Akon's 6 Billion 'Wakanda' Dream in Senegal Collapses: From Futuristic City to Unrealized Vision

Senegalese-American singer Akon's ambitious plan to build a 6 billion futuristic city, dubbed "Akon City," in Senegal has officially been abandoned. Initially envisioned as a real-life Wakanda, inspired by Marvel's Black Panther, the project aimed to create a high-tech, eco-friendly metropolis powered by renewable energy and Akon's own cryptocurrency, Akoin. However, after years of delays and minimal progress, the dream has come to an end.

The Rise and Fall of Akon City

Announced in 2020, Akon City was to be constructed on 800 hectares of land near Mbodiene, approximately 100 kilometers south of Dakar. The project promised luxury hotels, shopping malls, a hospital, a police station, and a university, all operating on renewable energy and Akoin cryptocurrency. Despite the grand vision, the only structure ever built was an incomplete reception building. No roads, housing, or power infrastructure materialized, leaving the site largely undeveloped.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

Akon's Akoin cryptocurrency, intended as the city's economic backbone, faced significant challenges. Launched at 0.15, its value plummeted to0.003 by December 2024, raising concerns about the project's financial viability. Additionally, Akon missed several payments to Senegal's state-owned tourism development body, SAPCO, leading to a formal notice demanding the commencement of construction or the risk of losing 90% of the granted land.

Local Disappointment and Government Response

Local residents, who were promised jobs and development, expressed disappointment as the project failed to deliver. Village chief Michel Diome, once a staunch supporter, voiced doubts about the project's future, stating, "We're still waiting." 

In response to the project's stagnation, Senegalese authorities have reclaimed the majority of the land allocated for Akon City. SAPCO confirmed that the project no longer exists and that a more realistic development plan is being considered.

The Future of the Site

While Akon City may have been scrapped, discussions are underway for alternative development plans that align more closely with the region's needs and capabilities. These plans aim to provide tangible benefits to the local population, focusing on achievable goals and sustainable growth.

Akon's vision for a futuristic city in Senegal serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of large-scale development projects, especially those heavily reliant on emerging technologies and unproven financial models. As the site transitions to new plans, the focus shifts to realistic and sustainable development that can genuinely benefit the local community.