Akon’s $6 Billion Futuristic “Wakanda” Mega-City in Senegal Has Reportedly Been Abandoned
Akon’s dream of building a $6 billion futuristic city in Senegal—once promoted as a real-life Wakanda—has officially been cancelled. The Senegalese government, under President Sagal, ended the project in July 2025 and reclaimed the land, putting a close to what was once a global symbol of African innovation and ambition.
Akon City was first announced in 2018 by Akon, a Senegalese-American music star. He promised to build a high-tech, sustainable city powered by renewable energy and cryptocurrency called Akoin. The city was to include luxury condos, shopping malls, entertainment venues, a hospital, and even an AI data center. It would sit on 2,000 acres of land gifted by then-President Macky Sall and was promoted as a hub for the African diaspora and a beacon of black excellence.
The idea captured global attention, especially with Akon’s comparison to Wakanda, the fictional African kingdom from Marvel’s Black Panther. Renderings showed sleek towers, solar panels, lakes, and parks—a smart city for a bright African future.
But years after the big launch, little had changed on the ground. The site in Mbodien, near the coast, remained mostly empty. Only a small welcome pavilion stood where a city of sculptural towers was promised. There were no buildings, no jobs, and no sign of the $6 billion investment Akon had promised.
Locals who had given up land and waited years for opportunities felt frustrated and betrayed. “We were told this would change our lives,” said one village elder. “But all we have is an empty field.”
The government, once supportive of the project, grew tired of the lack of progress. Legal issues, missing permits, unclear land titles, and environmental reviews slowed everything down. Promised funding never appeared, and construction never truly started.
In July 2025, President Sagal’s government announced it was cancelling the project and would take over the site. The new plan shifts from a celebrity-led dream to a practical, state-managed development. Senegal’s tourism agency, SAPCO, will now lead a project to build a modern tourist resort, residential area, hotels, and a golf course in place of Akon City.
Officials say the new plan is focused on real jobs, sustainable tourism, and economic growth—rather than futuristic fantasies. While Akon’s vision was bold, critics say it was unrealistic from the start, relying on unproven technology like cryptocurrency and lacking solid financial backing.
Akon has admitted that while the dream was sincere, the challenges were bigger than expected. He faced legal hurdles, funding issues, and planning delays. What started as a hopeful symbol of Pan-African unity and innovation slowly turned into a stalled project that embarrassed both Akon and the Senegalese government.
The fall of Akon City is more than a failed business idea—it’s a cultural moment. It marks a shift in how African governments and people think about development. The lesson is clear: big dreams need solid plans, real money, and strong follow-through.
Despite the failure of Akon City, Akon’s earlier work—such as bringing solar power to rural parts of Africa—shows his commitment to the continent. But experts now say that future projects must focus more on realistic goals and partnerships with experienced developers.
For the people of Mbodien, the cancellation brings mixed emotions. There’s disappointment, but also hope that something meaningful and lasting will finally happen. The new project promises practical benefits and real progress.
As Senegal turns the page on Akon City, the country looks ahead to more grounded, inclusive development. The dream of a futuristic Wakanda may be over, but a new, more realistic chapter has begun.