Akon unveiled plans in 2018 to build a futuristic city in Senegal, his country of birth.
He likened the vision to a real-life version of Wakanda, the fictional city from Marvel’s Black Panther. The project, named Akon City, aims to be a cutting-edge hub powered by a local cryptocurrency called AKoin.
Despite the global economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Akon remained committed to the development of the $6 billion venture.
He revealed that construction was slated to start in 2021, with the aim of not only providing employment opportunities for Senegalese but also offering a welcoming environment for Black Americans and diaspora members facing racial discrimination.
By August 2020, Akon, accompanied by government officials, visited the project site in Mbodienne and confirmed that one-third of the necessary funds had been secured.
However, he chose not to disclose the investors involved due to confidentiality agreements. Although initially set for completion by 2023, the project’s timeline is now uncertain due to significant delays and complications.
The Senegalese government has expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s slow progress.
Through Sapco-Senegal, the state agency overseeing coastal and tourism developments, officials have issued a warning to Akon, threatening to reclaim the majority of the allocated land if substantial progress is not made.
According to reports, Akon risks losing up to 90 percent of the land if construction does not advance promptly.
In response, Akon’s team has reported that initial tasks like geotechnical surveys and land preparation are in progress. Project manager Cheick Seck from Axiome Construction has stated that they are awaiting further guidance to proceed with major construction. Akon is anticipated to visit Dakar soon to address concerns and reassure stakeholders of the project’s future.
The endeavor has also been marred by legal issues. In 2021, former business associate Devyne Stephens filed a $4 million lawsuit against Akon, alleging unpaid funds from a previous settlement.
A subsequent court filing in March 2022 sought to freeze Akon’s New York assets until the lawsuit’s resolution.
Stephens’ legal team argued that Akon City exhibited signs of fraudulent activity, such as Ponzi and pyramid schemes, and implied the project might be a scam.
Despite these legal challenges and the impact of the pandemic, Akon has denied the accusations and has taken steps to resolve the lawsuit, including a partial settlement payment of $850,000 in April 2022.
The singer remains optimistic, asserting that the project is progressing according to a revised 10-year plan.