Freetown, June 26, 2025 – In a momentous announcement at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, acclaimed actor and philanthropist Idris Elba confirmed that Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified the landmark Investment Framework Agreement, officially endorsing his ambitious plan to transform Sherbro Island into a pioneering eco-friendly smart city.
The green light from Parliament paves the way for Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP)—co-founded by Idris Elba and his longtime friend, Siaka Stevens—to lead the regeneration of Sherbro Island through a dynamic public-private partnership.
The project will establish Sherbro Island as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and will function under a dedicated Development Authority with full support from the island’s Paramount Chiefs and local communities.
Formed in 2019, SAP was created with the mission of turning Sherbro Island into a model of sustainable urban development and economic opportunity—not just for Sierra Leone, but for the wider West African region.
“The ratification of the Investment Framework Agreement by the Government and Parliament of Sierra Leone is a landmark moment,” said Idris Elba, Co-Founder of SAP. “It brings us closer to realizing our vision of building a pioneering eco-smart city—the first of its kind in West Africa. This is more than a development project. It’s a platform for long-term investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
Co-Founder and CEO of SAP, Siaka Stevens, described the moment as a historic milestone:
“This marks a defining moment for our beloved country and this transformative project. Sherbro Island City is now a legally enshrined commitment to building a new model of sustainable development, investment, and innovation on the African continent.”
The eco-city project has already attracted global interest. Octopus Energy Generation—one of Europe’s largest investors in renewable energy—is set to play a key role by partnering to build Sierra Leone’s first wind farm. The wind farm will provide clean, affordable energy, expand access, and catalyze green jobs and entrepreneurship across the region.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, remarked:
“This is a powerful signal of confidence in the extraordinary potential of this project. With its abundant natural resources, Sierra Leone can become a global showcase for community-driven economic growth powered by clean energy.”
She added, “By building the country’s first wind farm, we’re creating new opportunities for investment, green jobs, and long-term prosperity. This project stands as a bold step toward an economy that puts people and the planet at its heart.”
The Sherbro Island development will be guided by a clear legal and investment framework designed to protect responsible investors and ensure sustainable impact. The plan, developed in consultation with local communities and international experts, emphasizes environmental protection, modern infrastructure, transparent governance, and inclusive economic growth.
With a focus on services, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy, the SEZ is expected to generate thousands of quality jobs, upskill local talent, and transform Sherbro Island into a hub of innovation and opportunity.
