The once-celebrated symbol of Africa’s tech-powered future, Akon City, has officially been scrapped by the Senegalese government. The $6 billion blockchain-based smart city project has stopped as the government reclaims the 55 hectares of land originally allocated for its development. According to the government, the sudden move is a result of years of inactivity, missed milestones, and no meaningful progress.
First announced in 2020 by Senegalese-American artist and entrepreneur Akon, the project aimed to build a futuristic city in Mbodiène, powered by renewable energy and running on his cryptocurrency, Akoin. It was marketed as Africa’s version of Wakanda, a self-sustaining hub for innovation, complete with crypto-based systems, solar grids, high-speed transport, and world-class institutions. It captured global attention and was seen as a bold leap into Africa’s digital future.
But the boldness never translated into action. Beyond flashy media campaigns and ceremonial groundbreakings, the site remained untouched. No real construction followed. Local residents began to lose faith. Investors went silent. And the government, once a supporter, has now moved on.
The fall of Akon City isn’t just about a failed dream, it’s a wake-up call. Africa’s Web3 journey must be rooted in execution, not hype. For the continent to truly lead in blockchain innovation, we need fewer promises and more delivery. Real progress requires transparency, infrastructure, and a commitment to serve local communities, not just grand ideas and celebrity headlines.
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