Akon's City project faces ultimatum from Senegalese authorities

Singer Akon has recently been issued a formal notice by the Senegalese government, demanding that he commence construction on his ambitious Akon City project or risk losing 90% of the land granted to him.

Background of Akon City

The project was awarded over 130 acres of land and is worth over $6 billion. It was initially to create a futuristic city modelled after the fictional Wakanda from the Black Panther films. Akon City was first announced in 2018 and is planned to be situated along Senegal's Atlantic coast.

The vision for the city includes various amenities such as luxury condos, a university, hospitals, and entertainment facilities. All these were intended to be powered by Akoin, a cryptocurrency developed by Akon.

Reason for ultimatum by the Senegalese Government

The recent notice from the Senegalese is a response to the delays that have plagued the project since its inception. Initially, construction was expected to begin in 2020, with the first phase slated for completion by the end of 2023. However, as of February 2024, the project made minimal progress, with only a single building, the Welcome Center, partially complete.

While Akon has positioned the project as a potential boon for the local economy, providing jobs and revitalizing the area, scepticism remains among residents and critics. Concerns have been raised about the project's viability, the involvement of local labor, and the overall transparency of the initiative. Critics argue that the project has not sufficiently engaged with the local community, which could undermine its potential benefits.

Despite the challenges, Akon remains committed to the vision of Akon City. He has expressed optimism about the project's eventual success, suggesting that it will serve as a sanctuary for the African diaspora and a model for future urban developments in Africa. However, the pressure from the government to initiate construction could be a pivotal moment for the project, determining whether it can transition from concept to reality.