Bloomberg Arica has reported that Akon’s ambitious multibillion-dollar city project in Africa is facing significant challenges, as Ugandan authorities have demanded that he commence work on the project or risk losing 90% of the land that was allocated to him.

While there is limited additional information from Bloomberg at this time, further developments are anticipated as we await a statement from Akon and his team.

For context, Akon revealed a few years ago his intention to establish a second city in Africa, named Akon City, which is set to utilize his cryptocurrency, Akoin.

In recent years, Akon has been developing a city in his home country of Senegal, for which he has secured $6 billion (£4.3 billion) in funding.

The construction of Akon City in Uganda is projected to be completed by 2036, with support from the Ugandan government, which has designated one square mile of land for the second Akon City.

According to Uganda’s NBS TV, both Akon City in Senegal and the Ugandan counterpart will operate on the Akoin platform.

Akon City in Senegal is designed with a ‘smart cities’ framework, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, software solutions, user interfaces (UI), and communication networks.

It is expected that Akon City in Uganda will also adopt a smart city model, featuring advanced shopping malls, stadiums, and recreational facilities similar to its counterpart located 3,000 miles away.

As outlined on the Akon City website, the project aims to fulfill the demand for dynamic community development, envisioning a business district, residential areas, a high-rise educational sector, healthcare facilities, a technology hub, a media zone, an entertainment area, and sports amenities, along with a recreational space to meet the developmental needs in Senegal.

“The developed economy aims to adapt to future development,” states the website. “The current evolution required a flexible infrastructure to accommodate new real estate development. The fast pace of global changes, economic progress, poverty, technology and race continuously cause Senegal to face various new challenges.”

The Akon City project aims to play a vital role in the quest for solutions to these challenges:

“The knowledge we generate and the professionals we train are expected, and quite rightly, to help in providing local solutions as well as a critical component of human development.

“It is these professionals and individuals who develop the capacity and analytical skills that drive local economies, create new industries, support civil society, lead capable governments, and make critical decisions that will affect the entire economy.”

Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!