Akon Told to Start Building “Akon City” or Lose the Land in Senegal

Akon’s plan to build a multi-billion-dollar city in Senegal, called “Akon City,” is now at risk after the Senegalese government issued a strong warning. The government has threatened to take back the land given for the project if construction doesn’t begin soon.

Akon first announced Akon City in 2020, promising a high-tech, eco-friendly city inspired by Wakanda from Marvel’s Black Panther. The city was supposed to include housing, a university, amusement parks, and run on solar power and Akoin, a cryptocurrency named after the singer.

The government had provided 136 acres of land along the Atlantic coast, near Dakar, for the project.

However, four years later, very little progress has been made. Only one concrete block has been built, while the rest of the land is still being used for grazing animals. This has led the Senegalese government to grow impatient.

Sapco-Senegal, the agency in charge of tourism and coastal areas, warned that Akon could lose 90% of the land if he doesn’t start building soon.

The project was supposed to take 10 years, with a hospital and condos expected to be finished last year. But delays and missed payments to the government have caused frustration. Some lawmakers have even called the project a “scandal.” In February 2023, legislator Bara Gaye asked, “What is the government waiting for to end his contract?”

Despite these setbacks, Akon insists that he will move forward with his plans. He plans to return to Dakar to reassure the government and start the necessary work, including clearing the land and conducting studies.