Four years after its grand announcement, R&B singer Akon’s ambitious $6 billion project, Akon City, is under intense scrutiny as Senegalese authorities issue a final ultimatum for the commencement of construction. The state-owned tourism and coastal development entity, Sapco-Senegal, has warned that Akon must begin construction soon or risk losing 90% of the land allocated for the project.
Despite the initial excitement and support, Akon City currently has only a single arched concrete block to show for its progress. Sapco-Senegal’s ultimatum follows Akon’s failure to make several payments, casting a shadow over the project’s future.
The vision for Akon City included luxury apartments, a resort, hospitals, a police station, and a university, all supported by the Akoin cryptocurrency. However, the cryptocurrency has plummeted in value since its launch during the 2020 market boom, now trading at just $0.003 from an initial $0.15.
Granted 136 acres of land in 2020, Akon City was envisioned as a futuristic metropolis inspired by Marvel’s “Black Panther.” It promised to feature condominiums, amusement parks, and a seaside resort powered by solar energy and Akoin cryptocurrency. Akon marketed the project as a driver of economic growth for Senegal, with job creation and modern infrastructure at its core.
Local authorities and residents initially hopeful about the economic potential of Akon City are now increasingly skeptical. The first phase of the project was slated for completion by 2023, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other setbacks have indefinitely delayed this timeline. Meanwhile, Akon has also announced plans for a second city in Uganda, which faces similar challenges.
Residents who gave up their land for Akon City have yet to see the promised compensation, raising questions about the project’s financing and feasibility. Despite these concerns, Cheick Seck, a project manager with Dakar-based Axiome Construction, asserts that work is ongoing, with geotechnical studies and environmental assessments currently in progress.
Akon, born Aliaune Thiam in the United States, spent part of his childhood in Senegal before achieving global fame with hits like “Locked Up” and “Lonely.” In 2007, he launched Akon Lighting Africa, a project aimed at bringing solar-powered electricity to off-grid African communities. Akon City is his most ambitious project to date, initially supported by Senegal’s former president, Macky Sall.
In the coming weeks, Akon is expected to visit Dakar to reassure partners and stakeholders of the project’s viability. However, as delays mount, the gap between Akon’s grand vision and the current stalled reality of Akon City continues to widen.
