akon, idris elba & Pre. Suluhu
In recent years, the African continent has seen a surge in interest from international celebrities keen on contributing to its development. Among these celebrities, Akon and Idris Elba have been particularly prominent. Akon, the Senegalese-American music star and entrepreneur, was allocated 1 square mile of land in Uganda in 2021 to build Akon City. Meanwhile, Idris Elba, the celebrated British actor, has been allocated 80 hectares of land in Tanzania to construct a state of the art film studio. This blog delves into these projects, their significance, and the latest developments.
Akon’s Ambitious Projects: Akon City in Senegal and Uganda
Akon’s vision for Akon City is grand and ambitious. The project, first announced in 2018, aims to create a futuristic city in Senegal that will operate on its own cryptocurrency, Akoin. Additionally, The city is planned to be a sustainable eco-friendly smart city that will offer luxury living, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Akon laid the foundation stone for this project on 136 acres of the Atlantic coastline in 2020, marking the official commencement of construction.
However, despite the grand vision and the $6 billion contract announced in 2020, the development of Akon City in Senegal has faced significant delays. The Senegalese Government, growing impatient with the lack of progress, has issued an ultimatum. Notably, Akon has been given one month to start developing the land or risk losing 90% of the allocated property. This development underscores the challenges that often accompany large-scale projects, especially those involving international figures and substantial financial commitments.
Akon City in Uganda
In a bid to replicate his vision in another African country, Akon was allocated 1 square mile of land in Uganda in 2021 to build another Akon City. This project, like its Senegalese counterpart, promises to transform the local landscape and provide numerous benefits to the community. However, given the current issues faced in Senegal, there are concerns about whether Akon can deliver on his promises in Uganda.
Idris Elba’s Film Studio in Tanzania
In contrast to Akon’s ventures, Idris Elba’s project in Tanzania has been met with excitement and optimism. Elba, who has expressed a deep connection to Africa, has been allocated 80 hectares of land to build a state-of-the-art film studio. This initiative aims to bolster the local film industry, create jobs, and provide a platform for African stories to reach a global audience.
Elba’s project is expected to attract significant investment and talent to Tanzania, positioning the country as a hub for film production in Africa. The establishment of such a facility could have a transformative impact on the Tanzanian economy and the broader African creative industry.
Comparing the Two Projects In Africa
While both Akon and Idris Elba have received substantial land allocations for their respective projects, the nature and progress of these initiatives differ significantly. Akon’s projects, though grand in vision, have faced delays and challenges that cast doubt on their feasibility. The ultimatum from the Senegalese Government highlights the urgency and seriousness of the situation. If Akon fails to commence development soon, the loss of 90% of the land would be a significant setback.
On the other hand, Idris Elba’s film studio project appears to be on a more promising trajectory. With clear goals and a well-defined purpose, Elba’s initiative aligns closely with the growing demand for African content and the need for world-class production facilities on the continent. The successful completion of this project could position Tanzania as a leading player in the global film industry.
In Sum
The allocation of land to celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba reflects the Africa and the continent’s openness to leveraging international fame and resources for development. While Akon’s projects in Senegal and Uganda face significant hurdles, Idris Elba’s film studio in Tanzania holds promise and potential. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of these initiatives, particularly for Akon, who must act swiftly to avoid losing a substantial portion of his allocated land in Senegal. As these projects unfold, they will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing narrative of Africa’s growth and transformation on the global stage.
About The Author
