Akon City was originally imagined as a futuristic smart city on Senegal’s coast, with an estimated overall budget of $6 billion. The masterplan, signed by Lebanese-American architect Hussein Bakri (Bakri & Associates studio, based in Dubai), aimed to transform the coastal village of Mbodiène — about 100 km south of Dakar — into a state-of-the-art urban center. Futuristic skyscrapers, high-tech neighborhoods powered by renewable energy, advanced infrastructure, and even a local cryptocurrency (Akoin) were among the key elements of the project, promoted by Senegalese-American popstar Akon with the support of national authorities and the ambition of creating a pioneering hub for West Africa.
As recently reported by Bloomberg, five years after its announcement, however, all that remains of Akon City are renderings and a ceremonial foundation stone: construction never truly began, and the promised funding failed to materialize. Following repeated delays and missed deadlines, the authorities have decided to move on. In recent days, the Senegalese government officially cancelled the project, revoking nearly all the land that had been allocated for the initiative.
In place of the ghost smart city, a new tourism-oriented project will now take shape. The state agency Sapco, responsible for coastal development, has presented an alternative plan for Mbodiène: an integrated resort valued at $1.2 billion, featuring hotels, a marina, residential areas, and a developed waterfront. The government has already allocated an initial portion of the funds and aims to attract private capital to cover the remainder of the investment.
Akon, however, will not entirely step away. The singer and entrepreneur will retain about 8 hectares of land in the area and is set to collaborate with Sapco to develop a smaller-scale tourism initiative aligned with the new plan. Some local officials suggest that aspects of the original vision — such as the use of renewable energy — might still be partially incorporated. Meanwhile, Akon — also known for his work bringing solar electrification to rural African villages — has shifted his focus to other entrepreneurial ventures.
Opening image: courtesy Hussein Bakri/BAD Consultant/Semer Group