Akon launches own cryptocurrency, Akoin

Akon has started his own cryptocurrency Akoin to compete with Bitcoin as he also intends to go beyond just creating a cryptocurrency. 
Akon launched the Akoin cryptocurrency at Cannes Lion and announced that Akoin would be up for sale in the next two weeks. 

He said "I think that blockchain and crypto could be the savior for Africa in many ways because it brings the power back to the people and brings the security back into the currency system and also allows the people to utilize it in ways where they can advance themselves and not allow government to do those things that are keeping them down."

Akon is the latest artist to delve into cryptocurrency. He said in an interview, that he comes up with the ideas and leaves the technical stuff to the geeks. Akon's ambition is to create an expansive AKoin Ecosystem. The AKoin Ecosystem is a unique global project that offers an abundance of digital and in-real-life platforms and experiences that create opportunity and inclusion for youth entrepreneurs by allowing consumers to buy, hold, and spend cryptocurrency right from their smartphone through a suite of blockchain-powered apps.