Film star Idris Elba, who is leading the construction of a smart city in Sierra Leone, says he took on the project to change the stereotypical perception of Africa.
Elba is building the eco-city on the rural Sherbro Island off the coast of West Africa along with Siaka Stevens, a grandson of Sierra Leone's former president, who shared the same name.
They are partnering with the renewable energy company Octopus Energy Generation.
The island city will have a wind and solar farm to provide power to residents.
Currently, less than a third of homes in Sierra Leone have electricity.
"Are we ever gonna make a profit? I don't think so, but it is about being self-reliant, it's about bringing an economy that feeds itself, that has growth potential," Elba told the BBC Newsday programme.
"I'm very keen to sort of reframe the way Africa is viewed. We often view the framing of Africa as an aid model and this opportunity is completely different," he added.
Elba told Newsday that the city is intended to attract business and innovation, while also appealing to holidaymakers and empowering local communities.
The actor also plans to set up a film studio there, along with a retirement home for his mother.
Elba's mother is a Ghanaian who moved to the UK, while his late father was of Sierra Leonean origin.
Latest Stories
-
NSMQ star Jochebed Adwoa Sutherland sweeps 12 awards at UG Vice-Chancellor’s Ceremony
4 mins -
Ghana’s Education Quality ranked 125 out of 183 countries in latest Global Youth Development Index
29 mins -
Emma Stone wants people to use her real first name
33 mins -
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Sundowns, Esperance join Al Ahly and Wydad as CAF representatives
4 hours -
CAFCL: Al Ahly set up historic final with ES Tunis
5 hours -
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
8 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
9 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
9 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
9 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
10 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
11 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
11 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
11 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
11 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
12 hours