Grammy Winner Akon to Unveil Cryptocurrency ‘Akoin’, Also Build ‘Crypto City’ in Senegal

Senegalese born American rapper and solar businessman Akon, sets to launch his cryptocurrency in two weeks to help advance conditions in Africa, according to Page Six.

While Speaking at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France, the artist and business tycoon stated that cryptocurrency and blockchain technology could empower people in Africa and offer a safe currency that allows them to advance independent of the government.

Goal: A City Based on Crypto

Akon reiterated that he plans to develop a city completely built on the cryptocurrency, which he says will be called Akoin. The 2,000 acres arranged for Akon by Senegal’s president will be called “Akon Crypto City”, according to the Akoin website. The city will be the first in which a cryptocurrency will be the basis of transactions.

Akon Crypto City is situated five miles of the country’s novel international airport and uses smart city designs and a blank canvas for “cryptonizing” everyday business and human relations, according to the website.

When asked technical questions about blockchain technology at Cannes, Akon deferred them to “the geeks”, saying that he comes to the table with the concepts.

These ambitions seem Outstanding, Akon also has other plans, including running for president in the US.  He said that he is ready to take on both President Donald Trump and Kanye West — who has also hinted a White House run — in 2020. He held that he hopes West runs for president so that he can debate both men. He said he would also invite Trump to a boxing match or MMA contest.

Akon co-founded Akon Lighting Africa with Samba Bathily and Thione Niang in 2014 to develop a solar-powered solution to provide African villages access to an affordable and clean source of electricity, according to the organization’s website. Akon Lighting Africa is based in New York City and has installed solar solutions in 14 African countries.

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