Akon's City Dream Takes a Tentative First Step

Akoin, the cryptocurrency backbone of a new master planned smart city in Senegal, is available for purchase. Akon City could be the next dream to become a reality.

1 minute read

November 13, 2020, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Akon City

miguelca / Shutterstock

"Rapper Akon's cryptocurrency Akoin, which will be a cornerstone of his planned smart city in Senegal, was listed for purchase on Wednesday on bitcoin exchange Bittrex Global," reports Chris Teale.

The vision for Akon City made news with a groundbreaking just a few months ago, complete with futuristic renderings designed to resemble African sculptures and a marketing pitch that hinges on the city's planned location on the Atlantic Coast of Africa.

"The smart city is part of a philanthropic streak for the Senegalese-born rapper, whose Akon Lighting Africa project provides solar power to 18 countries in Africa," explains Teale.

Teale also throws cold water on the whole idea, writing that "doubts remain around Akon's full vision being realized, given financial pressures and a global trend of planned smart city projects that have fallen through."

Akoin also had trouble getting o the market, according to the article, listing on Bittrex Global rather than the originally planned initial exchange offering (IEO).

Thursday, November 12, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Millbrae BART station.

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City

The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

April 24 - San Diego Post

Spiral ramp on exterior of parking garage in downtown Spokane, Washington.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill

A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 24 - OPB

Missouri state capitol dome in Jefferson City, MO.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users

A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.

April 24 - Missouri Independent