Akon – An Inspiring Story
Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam is the full name of one of the richest hip-hop singers in the US. Known as Akon, the Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Akon spent his early years in Senegal before moving to New Jersey, where he became famous. As of 2019, Akon’s net worth is estimated at around USD 80 million, but the music is not his only inspiration and passion.
Akon Lighting Africa is a project aiming at providing electricity through solar energy in Africa. Since 2014, his charity has provided solar power solutions throughout 480 communities in 18 countries in Africa and created approximately 5,500 jobs.
In January 2020, Akon finalized an agreement to build a cryptocurrency-fuelled city in Senegal, called Akon City. Its economy built around the cryptocurrency Akoin and it will be the first city to run entirely on renewable energy.
The cryptocurrency is expected to launch and be listed on stock exchanges in the first half of 2020. Akoin is being billed as a “unique” ecosystem bringing together digital and real-life tools and services. The project is placing an emphasis on supporting the efforts of African entrepreneurs.
“I think that blockchain and crypto could be the saviour for Africa in many ways because it brings the power back to the people,” Akon said. “Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology offer a more secure currency enabling s people in Africa to advance themselves independent of the government.” The Akoin ecosystem is intended to be not just a currency, but also a way to establish credit, borrow money, access government services, and more.
“To give a chance to young entrepreneurs, especially women, they are the one driving the economy. They are creating their currency because the currency that exists there is unstable. If you do not trust your currency, you don’t know how to drive your own economy. It’s a prefect tool. “
J.L.
