Akon's dream of creating a futuristic $6 billion city in Senegal, dubbed Akon City, has hit a dead end. Officials have confirmed that the project has been scrapped due to financial challenges and considerable delays. The head of Senegal's tourism development body, Serigne Mamadou Mboup, announced, “The Akon City project no longer exists.” Instead, Akon will pivot towards a more realistic endeavor.
Back in 2018, Akon captured attention with grand proposals featuring eco-friendly skyscrapers. His plan was to construct an innovative, self-sustaining city powered by a unique cryptocurrency called Akoin. However, five years later, the expansive site in Mbodiène remains largely undeveloped, featuring only an incomplete reception building and no operational infrastructure.
Local residents expressed disappointment, stating, "We were promised jobs and development... instead, nothing has changed." Meanwhile, Akoin has struggled to regain investor confidence after Akon himself acknowledged mismanagement issues. The project also faced regulatory hurdles regarding the use of cryptocurrency as the primary payment method in Senegal, where the CFA franc is the standard currency.
Despite the initial ambitions, Akon's vision for an energetic, high-tech city is now reimagined. While the once-vibrant project is in limbo, the government plans to collaborate with Akon on a project focusing on essential services, highlighting the vital need for infrastructure especially with the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
