In a bold move set to reshape Africa’s tech and economic landscape, Senegalese-American singer and entrepreneur Akon has announced plans to construct a second cryptocurrency-powered city—this time in Uganda. The project, which mirrors his ambitious Akon City initiative in Senegal, marks a significant step toward digital innovation and financial inclusion across the continent.
The Ugandan government has officially allocated land for the development, confirming its commitment to supporting cutting-edge infrastructure projects. While exact financial figures have not been disclosed, early reports suggest the city will span approximately half the size of London’s financial district. This positions it as a compact yet highly strategic urban hub designed to attract global investment and foster local economic growth.
A Vision for Digital Africa
Akon envisions these cities as more than just real estate developments—they are living ecosystems powered by blockchain technology and anchored in African culture and potential. During a recent press conference, he expressed deep admiration for Uganda, stating:
“Uganda has so much I never knew about. The best way to show the world how beautiful it is? Build my city here.”
This sentiment underscores a broader mission: leveraging technology to spotlight Africa’s untapped talent, natural beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit. By anchoring the city’s economy around Akoin (AKN)—a cryptocurrency built on the Stellar blockchain—Akon aims to create a decentralized financial system accessible to locals and international users alike.
The integration of Akoin goes beyond theoretical use cases. It will serve as the primary medium of exchange within the city for everyday transactions, salaries, and services. Residents and businesses will be able to seamlessly transact using digital wallets or the recently launched AKN debit card, which enables spending at over 40 million online merchants worldwide.
Expanding Across East Africa
While the Ugandan crypto city is still in its early stages, Akon’s track record in regional development offers promising precedent. In Senegal, his $6 billion Akon City project spans 2,000 acres (about 3.12 square miles) and is projected for completion by 2036. That city is also being developed around Akoin and aims to become a self-sustaining smart city with renewable energy, advanced infrastructure, and innovation zones for startups and tech firms.
The expansion into Uganda signals a strategic pivot toward East Africa—a region increasingly recognized for its mobile money adoption, youthful population, and growing tech startup scene. With countries like Kenya already leading in fintech innovation, Uganda presents a fertile ground for blockchain-based urban development.
Moreover, Akoin has previously partnered with Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) in Kenya—a $2 billion health-tech megaproject—where the cryptocurrency is used for payroll and daily transactions. This real-world implementation strengthens confidence in Akoin’s viability as a functional digital currency within African smart cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akon City in Uganda?
Akon City Uganda is a planned blockchain-powered urban development designed to operate primarily on the Akoin cryptocurrency. It aims to boost investment, create jobs, and promote technological advancement in East Africa.
How does Akoin work in these cities?
Akoin (AKN), built on the Stellar blockchain, functions as a digital currency for payments, salaries, and services within Akon’s eco-cities. Users can spend it via digital wallets or an AKN debit card accepted globally.
Is Akon City Uganda already under construction?
As of now, the Ugandan government has allocated land for the project, but detailed timelines and construction phases have not been publicly released. The sister project in Senegal is expected to be completed by 2036.
Will Akoin replace traditional money in these cities?
No—it’s intended to complement existing financial systems. While Akoin will be widely used locally, residents will still have access to fiat currencies. The goal is financial inclusion through choice and accessibility.
How is this different from other smart city projects?
Unlike many top-down government-led initiatives, Akon’s cities emphasize community-driven development, cultural authenticity, and decentralized finance powered by blockchain technology.
Are these projects supported by African governments?
Yes. Both Senegal and Uganda have shown official support through land allocation and policy engagement. The Mwale Medical City partnership in Kenya further demonstrates regional buy-in from public and private sectors.
👉 See how decentralized finance is powering the next generation of African innovation hubs.
Toward a Decentralized Future
Akon’s vision extends far beyond music or celebrity ventures—it represents a long-term commitment to economic transformation in Africa. By combining blockchain infrastructure with sustainable urban design, these crypto cities could become blueprints for inclusive growth across the Global South.
Critics may question timelines or scalability, but early partnerships and real-world deployments—such as payroll systems in Kenyan tech cities—demonstrate tangible progress. As mobile internet penetration rises and youth-led innovation accelerates across Africa, projects like Akon City Uganda may soon transition from futuristic concepts to functional realities.
With strong government backing, clear utility for its native token (Akoin), and growing regional collaboration, this initiative stands out as one of the most ambitious attempts to harness crypto for social and economic development.
In summary, Akon isn’t just building cities—he’s laying the foundation for a digitally empowered Africa. Whether through job creation, financial access, or global visibility, these blockchain-powered urban centers aim to redefine what’s possible when culture, technology, and vision converge.