Idris Elba “dreams big” with his West African eco-city plan

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Hollywood actor Idris Elba has a "big dream" for Sierra Leone, the West African nation where his father was born: to regenerate a beautiful island off its coast and transform it into an environmentally friendly "smart city."

"Initially, we went there thinking about how we could bring tourism on the most incredible 19 miles of waterfront," the British star told the BBC about Sherbro Island.

But as and as the idea was explored, a more innovative plan came into play: bring in partners and seriously develop the area in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. The project now also aims to bring renewable electricity from wind power to Sierra Leone for the first time.

"It's a dream, you know, but I work in the imaginary company," says Elba, best known for his roles in Luther, the Wire and for playing Nelson Mandela. The 51-year-old actor wants to make people believe it can happen - and change perspectives.

"It's about being empowered, it's "It's about creating an economy that feeds itself and has the potential to grow. I'm very keen to reframe the way Africa is seen... as a model for aid.

"This opportunity is completely different. "

Elba was brought into the project by her childhood friend...