excited to move into this next phase. Mr President, your support is more important now than ever, and we are deeply honoured to have you as a partner in realising this vision,” Elba said.
President Bio, who hails from the Bonthe District where Sherbro Island is located, reiterated his backing: “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 said. “It is our collective responsibility to position Sierra Leone as a destination where investment can thrive. This project is just the beginning.”
