The Investment Framework Agreement (IFA) for the Sherbro Island city project has been signed by British-Born actor Idris Elba, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), with the aim of transforming the island into an economic engine for Sierra Leone and the West Africa region. The project will be operated under a legal regime designed to attract and protect long-term investment and will develop a diversified service and manufacturing economy to create job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans and attract new capabilities to the region. The project will integrate efficient infrastructure with transparent and effective governance, supported by smart technology and climate-sensitive policies.
Paramount Chief Kong Mbakie, also known as Idris Elba, visited the Island to meet with the mayor, local chiefs, and other stakeholders to reaffirm his dedication and commitment to the project. The parties reached an agreement on the IFA in Washington D.C. during the US-Africa Leader’s Summit, with U.S. Senator Gregory Meeks praising the project and GoSL’s commitment to innovation and development.
Mr. Elba expressed his gratitude to his Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, for his continued support for the project and to other members of the government negotiation team for their tireless work behind the scenes to bring the project to where it is today. He emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the project to have a lasting impact on future generations and set out the next steps in the process, including marketing and promoting the project internationally and organizing detailed feasibility studies.
SAP was founded in 2019 by Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, who are committed to building a legacy in Sierra Leone. The SAP team is made up of experienced strategic advisors and lawyers. To transform Sherbro Island’s economy and bring investment at scale into Sierra Leone, a radical approach is required. GoSL and SAP’s commitment to transformation by building the right enabling environment for investors, residents, and visitors to Sherbro is critical.
