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Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a hub for youth, tech, and creative enterprise.
President Julius Maada Bio has endorsed Sierra Leone’s participation as a founding champion in the proposed Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, following the signing of a landmark Statement of Intent between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Akuna Group led by Hollywood actor and international investor Sir Idris Elba.
The announcement was highlighted by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh on his facebook page. According to the Chief Minister, the vision is “ to explore Sierra Leone’s participation as a founding champion in the proposed voluntary Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, connecting human-capital development, creative skills, employment, enterprise and Africa-Caribbean opportunity.
Building on Freetown’s Akuna Pod, the project supports Sierra Leonean-led goals in youth, tech, and culture within national law.
The work builds on Freetown’s Akuna Pod to support national goals in digital innovation and culture.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh(L) and Sir Idris Elba(R) signing the statement of intent
The Four Core Pillars of the Agreement
The newly signed Statement of Intent centers around four targeted action areas designed to build sustainable growth for local creators:
- Learning and Mentorship: Equipping young Sierra Leoneans with hands-on creative and technical skill development to compete globally.
- Freetown Akuna Pod: Expanding local creative infrastructure to serve as an innovation hub for young talent.
- Opportunity and Markets: Opening new trade and collaboration avenues across the Africa–Caribbean diaspora and Commonwealth networks.
- Creator Commerce: Enabling artists, entrepreneurs, and digital innovators to build scalable businesses around their intellectual property and creative outputs.
Building on a Growing Legacy
Sir Idris Elba, linked to Sierra Leone through his late father, consistently champions sustainable investment in the country.Alongside his landmark Sherbro Island smart city and renewable energy initiatives, this creative economy partnership represents a direct investment in the nation’s greatest asset: its youth.
“Idris continues bringing investments and opportunities to Sierra Leone, and we’re honored to partner with him,” Dr. Sengeh noted.
The initiative aims to position Sierra Leone as a Commonwealth hub for creative trade and youth empowerment.
Dr Sengeh(far left),President Julius Maada Bio(2nd left), Sir Idris Elba(2nd right) and officials attend the signing ceremony at Terra Carta,Antigua.
Meeting At Terra Carta On Energy Partnership
Furthermore, Dr. Sengeh detailed a meeting at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Terra Carta in Antigua, with Sir Idris Elba and Zoisa North-Bond, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus Energy.
The meeting focused on their partnership to deliver the first commercial wind-solar-battery farm in West Africa.
Dr. Sengeh said the partnership demonstrates what he described as “ Radical collaboration in Action,” highlighting three key takeaways.
First, leadership: President Bio’s guidance cut Octopus Energy’s wind farm build to under two years, versus Europe’s typical five to seven.
Second, vision. In particular, he credited Sir Idris Elba with bringing together the right partners, ideas, capital, and expertise.
Third, innovation, not charity.Crucially, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that Octopus Energy views the project not as charity, but as a viable business bringing affordable energy to all. Furthermore, he added that the company does not cut corners or seek waivers, but follows due process.
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Sierra Leone to Champion Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership
Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a hub for youth, tech, and ... -
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