The Rise and Fall of a Real-Life Wakanda in the Senegalese Countryside
In short: In 2018, singer Akon unveiled plans for a futuristic, blockchain-powered metropolis in Senegal. Inspired by the film Black Panther, the project promised luxury resorts, high-tech infrastructure, and a local currency. By 2025, however, the ambitious vision had stalled, leaving behind little more than a partially finished welcome center.
The proposed development, known as Akon City, was situated near the village of Mbodiène, about 100 kilometers south of Dakar. Conceived by the musician Akon, the project aimed to stimulate the local economy through mixed-use development, including a university, a casino, and a massive 10,000-bed hospital. The design, crafted by the architectural firm 10 Design, drew aesthetic inspiration from traditional African sculpture, aiming for a futuristic, eco-friendly aesthetic that would be LEED-certified.
Central to the project's financial model was Akoin, a cryptocurrency intended to serve as the city's primary medium of exchange. However, the Central Bank of West African States, which manages the official CFA franc, deemed the use of an alternative currency illegal. Funding efforts also faced hurdles; while Akon claimed to have secured roughly one-third of the estimated $6 billion budget by August 2020, he did not disclose the sources. A separate crowdfunding campaign, which sold Tokens of Appreciation, raised $290,000 but later left many investors awaiting promised refunds.
Progress remained minimal for years. Despite multiple revised timelines, construction barely advanced beyond a foundation stone and a partially completed welcome center. By August 2024, the Senegalese tourism agency, SAPCO-Sénégal, issued an ultimatum for the project to begin or face the return of the land. Legal challenges further complicated the endeavor, including a lawsuit from a former business partner regarding a $4 million debt. On July 4, 2025, reports confirmed the project had been officially abandoned, with authorities now exploring alternative plans for the site.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Akon City
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-akon-city.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
