Actor Idris Elba and philanthropist Sabrina Elba have announced plans to spearhead an ambitious eco-city development project on Sherbro Island, aimed at promoting sustainable growth and economic empowerment.
The initiative, which combines environmental sustainability with community development, is intended to serve as a model for future projects across Africa. According to reports from National Geographic, the couple envisions transforming the island into a renewable-powered, self-sustaining urban space.
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Both Elbas have emphasized their personal connection to the continent. Idris Elba, whose father is from Sierra Leone, and Sabrina Elba, whose mother is from Somalia, say the project is also about reshaping global perceptions of Africa.
“We wanted to see Africa represented the way that we knew it to be,” Sabrina Elba said, adding that the initiative seeks to challenge longstanding stereotypes and “change the storytelling.”
The concept for the project gained momentum following a 2019 visit to Sierra Leone, when the couple served as ambassadors for the International Fund for Agricultural Development. During that trip, they identified an opportunity to create a long-term investment initiative rather than a traditional tourism-based development.
Subsequently, the pair established the Elba Hope Foundation, which consolidates their efforts in areas such as sustainable agriculture, education, and community development. The foundation has focused on supporting small-scale farmers through cooperative systems, access to credit, and training in cocoa and cashew production.
A key component of the broader vision is the Hope Power Project, a three-year initiative designed to electrify and digitally connect Sherbro Island using renewable energy. The project is expected to lay the groundwork for the proposed eco-city by improving infrastructure while maintaining environmental integrity.
Idris Elba noted that the initiative raises broader questions about the future of urban development, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability. He suggested that Sherbro Island could become a blueprint for building cities that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Through this effort, the Elbas aim not only to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development but also to demonstrate how public figures can move beyond symbolic support to become actively involved in long-term, impact-driven initiatives.
