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In a groundbreaking initiative four years back, Senegal allocated land to the renowned artist Akon for the ambitious development of a city.

This visionary project promises a range of facilities, including hospitals, a resort, a university, an entertainment park, a shopping mall, a police station, a solar power plant, and residential apartments.

However, a pressing deadline looms, as inaction could lead to a drastic outcome: the state will reclaim a staggering 90% of the land.

Situated in the picturesque coastal region of Mbodiene, approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Dakar, the land is poised for transformation.

Akon has committed to initiating construction on this site without delay, with a strong focus on generating employment opportunities and enhancing Senegal’s economic landscape.

The Senegalese-American artist has announced that the first phase of the ambitious project, which carries a price tag of 6 billion US dollars, is slated for completion by the end of 2023.

The anticipated completion date has now been pushed back to 2025, as Akon attributed the delay in construction to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the broader development of the city is set to unfold gradually, with the overall project expected to wrap up by 2030.

Akon envisions that once finished, the city will serve as a haven for African-Americans looking to rediscover and reconnect with their African heritage.

Currently, the location stands undisturbed, with animals often grazing in the vicinity. The sole trace of the intended construction is a lone concrete block, marking the spot where the project was meant to take root.

In a surprising turn of events, Sapco, the company responsible for developing Senegal’s coastal tourist areas, has alerted the public about its intention to reclaim land from the famous musician Akon.

This action stems from Akon’s alleged non-payment for the land’s usage.Notably, it has been revealed that Akon lacks a title deed for the property involved.

However,the 51-year-old Akon has turned to investors to finance his visionary city project. However, his team has disclosed that the expected investment pledges have failed to come through. Significantly, Kenyan businessman Julius Mwale has been highlighted as the key investor behind this innovative venture.

The exact net worth of Akon remains somewhat ambiguous, with various sources estimating it to be between 40 and 80 million US dollars.

Meanwhile, as the future of Akon City in Senegal remains uncertain, similar doubts are surfacing in Uganda, where the government has proposed a generous 640 acres of land for Akon to develop a city projected to be valued at 6 billion US dollars.

Following a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda in April 2021, Akon received a proposal for a new project.

However, the residents of Mukono town, the site designated for this development, have expressed strong opposition to the government’s choice to grant land to Akon, claiming it is their ancestral heritage.

Much like the scenario in Senegal, the construction of Akon City in Uganda has not yet begun. Akon, who has deep ties to Senegal, was born to Senegalese parents before they relocated to New Jersey in the United States.