Akon’s City Project Faces Deadline from Senegalese Authorities

Singer Akon has received a formal ultimatum from the Senegalese government: start construction on the Akon City project or lose 90% of the granted land. The ambitious Akon City project, spanning over 130 acres and worth more than $6 billion, aims to create a futuristic city modeled after Wakanda from the Black Panther films. Announced in 2018, Akon City is planned to be situated along Senegal’s Atlantic coast.

The city vision includes luxury condos, a university, hospitals, and entertainment facilities, all powered by Akoin, a cryptocurrency developed by Akon. The Senegalese authorities’ recent notice responds to persistent delays since the project’s inception. Initially, construction was to begin in 2020, with the first phase expected to finish by the end of 2023. However, as of February 2024, progress remains minimal, with only the Welcome Center partially complete.

Akon positioned the project as a potential boon for the local economy, offering jobs and revitalizing the area. However, skepticism persists among residents and critics. Concerns focus on the project’s viability, local labor involvement, and overall transparency. Critics argue that insufficient engagement with the local community could undermine its benefits.

Despite these challenges, Akon remains committed to Akon City. He is optimistic about its success, envisioning it as a sanctuary for the African diaspora and a model for future urban developments in Africa. The government’s pressure to begin construction marks a pivotal moment, determining if the project can transition from concept to reality.