Senegal Sets Deadline for Akon’s $6 Billion ‘Akon City’ Project

Senegal authorities have issued an ultimatum to singer Akon, requiring him to commence construction on his $6 billion “Akon City” project or face losing 90% of the land allocated for the development, Guardian has reported.

The American-Senegalese R&B star laid the foundation stone for the futuristic metropolis four years ago, on a 136-acre plot of Atlantic coastline granted by the Senegalese government in 2020.

Envisioned as a real-life version of Wakanda from the Black Panther films, Akon City was planned to include condominiums, amusement parks, a seaside resort, and advanced technology infrastructure, all powered by solar energy and Akon’s cryptocurrency, Akoin.

Sapco-Senegal, the state overseeing coastal development, has expressed frustration over the delays.

Serigne Mboup, the general manager of Sapco-Senegal, stated that the agency had given Akon formal notice to start construction or risk losing the land. This notice followed reports that Akon had missed several payments to the agency.

According to the Guardian, Akon’s spokesperson declined to comment, while another staff member claimed they were unaware of the notice.

Speaking to a journalist, a village chief, Diome admitted that hopes for the project’s transformative impact are fading.  “We’re still waiting,” he said.

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