Wakanda Not Forever: Plans For Futuristic African City Fall Apart

Newsweek

9 hours ago

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Plans for a $6 billion futuristic city in Senegal, envisioned by U.S.-born singer Akon and inspired by the fictional Wakanda of Marvel's Black Panther, have been formally abandoned by Senegalese authorities following years of setbacks and failed construction milestones.
Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of the Senegalese tourism authority Sapco, stated, "The Akon City project no longer exists," confirming that the ambitious urban development will be replaced by a more modest initiative in partnership with Akon.
Why It Matters
The cancellation of Akon City marks the collapse of one of the most high-profile pan-African development fantasies in a generation and highlights the risks associated with celebrity-driven megaprojects and unproven financial models such as cryptocurrency. Akon, who spent part of his childhood in Senegal, had promoted the city as Africa's answer to Wakanda and a launchpad for his Akoin cryptocurrency.
What To Know
Akon announced plans for the city in 2018, billing it as a high-tech, eco-friendly metropolis to be powered by solar energy and Akoin, his newly created cryptocurrency.
The designs, marked by futuristic skyscrapers and pan-African symbolism, drew direct comparisons to Black Panther's Wakanda, with some media coverage positioning the city as inspired by Wakanda.
Initial work was marked by a high-profile launch ceremony in 2020, where Akon, Sapco officials, and local dignitaries unveiled a commemorative plaque on a bare stretch of land.
However, by mid-2024, the only structure on site was an unfinished reception hall. "We're still waiting," local leaders said, expressing the frustration of local communities who had expected jobs and rapid economic transformation. Residents described empty fields grazed by goats rather than new buildings or vibrant city life.
A rendering of Akon city, designed to be a top tourism destination in Senegal.
A rendering of Akon city, designed to be a top tourism destination in Senegal.
10 Design Architecture
Akon City's reliance on Akoin as its payment backbone became a key vulnerability. The cryptocurrency performed poorly in the market, dropping to as low as $0.003, and skeptical regulators in Senegal questioned its legality.
The CFA franc remains the only recognized legal tender in Senegal, with the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) expressing reservations about cryptocurrency-based economies.
Akon reportedly struggled to secure the $6 billion necessary, with several payments to national partners missed. An ultimatum from Sapco set tight deadlines for Akon to demonstrate progress or face the loss of the majority of his development land.
In their latest statement, Sapco confirmed a mutual agreement to shift toward a more realistic, "fully supported" project.
Akon publicly acknowledged that "It wasn't being managed properly—I take full responsibility for that."
Officials indicated they would collaborate with Akon on a scaled-down plan more likely to achieve completion.
What People Are Saying
Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of Sapco, told BBC News: "The Akon City project no longer exists."
Akon said: "It wasn't being managed properly - I take full responsibility for that."
What Happens Next
The Senegalese authorities announced that development on the site would continue but with a revised and more modest plan involving Akon. The strategic Atlantic coastal land remains earmarked for potential new projects, which may gain urgency as the nation prepares for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and seeks to boost tourism.