Senegal has officially scrapped Akon’s highly publicized multibillion-dollar “Akon City” project, dealing a massive blow to the singer’s futuristic Wakanda-inspired vision. The government reclaimed most of the 136 acres of land it granted Akon in 2020 after years of delays, missed payments, and minimal progress.
Akon had planned to build a $6 billion smart city along the Atlantic coast in Mbodiène, aiming to turn the rural village into a high-tech utopia powered by cryptocurrency and innovation. But after failing to meet deadlines and pay dues to Sapco, the state coastal development agency, the dream has officially been shut down.
Now, Senegal is replacing the failed project with a more realistic $1.2 billion tourism development expected to create 15,000 jobs and boost the local economy. Akon will retain only 8 hectares for a much smaller venture.
Looks like Akon’s dream just hit “Pause” — indefinitely.
