Senegal Cancels Akon's Multibillion-dollar City, Reclaims Land For New 1.2 Billion Resort Plan

The government reclaimed land and canceled the 6 billion smart city project over lack of progress and missed deadlines.

Sapco is developing a state-backed coastal resort in Mbodine, aiming to attract private investment and create 15,000 jobs.

Akon still holds eight hectares and is working with Sapco on a more realistic tourism project integrated into the new development.

Senegal has officially pulled the plug on Akon City, the 6 billion smart city once championed by singer and entrepreneur Akon. Inspired by Marvels Black Panther and pitched as a futuristic hub along the countrys coastline, the project never gained real traction. After years of missed deadlines, limited funding, and little visible progress, the government has decided to walk away.

Most of the land that had been earmarked for the project has now been taken back by the state. The project no longer exists, said Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of Sapco-Senegal, the agency responsible for coastal development, in comments to the national press.

In 2024, Sapco, gave Akon and his team a clear ultimatum: start building within two weeks or give up the land in Mbodine, a quiet coastal village about 80 kilometers from Dakar. But nothing happened. Construction never began, and the money that was expected didnt arrive either. With no visible progress on the ground, the government stepped in and reclaimed most of the site. Neither Akons team nor Sapco responded to requests for comment.

Now that Akon City is off the table, the government has turned its attention to a more grounded plan. Sapco is pushing ahead with its own vision to turn Mbodine into a resort destination. The revised proposal includes hotels, a marina, residential housing, and a waterfront promenade.

The entire project is expected to cost around CFA665 billion 1.2 billion. The goal is to make Mbodine a true engine of growth, one government document reads. Officials say work is already underway. Theyve committed CFA65 billion 116 million in public funds and are hoping to attract the remaining CFA600 billion 1.07 billion from private investors.