British actor Idris Elba, known for acclaimed roles in The Wire and Luther, plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade. With roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, Elba has long expressed a deep commitment to Africa. Now, he’s set on creating change by boosting the continent’s entertainment industry through ambitious projects, including building film studios and a digital payment platform.
Idris Elba Building an African Entertainment Hub
Elba’s vision starts with establishing film studios in strategic locations across Africa, including Tanzania’s island of Zanzibar and Ghana’s capital, Accra. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” Elba shared. He views his relocation as essential for his ten-year plan to support and grow Africa’s film industry. “I need to be in-country, on the continent,” he emphasized, outlining plans to live across multiple African nations, including Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar.
The first studio is slated for Zanzibar, a project that took shape after Elba met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. With around 200 acres granted by Zanzibar’s government, the studio project could transform the region into a film hub Elba playfully referred to as “Zallywood” or “Zawood.” Tanzania’s Minister for Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff, said Elba’s project will be “similar to Hollywood, Nollywood, or Bollywood.” Elba hopes the studio will boost Africa’s creative economy and expand opportunities for young, talented African creators.
Elba believes Africans should own their stories, describing his mission as vital to changing Africa’s global image. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma,” he said. He added, “It’s really important that we own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages.” His vision is for Africa to present a more complex, realistic narrative, one that transcends stereotypes and celebrates the continent’s diversity.
To support local creators financially, Elba has introduced Akuna Wallet, a digital payment system allowing artists to manage earnings without traditional banks. The pilot program, recently launched in Ghana, could improve financial inclusion for Africa’s creative sector, addressing the limitations many African artists face. “We need a financial model that allows for consistent quality creation,” Elba explained.