Akon’s ambitious $6 billion vision to build “Akon City” in Senegal, powered by his cryptocurrency, Akoin, has officially been abandoned.
Originally announced in 2018, the futuristic project promised to transform the landscape of Senegal with curving skyscrapers and high-tech infrastructure, drawing bold comparisons to the fictional Wakanda of Black Panther.
However, after years of little progress, the inevitable has been confirmed.
Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of Senegal’s tourism development agency Sapco, stated that the Akon City plan has been shelved.
In its place, Akon—born Alioune Badara Thiam—and Sapco have agreed to collaborate on a more “realistic” venture that the Senegalese government will support.
The original plan saw only minimal construction, limited to an unfinished reception centre lacking basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, or water.
The project largely relied on Akoin gaining widespread traction as a viable cryptocurrency, a financial gamble that didn’t pay off.
In a 2022 interview, Akon admitted the project was poorly managed and took responsibility for its shortcomings.
The dream of turning music fame into a multibillion-dollar real estate legacy has proven elusive, even for someone with his global profile.
Akon rose to prominence with his 2004 hit Lonely and followed up with major chart-toppers like Smack That, Don’t Matter, and I Wanna Love You.
Despite his success, entering the ranks of entrepreneurial moguls proved challenging.
As the city project fades, Akon is pivoting back to music. He’s released several singles in 2025 and is preparing for a full album release.
While Akon City may never rise from the ground, the artist appears ready to refocus on the industry that first brought him fame.