Landmark moment as government officials ratify investment bill backing ambitious vision for Sherbro Island
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 26 June 2025 – Actor and philanthropist Idris Elba and Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) have been formally granted approval by the Parliament of Sierra Leone to lead the regeneration of the beautiful Sherbro Island and transform it into an eco-friendly “smart city”.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has officially ratified a landmark public-private partnership (PPP), established to lead the development of Sherbro Island into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The initiative, which has received unanimous backing from the island’s Paramount Chiefs and the wider Bonthe community, will operate as the official Development Authority for Sherbro Island.
Elba partnered with his childhood friend Siaka Stevens in 2019 to form SAP with a mission to transform Sherbro Island into a large-scale and sustainable eco-city, a driver of economic growth for Sierra Leone and the surrounding West Africa region. They share a commitment to building a legacy in Sierra Leone that will promote investment and rapid sustainable growth.
Idris Elba, Co-Founder of Sherbro Alliance Partners, said: “The ratification of the Investment Framework Agreement by the Government and Parliament of Sierra Leone is a landmark moment. It brings us closer to realising 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. 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.”
Siaka Stevens, Co-Founder and CEO of Sherbro Alliance Partners, said: “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.
“I am deeply grateful to the Government of Sierra Leone, our partners, and everyone who has supported this vision from the beginning. Together, we are laying the foundations for a city that reflects the very best of Sierra Leone, its resilience, its talent, and its future.”
Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest investors in clean energy, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Sherbro Island’s energy future. As part of the island’s transformation, Octopus is partnering with the organisation to develop Sierra Leone’s first wind farm to generate clean, affordable power – accelerating energy access, boosting the local economy and unlocking entrepreneurial energy opportunities across the region.
The Government of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partners’ commitment to Sherbro Island is reflected in the design of a model SEZ – one that welcomes investors, residents, and visitors alike. Designed with input from local communities and global experts, the plan focuses on sustainable development that protects Sherbro Island’s natural ecosystems while delivering long-term benefits for the people of Sierra Leone.
The development programme will operate under a clear legal and investment framework designed to attract and protect responsible, long-term investment. It anticipates a diverse economy built on services and manufacturing, creating quality jobs for Sierra Leoneans and bringing new skills and opportunities to the region. With modern infrastructure, transparent governance, smart technology, and climate-sensitive policies at its core, the Sherbro SEZ will be a blueprint for inclusive, future- focused growth.
Zoisa North Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “This is an important milestone and 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 green electrons.
“With the country aiming for 85% renewable energy capacity by 2030, and with the ratification of the investment framework bill as an anchor of that ambition, Sierra Leone can step onto the global stage as a strong voice in Africa’s clean energy transition.
“By building Sierra Leone’s first wind farm, we’re creating new opportunities for investment, green jobs, and long-term prosperity. This project will deliver lasting impact for the country’s young and vibrant population and stands as a bold step towards an economy that puts people and planet at its heart. We’re incredibly proud to help bring it to life.”
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Press contact:
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ESPR
Notes to Editors
About Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP)
Founded in 2019 by Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) is an infrastructure development firm spearheading the Sherbro Island City project in Sierra Leone. With a mission to establish the world’s inaugural Afro-Dynamic Eco-City, the organisation aims to create a secure, diverse, sustainable, and pioneering hub for business and tourism. This visionary project will serve as a home for islanders, Sierra Leoneans, the diaspora, individuals of African descent, and global expatriates.
About Octopus Energy Generation
Octopus Energy Generation is driving the renewable energy agenda and building green power for the future. It is reshaping the market by leading the transition to a cleaner, greener future through renewable projects connected more deeply to customers and businesses. As one of Europe’s largest specialist renewables investors, it manages 4.3 GW of energy projects like wind and solar farms in over 15 countries, worth £7bn ($9bn/ €8.5bn). These generate enough green power for 2.4 million homes every year – the equivalent of taking over 1 million petrol cars off the road. Octopus comes up with innovative tech-enabled products to change ingrained thinking about energy, positively influence the net zero economy, deliver cheaper energy for customers and make it easier for everyone to be a part in the energy transition. For more information, check out our website.
About Octopus Energy Group
Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to over 9 million households globally. Its operations span 32 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.
Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 60 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.
Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
An SEZ is a geographically delineated region that is subject to different economic regulations to other regions in the same country for the purpose of attracting levels of foreign direct investment that could not otherwise be achieved.
Successful examples of SEZs can be seen across West Africa, including Lekki (Nigeria) and globally, in Shenzhen (China) and Dubai (UAE). Businesses thrive on certainty, and SEZs consistently rank highly on the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index as they provide long- term consistency through clear and transparent governance and thus attract investors.