In 2018, Singer singer Akon announced ambitious plans to build a $6 billion futuristic city in Senegal, inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther. Dubbed Akon City, this metropolis was to feature luxury apartments, amusement parks, and a seaside resort, all powered by solar energy and utilizing Akon’s cryptocurrency, Akoin.
The West African nation granted Akon, 136 acres on its Atlantic Coast to realize his vision. However, four years later, the site remains largely undeveloped, with a single arched concrete block marking where the foundation stone was laid. The project has faced numerous delays and controversies, leading to increasing impatience among local authorities.
Now, according to Bloomberg, Sapco-Senegal, the state-owned entity responsible for developing coastal and tourism areas, has issued a formal notice to Akon to commence construction or risk losing 90% of the allocated land. This ultimatum follows several missed payments to Sapco.
Akon City was originally presented as a beacon of modernity, featuring hospitals, a police station, and a university equipped with advanced technology. The city was to be environmentally friendly, running on solar power, with residents and visitors using Akoin. The multi-platinum singer stated, “I wanted to build a city or a project like this that will give them the motivation to know that there is a home back home.”
However, Akoin’s value has significantly dropped since its introduction during a cryptocurrency bull run in 2020, casting doubt on its viability as the city’s financial backbone.
Local communities were initially hopeful that Akon City would bring much-needed jobs and development. Michel Diome, the chief of Mbodiene village, expressed optimism about the potential employment opportunities and the promise of new infrastructure. “Every village chief would desire a project like this, because we are expecting jobs for men, women and the youth in Mbodiène,” he said.
Despite the delays, some developments have taken place. Akon, 51, has funded a youth center, a basketball court, and an information center for curious visitors.
With a 10 year construction plan in mind, the Smack That singer told CNN in 2020, “I was always thinking the day I get big, or the day I can be of an influence or have some kind of power to make decisions in Africa, I want to go in and start developing.” He previously initiated a solar lighting campaign in 2007 to bring power of sections of the motherland that have remained off the grid.
Nevertheless, these efforts fall short of the grand vision initially presented. Lawmaker Bara Gaye has publicly criticized the project, calling it a “scandal” and urging the government to reassess its commitment.
Project manager Cheick Seck remains optimistic, stating that geotechnical studies and land preparation are underway. Akon is expected to visit Dakar soon to address concerns and reassure partners about the project’s future.
“If the youth have the opportunity to have a good university, they will have more chances to find a job here,” he says. “As an African, if you have a nice life, the beach, a good job and healthcare, what else do you need? Why would you go looking for it in Europe?”
