Akon City: Senegal Transitions from Billion-Dollar ‘Wakanda’ Ambition
Senegal has notably shifted its focus from an ambitious futuristic city project initially promoted by R&B artist Akon to a more modest resort aimed at tourism.
The original $6 billion vision of creating a life-sized Wakanda along the Atlantic coast has been replaced by a reduced $1.2 billion initiative to develop a tourist resort in the coastal town of Mbodiène, situated about 80 kilometers south of Dakar.
In 2020, the Senegalese government designated 136 acres of land to Akon for the creation of a solar-powered city featuring modern amenities such as educational institutions, healthcare services, and upscale housing.
This city was intended to be a self-sustaining hub, with Akon’s cryptocurrency designed to support its economy. However, the project stalled as Akon failed to meet financial commitments and missed key deadlines, resulting in the land being reclaimed and the original master plan being abandoned.
Shift from Futuristic City to Tourism Destination
In light of a significant debt crisis and the fallout from financial mismanagement by the previous administration, the Senegalese government has redirected its efforts toward a more practical, privately funded development strategy.
The state-owned development agency, Sapco-Senegal, has assumed control of most of the land and is re-envisioning the area as a tourism and leisure destination.
The new project, which requires an estimated investment of 665 billion CFA francs (approximately $1.2 billion), aims to create a vibrant tourism hub that includes hotels, residential units, a marina, and a promenade, all linked to a nearby lagoon to enhance its appeal as a waterfront location.
Serigne Mamadou Mboup, an official from Sapco, stated to local media that the original plans for Akon City “no longer exist.”
The government is now working with private investors to transform the area into a center for economic growth and job creation. This strategic change is part of Senegal’s broader initiative to utilize its coastal regions as engines for tourism-driven economic development.
The new resort is expected to generate 15,000 jobs in its initial phase, providing significant employment opportunities for local residents and stimulating the regional economy.
Economic Challenges: Senegal’s Financial Strain
The redirection of the Mbodiène development project comes during a time of severe economic hardship for Senegal.
A state audit revealed that the previous administration, led by President Macky Sall, incurred $7 billion in undisclosed loans, severely restricting the country’s access to international credit markets.
As a result, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was forced to suspend $1.8 billion in funding due to these “hidden liabilities,” further complicating Senegal’s financial landscape.
These issues have impeded the government’s ability to secure necessary funding for ambitious infrastructure projects like Akon City.
Despite these challenges, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the new tourism initiative. Boubacar Diallo, general manager of Sablux Immobilier—the private development partner for the tourism area—indicated that there has been interest from potential private investors.
The project will rely heavily on these private sector contributions, with the government providing 65 billion CFA francs to support the remainder. While specific details about the investors remain undisclosed, the renewed focus on tourism presents a promising opportunity for economic growth and job creation.
A Community’s Long-Awaited Hope
For the residents of Mbodiène, this project brings a long-awaited sense of optimism. Locals, who have often felt disillusioned by unfulfilled promises of grand developments, are now witnessing a more realistic vision taking shape.
Jean Wally Sene, a local educator, expressed cautious hope, stating, “For a very long time, people, including Akon, have been coming here trying to sell us dreams and illusions.
Finally, there’s a dream for Mbodiène that we dare to believe in.”
Once seen as a remote and underdeveloped village, Mbodiène is now on the verge of transformation that could establish it as a significant player in Senegal’s growing tourism sector.
The resort plans are expected to create essential infrastructure, generate new business opportunities, and potentially position Mbodiène as a desirable destination for both domestic and international tourists.
As Mayor Alpha Samb remarked during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, “May this resort serve as a model for success in Senegal, a hub for tourism and a source of economic opportunity.”
Local Investment and Economic Recovery
While the initial vision for Akon City was ambitious, the revised approach may offer greater long-term benefits for the local community. By focusing on the tourism sector, which is expected to be vital for Senegal’s economic recovery, the new development aims to boost local investments.
Tourism has the potential to become a primary driver of the country’s economic revival, especially given its ongoing debt challenges.
The government’s renewed focus on sustainable, private-sector-driven tourism development aligns with broader regional goals to diversify the economy.
Senegal aims to attract international visitors by leveraging its rich cultural heritage and pristine coastlines. With the resort poised to become a model for future developments, the government aspires to foster a thriving, self-sustaining economy powered by the tourism industry.
The Future of Mbodiène
The new initiative strikes a balance between ambition and practicality. Although it may not fulfill Akon’s vision of a self-sufficient, futuristic city, the resort proposal adopts a realistic approach that promises tangible benefits for the people of Senegal.
Local investment and employment are now central to the project, ensuring that Mbodiène emerges not only as a tourist destination but also as a source of local economic growth and prosperity.
Ultimately, while the dream of Akon City may have diminished, the future of Mbodiène is just beginning.
With a more grounded emphasis on tourism and sustainability, the region has the potential to become a beacon of economic expansion, offering renewed hope for both residents and visitors alike.
