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The rise and fall of Akon City: What happened to the futuristic dream?
The quaint village of Mbodiène in Senegal was positioned to be the future site of the ambitious Akon City, a project spearheaded by American Senegalese rap artiste, Akon.
The American singer Akon in front of an artist's impression of his Akon City project. Phot Credit: Akon City/ Akon
The quaint village of Mbodiène in Senegal was positioned to be the future site of the ambitious Akon City, a project spearheaded by American Senegalese rap artiste, Akon. The original vision for the city, which included infrastructure such as roads, a shopping mall, luxury hotels, a hospital, a police station, and a photovoltaic power plant, has faced significant delays, pushing back its completion to 2025 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Delays and Challenges
The completion date for the first phase of the Akon City project, initially slated for the end of 2023, has been postponed, with only the Welcome Center building structure erected. The Company of Development and Promotion of Senegal’s Coasts and Tourist Zones (Sapco) cautioned Akon about potential repercussions if work is not resumed by the end of July, which could lead to the government reclaiming the majority of the land originally allocated for the project.
Mixed Progress and Local Hope
The Chief of Mbodiène village, Marcel Diome, remains hopeful about the project, noting that Akon has followed through on some commitments by funding the construction of a basketball court, a youth center, and a football stadium enclosure, although these accomplishments fall short of the grand futuristic city initially envisaged.
“For the moment, we’re holding onto the hope that the project will get off the ground. So far, Akon has done everything he promised. So we believe in him, even if it’s a bit slow,” Diome was quoted to have said by Le Monde.
A Dream of Wakanda
Akon initially envisioned a city that would rival the likes of Dubai and embody the spirit of Wakanda as seen in the Black Panther films. Alongside its luxurious accommodations and entertainment offerings, the city was also to feature hospitals, cutting-edge universities, and a solar power plant.
Financial Uncertainty and Skepticism
However, the project’s financial support has remained uncertain, with pledged funding failing to materialise despite claims of substantial investment. The Akon City project has encountered doubt from some, who have questioned whether it may be a Ponzi scheme, although no evidence has emerged to support these assertions.
Future Prospects
Despite the setbacks, the site continues to hold appeal for investors interested in developing more practical hotel complexes, particularly in light of the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in 2026. The land in Mbodiène village promised to Akon may still see development, albeit perhaps in a different form than originally envisioned.
Uncertain Future
The once highly anticipated dream of Akon City now hangs in the balance, with lingering questions about its feasibility and future. As the saga of Akon City continues to unfold, many are left wondering what transpired and what lies ahead for this once-promising project.
