Akon's grand vision for a futuristic city, originally named Akon City, has been officially scrapped, as confirmed by Serigne Mamadou Mboup, the head of Senegal's tourism development body, Sapco. After five years of delays and minimal progress on the ambitious $6 billion project, the incomplete site in Mbodiène, about 100 kilometers south of Dakar, remains largely vacant, with only a partial reception building standing.
Akon, born in the U.S. but raised in Senegal, first announced the city initiative in 2018, envisioning it as a model for future African societies supported by a new cryptocurrency called Akoin. Initial ambitious plans featured innovative designs reminiscent of the fictional Wakanda from Marvel’s Black Panther. However, promises of a bustling community with jobs and development failed to materialize, leaving locals frustrated.
The Akoin cryptocurrency has also faced challenges, with Akon admitting to management issues over the years, acknowledging the struggles to return investments to its backers. Questions regarding its legality as a primary payment method in Senegal have compounded these issues, as the region's central bank has expressed resistance towards cryptocurrencies.
Although the project was to include vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and solar plants, little construction occurred after the launch ceremony. The government has concluded what many suspected—that the project's ambitions exceeded its capabilities. In light of this, a more realistic urban development plan is now in collaboration with Akon for the same site, which holds strategic importance, especially with the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the anticipated rise in tourism.
