Lessons from a Dinner Discussion with a Hollywood Star, an Iconic Fashion Designer, and a CEO of a Global Energy Company
After an absolutely inspiring Townhall Series in Leicester on May 30th, 2026 which centered on the potential of the Sierra Leonean diaspora, I proceeded to London for further engagements.
Dinner topic: how to accelerate Sierra Leone’s development using innovative partnerships and financing.
Dinner guests: Sir Idris Elba, Foday Dumbuya, and Zoisa North-Bond.
Idris and Zoisa are currently partnering to develop a large-scale solar-and-wind-farm-battery system in Sherbro Island. When completed, the goal is to generate about 1MW of energy connecting nearly 2,000 homes and businesses. Very interesting is that this project will generate data for research and the development of technology for renewable energy systems.
Although a completely funded private sector initiative between Idris’ company and Octopus Energy, this project has been fully backed and enabled by government, starting with President Bio right through to the institutions involved (ministries of energy and environment, regulatory agencies, etc). Zoisa, Idris and I are in constant touch on developing this first of it’s kind project in the subregion.
Foday Dumbuya joined us later after completing his filming at the Arsenal victory parade. Foday, I say, is responsible for Arsenal’s victory this season. Idris concurs by noting that the ‘drip, flair and style’ woven in the jersey designed by Foday gave the team extra confidence. Coincidentally, Idris, also an Arsenal fan, was wearing Labrum London designs from head to toe! Yay to Sierra Leoneans supporting Sierra Leoneans.
Over a delicious dinner at Enish- a West Africa restaurant in Knightbridge, the four of us discussed ways of tapping into the diaspora, the creative energy of our youth and the major infrastructural investments that will accelerate Sierra Leone’s development. I left full – both physically and mentally with the reaffirmed belief that indeed together #WeAreDelivering.
As Sir Idris Elba gets ready for his investiture and my dear Foday also bags a major design award this week, I return home today feeling very clear minded that as a Government, we must be more intentional with our diaspora. Together #WeWillDeliver.
