Tanzanian officials have given actor Idris Elba permission to proceed with plans to expand Africa’s film industry by creating a designated “Zollywood” area in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago off the nation’s coast.

According to the BBC, the Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority, Shariff Ali Shariff, discussed the proceedings on August 1 at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. It’s detailed that the official lightheartedly said, “I’m not sure how we will call it in Zanzibar, whether Zollywood or Zawood.”

Based on the name, Zollywood would ideally align with the established success of film hubs across the globe – including Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood. The official green light for the Zanzibar-based film center reportedly comes after Elba met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan about the entertainment venture in January 2023.

A spokesperson for Hassan was quoted saying, “If successful, the project will help not only Tanzania but also eastern and central Africa.”

Idris Elba’s Work In Africa Continues

Elba, 51, was born to a Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father who migrated to London in the ’70s. The forthcoming investments in Zanzibar contribute to various ventures the London-born celebrity and philanthropist has worked toward in Africa for nearly a decade. In March, he shared his ambitions to transform Sherbro Island into an environmentally friendly smart city. The 230-square-mile area, off the coast of Sierra Leone, is situated apart from the mainland by the Sherbro River.

Elba told CNN that Sherbro Island has about 40,000 inhabitants and 19 miles of beachfront. The Wire star shared that he initially had other dreams for the island. He wanted it to be a tourist hub before his business partner and childhood friend, Siaka Stevens, weighed in. The latter recognized the need for a more impactful initiative.

The duo’s company, Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), thus began a groundbreaking project. Their goal became building an eco-city through a public-private partnership with the Sierra Leonean government and several influential firms.

An Eco-City In His Father’s Country

An eco-city prioritizes sustainability and environmental consciousness in urban development. The sites can serve as crucial resources to many countries, like Sierra Leone, that face environmental and economic challenges.

Eco-cities offer sustainable and affordable solutions to issues including energy consumption, waste management, and climate resilience. By blending modern infrastructure, cultural values, and a respect for nature, they provide environmental benefits, economic growth, and community empowerment.

“It’s about being self-reliant, it’s about bringing an economy that feeds itself and has growth potential. I’m very keen to reframe the way Africa is viewed… as an aid model. This opportunity is completely different,” Elba told BBC. “The character of the island hopefully will remain intact. It’s a beautiful, green part of the world and we don’t want to disturb that,” he added.

The actor and Stevens have three core principles for their project. They are honoring African cultural values, designing adaptable infrastructure, and adhering to eco-city principles. The plan includes partnerships with major firms. For example, the energy company Octopus will help establish Sierra Leone’s first wind farm on the island.

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