The End of Akon’s ‘Wakanda’ Dream as Futuristic City Project Collapses

Akon’s ambitious plan to build a real-life version of Wakanda in Senegal has officially been scrapped. Announced as a six billion dollar futuristic smart city meant to symbolize a bold new future for Africa, the project was supposed to open its first phase by 2026. But years later, only a single building stands on the promised land.

Back in 2020, Senegal granted the singer 136 acres to bring his vision to life. Locals living on the land were asked to leave and were promised compensation. Many are still waiting.

Now, serious accusations have emerged. Akon’s former business partner claims the entire project was “likely a scam” and has compared it to Ponzi and pyramid schemes. With the dream now abandoned, the land is being repurposed for a far more modest plan—a 1.2 billion dollar tourism development under the management of Sapco.