from Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
11 August 2024
Senegalese lawmakers have criticized Akon City for its lack of progress.
Akon’s multi-billion dollar plan to build a metropolis in Senegal is facing a new ultimatum. The Senegalese government has threatened to take away the land earmarked for the project if the singer does not start construction.
The artist announced the construction of “Akon City” in 2020. However, since no significant progress was made in the construction, the Senegalese government applied pressure. Its government initially made 136 hectares of land along the Atlantic coast available for construction.
The project was intended to feature eco-friendly innovation and technology, similar to Wakanda, the fictional, highly developed African nation from Marvel’s Black Panther. Plans included housing complexes, a university and amusement parks to boost the country’s tourism and economy. In addition, the area south of Senegal’s major city of Dakar would be powered by solar energy and Akoin, a cryptocurrency named after the singer. Just like the city, the coin has fallen into decline.
However, the implementation of this idea has stalled. Currently, only a concrete block stands and the rest of the land is still used for livestock farming. In view of the plan launched four years ago, the Senegalese have given Akon a final warning to boost its development.
The notice was issued by Sapco-Senegal, the government agency that oversees tourism and the country’s coastal areas. According to the statement, BloombergAkon will lose 90% of the land allocated to him if the project does not go ahead.
In addition, the project was scheduled to last for ten years, with a hospital and housing to be completed last year. However, Akon’s repeated defaults on payments to Sapco-Senegal have led to an ultimatum that could bring the project to a halt altogether.
Members of parliament have also criticized “Akon City” for its lack of progress. One of them even called it a “scandal” to his parliamentary colleagues.
“Akon City is a scandal,” said MP Bara Gaye in February 2023. “What is the government waiting for to terminate his contract?”
However, Akon continues to insist that he will begin construction of his eponymous city. He intends to return to Dakar to convince the government of his plans, which include geotechnical studies and the clearing of bushes surrounding the area.
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