Despite the fact that it was intended to be recognised as a futuristic world influenced by the Marvel film Black Panther, which would then be known as a “beacon of innovation and human development,”
Even though it was originally created to be promoted as a futuristic city inspired from the marvel movie black panther which would then be known as a “beacon of innovation and human development” and Bolster West African and Senegalese economies by Akon in 2018 where the few signs of the city’s development other than laying a ceremonial stone.
Based on a recent report from Agence France-Press the project has not seen progress beyond the stone’s erection with a tiny placard promoting Akon city which had a huge drop from the top block. Akon foresaw that the city would show off police station, waste center, solar power plant, shopping center, hospital and school by 2024 expecting the project would be finished by 2030. Senegalese locals seem to be losing their optimism when it comes to Akon city the idea for a $6 billion pan-African “smart city” bragging about crypto-powered economy located near the Senegalese village of Mbodiene which was created by famous producer and musician Akon.
The report mentioned how people were looking forward for an increase in employment and economic activity and now everyone is left in the dark about Akon city says 35-year-old Jules Thismane, “They laid the foundation stone with a lot of speeches and promises. Compared to everything that was announced, I don’t think we have seen much yet.” But it seems like not everyone has lost hope on Akon city as the president of the Mbodiene village youth association David seck sene, stating: “I still have hope. I don’t see how a project like this could stop tomorrow.” Philomene Bamimba head of local women’s association highlighted the economic benefits such as for city’s construction could introduce for Mbodiene, “This is big for us,” she said. Paul martin of the US based engineering firm KE international believes that the company won the contract to construct Akon City stated that more than $4 billion in funding has been pointed towards the project. Martin also mentioned that during the first 12 months of work on Akon city it had “planning, approvals, procurement and recruitment of subcontractors.”
