Akon, the popular music star, had a big dream. He wanted to build a futuristic city in Senegal that looked like Wakanda – the advanced African city from the Marvel movie Black Panther. In 2018, he announced plans to build Akon City, a $6 billion smart city that would use solar power and a special digital currency called Akoin.
The city was planned to be built near the Atlantic coast of Senegal, covering 800 hectares. It was supposed to have hospitals, schools, malls, and tall glass buildings. Akon also promised the city would create jobs and bring development to the nearby rural area called Mbodiene.
But after many years, almost nothing has been built. Only a small reception building exists. There are no roads, houses, or electricity. Locals say they haven’t seen any of the promised changes.
One big reason for this failure is a lack of money. Also, Akoin faced legal issues in Senegal, and Akon himself admitted that there was poor management.
Now, the Senegalese government has officially stopped the project. The tourism department said the plan was too ambitious and unrealistic. However, they are now working with Akon on a new, more practical project for the same area.
Even though the original dream didn’t come true, the location still has value. With the 2026 Youth Olympic Games coming to Senegal and tourism growing, the government believes something good can still be done with the land.
In the end, Akon City as a “real-life Wakanda” won’t happen, but the idea of building something useful and achievable is still on the table. As for Wakanda – it will stay alive in the movies.
