A lone arched concrete block stands as a solitary symbol of ambition in a field in Senegal, where R&B singer Akon once laid the foundation stone for his $6 billion metropolis, Akon City. The grand vision for Akon City, which was first announced in 2020, seems to be struggling with significant delays and financial challenges.
Senegal’s government granted Akon 136 acres of land on the Atlantic Coast in 2020 to develop Akon City—a project designed to emulate the fictional Wakanda from Marvel Studios’ *Black Panther*. The proposed city was to feature solar-powered buildings, luxury condominiums, amusement parks, a seaside resort, hospitals, a police station, and a university, all running on Akoin cryptocurrency, launched alongside the project.
However, recent developments have cast a shadow over the project’s future. Sapco-Senegal, the state-owned entity responsible for the country’s coastal and tourism areas, has issued Akon a formal notice demanding that he either commence construction or risk losing 90% of the land allocated to him. This ultimatum comes after Akon reportedly missed several payments to Sapco, although Akon’s spokesperson and staff have not yet commented on the notice.
The ambitious project was initially set to complete its first phase by 2023, including a hospital, condos, and an “African village.” But the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed these timelines back, and substantial construction has yet to begin. So far, the only notable progress includes the development of a youth center, a basketball court in Mbodiene, and an information center for visitors curious about Akon City.
Local authorities had high hopes for Akon City, expecting it to create jobs and bring much-needed infrastructure to the economically disadvantaged region. Mbodiene village chief Michel Diome expressed initial enthusiasm about the potential benefits but has grown skeptical as the promised developments have failed to materialize.
Akon’s project also faces challenges beyond Senegal. In 2021, Akon announced plans for a second city in Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni allocated one square mile of land. However, progress on this project has stalled due to resistance from local occupants and delays in compensation payments.
In Senegal, the situation has sparked criticism. Lawmaker Bara Gaye has described the situation as a “scandal,” questioning the government’s continued support for the project given its lack of visible progress. Yet, project manager Cheick Seck remains optimistic, stating that work in Mbodiene is ongoing and that geotechnical studies and other preparatory tasks are underway.
Akon is expected to visit Senegal’s capital soon to address concerns and reassure stakeholders of the project’s viability. Despite the setbacks, local residents and officials are still waiting for tangible results from what was once a highly anticipated venture aimed at transforming the region. As the deadline approaches and scrutiny increases, the future of Akon City remains uncertain. Whether the project will overcome its current hurdles and deliver on its ambitious promises remains to be seen.
In other news – Jacob Ngarivhume arrested again
Jacob Ngarivhume, president of the Transform Zimbabwe party, has been reportedly taken from his home by individuals believed to be affiliated with the state security services. The arrest occurred on Friday and has raised significant concerns about the Zimbabwean government’s crackdown on dissent in the lead-up to the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, scheduled for August 17 in Harare.
Former Zengeza West Member of Parliament Job Sikhala and award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono both confirmed the arrest via social media. Read More
