Culturally Bound Connects with Idris Elba on Vision for Sierra Leone's Development

Last year, Culturally Bound CEO Chidi Blyden served as the keynote speaker at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Conference in Maryland, organized by Vickie Remoe. During this gathering, Blyden and fellow participants committed to contributing their respective expertise toward rebuilding, developing, and promoting Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for business investment and tourism.

Working on this commitment, Blyden returned to Sierra Leone at the end of June. This past month, Blyden was invited to a presentation by Idris Elba on his Sherbro Island development project, which underscores the transformative role that diaspora communities can play in reshaping global narratives about Sierra Leone. The Sherbro Island project, conceived as an eco-city island development, represents the foundation of an ambitious vision for creating an eco-smart, innovative, and economically vibrant urban center designed to catalyze sustainable economic growth. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Culturally Bound’s commitment to culturally-informed development solutions that honor and incorporate the perspectives of diverse communities. Elba's vision of cultivating a self-reliant economy for Sierra Leone represents a strategic departure from traditional perceptions of African nations as dependent on external aid models.

Elba's call to action and his candid sharing of project experiences provided significant encouragement to Blyden. Having returned to Sierra Leone after an extended absence, Blyden sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of the country's business regulatory environment and assess the practical realities of establishing commercial operations within the nation's current framework. Hearing from Elba about his navigational experiences and specific project initiatives proved invaluable in this assessment process.

By integrating local cultural values into their developmental approach, Culturally Bound aims to achieve sustainable and meaningful outcomes that generate broad-based benefits for all stakeholders. Our methodology prioritizes inclusive dialogue and collaborative engagement, ensuring that the development process reflects the authentic voices and aspirations of Sierra Leone's communities, while fostering long-term economic prosperity.