Akon’s $6 Billion Wakanda‑Inspired City in Senegal Scrapped

Akon’s $6 Billion Wakanda‑Inspired City in Senegal Scrapped

Last Updated Jul - 11 - 2025, 04:10 PM | Source : Fela News

Senegal scrapped Akon’s $6 B project, ending the Wachonda-style dream after only one building. The term scrapped retains its meaning of total cancellation.

In a surprising turn, Senegal officially scrapped the futuristic $6 billion Akon City project after completing just one building, the so-called Welcome Centre. The ambitious plan, stated in 2020, aimed to create a Wakanda-inspired smart city featuring solar power, skyscrapers, a hospital, university, and also Akon’s cryptocurrency, Akon.

Local authorities reclaimed most of the 136 acres initially given, citing missed due dates and unfulfilled payment commitments. While a youth centre and a basketball court were made, the broader vision never materialized.

Senegal’s tourism agency, Sapco, confirmed the project's total scrap and announced plans for a downsized $1.2 billion coastal resort instead envisioned to include hotels, a marina, shops, and homes. Akon retains just 8 hectares within this scaled-back development.

This change reflects both economic and logical realities. Facing loan related challenges, Senegal adopted a financially sustainable plan. Officials hope that the new tourism project will generate about 15,000 jobs in its initial phase.

For more it is a humble reality. The cancelled city shows how celebrity-based mega-projects may fail without solid commitments and financial assistance. However, singers are still involved in this small-scale resort development, indicating that they intend to fulfil some promises.

Due to the collapse of this grand dream, the residents of Mbodièneare still hoping that new development will bring progress. Even though the dream like Wakanda has officially ended, Senegal's move to the practical tourism project can still give a bright future - which will be more based on reality than imagination.

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