The long-awaited Akon City project in Senegal has been abandoned by its stakeholders, a move confirmed by Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of Senegal's tourism development body, Sapco. After encountering numerous setbacks since its inception in 2018, the originally proposed $6 billion project will not move forward as planned. Instead, officials announced a shift towards developing a more realistic project with the singer Akon, born Alioune Badara Thiam.
Akon's Visionary $6 Billion City in Senegal Abandoned Amidst Funding Issues
Akon's Visionary $6 Billion City in Senegal Abandoned Amidst Funding Issues
The ambitious Akon City project, once hailed as a beacon of African innovation, has been officially scrapped as officials pivot towards more practical developments.
Envisioned as an environment-friendly metropolis powered by renewable energy, Akon City was meant to symbolize the future of African society, complete with a cryptocurrency dubbed Akoin. Initial designs drew comparisons to the fictional city of Wakanda from Marvel's Black Panther, stirring excitement among locals and investors alike. However, only an incomplete reception building exists on the 800-hectare plot located in Mbodiène, while concerns over financing, construction delays, and regulatory issues led to the project's downfall.
Local frustrations have emerged as residents express disappointment over unfulfilled promises of job creation and development. The Akoin cryptocurrency also faced issues, as Akon acknowledged mismanagement and legal challenges surrounding its use as a primary payment method in Senegal, which relies on the CFA franc.
Despite the failure of the original plans, the Senegalese government maintains that Akon's vision will not be entirely abandoned. They are collaborating on a more achievable development plan for the site, focusing on enhancing regional tourism ahead of the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The government remains committed to utilizing the strategic land for more practical enhancements to the region.
Local frustrations have emerged as residents express disappointment over unfulfilled promises of job creation and development. The Akoin cryptocurrency also faced issues, as Akon acknowledged mismanagement and legal challenges surrounding its use as a primary payment method in Senegal, which relies on the CFA franc.
Despite the failure of the original plans, the Senegalese government maintains that Akon's vision will not be entirely abandoned. They are collaborating on a more achievable development plan for the site, focusing on enhancing regional tourism ahead of the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The government remains committed to utilizing the strategic land for more practical enhancements to the region.
