Renowned British actor Idris Elba has announced his intention to relocate to Africa within the next decade, with a focused mission to contribute to the continent’s burgeoning film industry. At 52, the actor, best known for his standout roles in The Wire and Luther, has made a commitment to his African roots by setting his sights on building film studios in Tanzania and Ghana, signaling a major shift in Elba’s career and personal life as he aims to foster African storytelling on a global stage.
Born in London to a father from Sierra Leone and a mother from Ghana, Elba has long acknowledged his African heritage. His plan to settle in Africa and support the continent’s creative sector reflects his deep connection to his roots and a desire to give back to the region that forms a significant part of his identity. In a recent interview with the BBC, Elba spoke passionately about his intentions: “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen.”
His plans reach beyond a mere relocation, as Elba envisions an active role in developing the infrastructure for African cinema. His blueprint includes building film studios on Tanzania’s Zanzibar islands and in Ghana’s capital, Accra, which he hopes to catalyze the growth of Africa’s film industry, turning it into a global powerhouse.
One of Elba’s primary goals is to enable Africans to own their narratives and present them to a global audience. This project is not just about building physical infrastructure but also about creating opportunities for African filmmakers to produce and share their work. Elba’s initiative echoes a broader shift toward amplifying African voices, giving the continent’s young, dynamic population the tools to create content that reflects their realities, aspirations, and dreams and, subsequently, reshapes global perceptions of Africa.
Zanzibar’s investment minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, reportedly approved Elba’s project in August. The minister jokingly referred to the initiative as potentially becoming “Zollywood” or “Zawood,” likening it to other influential film industries like Hollywood, Nigeria’s Nollywood, and India’s Bollywood.
Elba aims to replicate such success across different regions of Africa, starting with his projects in Zanzibar and Accra. However, Elba’s ambitions extend beyond a single nation, as he has expressed interest in establishing his base in multiple locations, including Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
Despite the creative potential of Africa’s film industry, it faces numerous challenges, including piracy and a lack of funding, issues that have historically hindered the growth of local filmmaking across the continent. The Ghanaian government recently launched a pilot program to increase financial inclusion for creatives and streamline payments in the industry.
Elba has been vocal about the need for better financial structures to support African creatives. He highlighted that many popular platforms for monetizing creative work require bank accounts, which excludes a large portion of young Africans from participating in the digital economy, and emphasized the importance of enabling young African creators to sustainably produce high-quality content.
Elba’s vision for Africa’s film industry is a long-term one. He recognizes that building a robust, sustainable film industry is a process that could take a decade or more and mentioned that he plans to live on the continent to be fully immersed in the project.
With his plans to move to Africa within the next five to ten years, Elba is making a significant personal and professional commitment. His decision to invest in the continent’s creative industries has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, not only by boosting Africa’s film sector but also by inspiring future generations of African storytellers.
In a rapidly changing global media landscape, Elba’s bold move to foster African cinema could redefine how African stories are told, produced, and consumed on the world stage. As the actor and filmmaker continues to champion this cause, his efforts may well usher in a new era for African film, bringing the continent’s rich and diverse narratives to a global audience.
