Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Akon’s ambitious Akon City project in Senegal faces a government ultimatum to commence construction or lose most of its land.
- The project, designed to be a futuristic city, has shown little progress with only a single structure built in four years.
- Financial struggles and delays, including a significant drop in Akoin cryptocurrency value, have plagued the development of Akon City.
Akon, creatively alongside the Senegalese government, initiated the ambitious Akon City project, envisioning it as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in Senegal’s M’bour Department. Inspired by the “Black Panther” movie, this project aims to replicate a real-life Wakanda.
Government challenges and project delays
After four years, Akon City’s development site showcases just a single arched concrete block. Sapco-Senegal, the state’s tourism and coastal development entity, has now challenged Akon with an ultimatum: either start construction soon or lose 90 percent of the allocated land. This tough stance comes after Akon missed several payments to Sapco.
Initially, Akon backed the city with the Akoin cryptocurrency during the 2020 market boom. Yet, Akoin’s value has plummeted from $0.15 at its launch to just $0.003, causing financial instability for the project.
Scheduled for completion in 2023, the first phase of Akon City now faces indefinite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic among other setbacks. Akon also has plans to develop a second city in Uganda, although this project too encounters significant challenges.
Local impact and skepticism
Initially, local authorities were hopeful that Akon City would boost the economy. Now, they and the residents who gave up their land for the project are becoming skeptical, as promised compensations remain unpaid and financing questions go unanswered.
Despite this skepticism, Cheick Seck from Dakar-based Axiome Construction insists that progress is underway with necessary studies and assessments.
Akon’s commitment and future plans
Akon, born as Aliaune Thiam, spent part of his childhood in Senegal before moving to New Jersey. Known for hits like “Locked Up” and initiatives like Akon Lighting Africa, Akon City is his boldest venture yet.
With support from Senegal’s former president, Macky Sall, the project symbolizes potential. Akon plans to visit Dakar soon to reassure stakeholders of the project’s viability.
As deadlines approach, the difference between Akon City’s ambitious vision and its current reality widens, casting doubt on the future of this futuristic city.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Akon can turn his visionary city into a tangible reality.
