*Grammy-nominated artist Akon remains steadfast in his commitment to building Akon City, a futuristic urban development in Senegal, despite reports suggesting the $6 billion project has been scrapped.
Speaking to TMZ Hip Hop in New York City, the singer, born Alioune Badara Thiam, dismissed claims of the project’s cancellation as “misinformation” spread by detractors he refers to as “Killmongers.” “Akon City” has been in the works for over a decade, inspired by the fictional Wakanda from Marvel’s Black Panther,” and aims to create a high-tech metropolis powered by renewable energy and a cryptocurrency called Akoin.
The vision for Akon City, first unveiled in 2018, promised to transform 800 hectares near Mbodiène into a vibrant hub complete with a hospital, mall, police station, waste management center, school, and solar power plant. In 2020, Akon celebrated a major milestone, announcing on social media, “KE International awarded US $6 billion construction contract for Akon City.”
The consulting firm KE International echoed this, stating Phase 1 would be completed by the end of 2023. However, progress has been minimal, with recent drone footage revealing little more than a partially built reception building and vast stretches of undeveloped land.
Challenges have plagued the project from the start. Akoin, the cryptocurrency meant to drive the city’s economy, has plummeted in value, leaving investors uncertain. Senegal’s regulatory environment, tied to the CFA franc and overseen by the Central Bank of West African States, has also posed hurdles, as the bank remains wary of cryptocurrencies as legal tender. Despite Akon’s optimism in 2022, when he declared the project was “100,000% moving,” tangible development has yet to materialize.
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The Senegalese government, now focused on preparing for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, has shifted priorities toward more feasible tourism infrastructure. Authorities have confirmed that Akon City, as originally envisioned, will be replaced by a more practical development, though specifics remain undisclosed.
This pivot has fueled speculation about the project’s future, with some reports claiming it has been abandoned entirely.
Undeterred, Akon insists the project is far from dead, emphasizing that building a city of this scale takes time.
Meanwhile, Akon is working on a country music album, which he says is 60% complete. He’s been collaborating with Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox in Nashville to ensure the project respects the genre’s roots.
? Akon’s new look! Cowboy ?
Fresh style, bold vibes.Photo credit : Akon#WatsUpTV #datsWatsUp #akon #cowboy pic.twitter.com/lDBKUK93mp
— WatsUp TV (@WatsUpTV) May 14, 2025
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Akon’s $6 Billion Dream City in Senegal Officially Scrapped
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