British actor Idris Elba has revealed plans to move to Africa within the next decade as part of his efforts to help develop the continent’s film industry.
In an interview with the BBC, the 52-year-old actor, known for his role in The Wire, shared that he is working on establishing film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana.
Born in London to a Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father, Elba has strong African roots and hopes to use his influence to support the burgeoning film sector. He stressed the importance of Africans telling their own stories.
“I will definitely settle here; it’s not a matter of if, but when,” he said during an interview at an industry event in Accra. “In the next five to 10 years, I see myself moving here permanently. To make a real impact on the film industry, I need to be on the continent.”
Elba’s approach aligns with Pan-Africanism, as he plans to live in various African cities. “I’ll be in Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. I want to go where the stories are being told, that’s crucial.”
