On this day, June 28 in the year 1971, the man who envisions to colonize planet Mars and change the world and humanity was born in Pretoria, South Africa. His name is Elon Reeve Musk, the founder of SpaceX and the CEO of Tesla Motors. According to forbes.com, his net worth is $41.1 billion as of June 28, 2020, making him the 31st richest in the world.

Elon is the son of a South African engineer and a Canadian model. He has two other siblings. He lived and studied in South Africa before he moved to Canada when he was 17. At 12, he already learned computer programming, having written a code for a video game. He studied at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada for two years before he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States where he finished a degree in physics and economics. He enrolled at Princeton University for his PhD but did not pursue it.

Together with his brother, Elon started in 1995 a web company called Zip2 which developed and marketed city guide software. He became a multimillionaire before he reached 30 when this company was acquired by Compaq in 1999. He then formed another startup which would soon become Paypal.com, an online payment platform. When eBay.com purchased Paypal in 2002, he received $165 million.

In 2002, Elon set up Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) with a vision to establish a Mars colony by 2040. In 2004, he invested in the newly created Tesla Motors, a producer of electric vehicles. In 2006, he provided funds for the establishment of SolarCity which was co-founded by his cousins Lyndon and Peter Rive. This company is now a major supplier of solar power systems in the US. Tesla broke ground on the so-called Gigafactory in June 2014 outside Sparks, Nevada. Today, the Gigafactory produces Model 3 electric motors and battery packs, in addition to Tesla’s energy storage products, Powerwall and Powerpack. In January, 2020, the company opened its China electric vehicle factory.

Elon is married three times and divorced three times. He has five sons with his first wife Justine, all through in vitro fertilization.

Tourism in Senegal is set to receive a huge boost in the next decade, with the launching of the US$6bn “Akon City” project.

The contract to build the ultra-futuristic eco-city has just been granted to US-based consulting and engineering firm KE International, already known for the design and execution of the Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC), a green City based in Western Kenya.

Behind the concept of the cryptocurrency-themed project is Senegalese-American superstar and philanthropist Akon. The singer, whose real name is Alioune Badara Thiam, spent his early childhood in Senegal but moved to the US at age seven. Primarily known for his R&B hits such as “Locked Up” and “Smack That,” the singer has, over the years, championed different environmental projects such as Lighting Africa, which aims to provide electricity to 600 million Africans.

Akon City is located on 800 hectares of beachfront land less than an hour’s drive south of the new International airport in Dakar – land that is reported to have been gifted to the singer by the Government of Senegal.

With the awarding of the new contract, KE International has secured US$4bn from investors for the first and second phases of the project’s execution. Dubai-based Bakri & Associates Development Consultants are leading the architectural designs under KE International guidance.

Another Co-development partner is Senegal’s state tourism agency SAPCO, which will fit the city into the country’s tourism vision. SAPCO is reported to have signed an MoU with Akon is to build a “sustainable tourism village that would campaign for the environment”.

Akon City’s Phase 1 is expected to complete by the end of 2023, with the construction of roads, a hospital campus, a mall, residences, hotels, a police station, a school, a waste facility and a solar power plant.

Akon City Phase 2 will run from 2024 to 2029 and will end with a complete cryptocurrency city, running exclusively on “Akoin” cryptocurrency.

KE International will build Akon City to be “Leader in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED)-certified, the second such City in Africa with this certification after MMTC in Kenya.

The government of President Macky Sall of Senegal has earmarked Akon City as a special tax zone, with tax breaks to be given to the city to encourage investment.

#blockdown, #blockchain, #Akoin

BlockDown 2020 today revealed that attendees will be able to log in and create their very own bespoke virtual avatars this coming Monday 13th April at 9am EST. Attendees will be able to log in and customize their avatar including their body, clothing, and accessories.

Crypto enthusiasts will be able to choose from popular crypto culture clothing such as ‘Satoshi is Female’ t-shirts, Pepe the frog and branded t-shirts of their favourite crypto projects whilst being encouraged to share their character on social media prior to the conference at the BlockDown Selfie Booth.

As excitement builds, BlockDown today revealed an exclusive trailer and more images of their virtual 3D World which is set to open to the public at 9am CET on April 16th.

BlockDown 2020 embraces digital nature of crypto, onboards plethora of top-tier speakers

The highly anticipated BlockDown 2020 blockchain conference is slated to take place in under one week from today and is expected to bring about a new standard for accessibility and digitality to the crypto conference landscape.

Whilst being fully compatible with VR Technology such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and WMR, The BlockDown 3D World is available for anyone with a desktop or mobile. Beyond simply being the first conference to utilize bourgeoning virtual reality (VR) technology to allow speakers and companies to interact with a wide audience, BlockDown 2020 also sets a new standard with its impressive speaker line-up.

In a press release, the conference notes that in addition to the industry leaders that they already had scheduled to speak, they have also brought onboard a myriad of other notable speakers.

As CryptoSlate has previously reported, the upcoming BlockDown 2020 conference – which is taking place across two 12 hour blockbuster days of content between April 16th and 17th – is attempting to replicate a standard crypto conference in a fully digital medium.

It will take place in a virtual world, where users can use their avatars to walk around, visit company booths, listen to speakers, network with other participants and even dance the night away at an exclusive BlockDown after-party hosted by world-famous DJ’s.

This conference will feature many of the same attributes as standard live conferences but will offer greater accessibility to users located around the world, while also allowing the crypto industry to continue connecting and progressing in the face of a widespread global pandemic.

Major players within the crypto industry have taken kindly to the idea, as BlockDown has been able to onboard an impressive host of individuals who will be speaking at the event.

Some crypto heavy-weights that were previously announced include, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, NEO founder Da Hongfei, ShapeShift CEO Erik Voorhees, and others.

Today, BlockDown announced that this already notable VIP speaker line-up will be further bolstered, with some of the newly announced speakers including Stellar’s Jed McCaleb, CoinMarketCap’s Carolyne Chen, and World Health Organization Partner MiPasa.

BlockDown founder Erhan Korhaliller explained that those interested in learning more about how blockchain technology can aid in the curbing of the COVID-19 pandemic may be particularly interested in MiPasa’s discussion. He said:

“BlockDown was created in order to help our industry work through a difficult moment with the global pandemic, and therefore we are delighted to provide a stage to MiPasa to present their platform onboard to discuss how they are using blockchain to help tackle COVID-19.”

Users interested in attending this virtual conference can also now purchase tickets using crypto by visiting this link.

At the heart of the Akoin Ecosystem is a web (and Q2 2020 mobile) wallet. This secure online wallet servesas an entry and exit point for value exchange.

The wallet supports deposits of major cryptocurrencies suchas Stellar, Bitcoin, and Ethereum towards the purchase of Akoin. Several other altcoins, such as BitMinutes, can also be used to purchase Akoin via this wallet.

In addition to this, the wallet also supports purchasing Akoin with credit and debit cards, available in regions that support these payments processing systems.
Transferring value out of the web wallet can occur via many different methods.

Akoin Tokens can be transferred to various exchanges that support the Stellar protocol. Among the most unique and innovative
cash-out options available to Akoin holders is the “TAN” solution provided through BitMinutes. “TAN” stands for Trusted Agent Network and is best described as human ATMs.

BitMinutes has cultivated a network of individuals who have undergone standard Know Your Customer & Anti-Money Laundering procedures (KYC/AML), and that have registered as endpoints for value exchange.

If an Akoin holder would like to convert their tokens into real-world fiat, then they have the option to transfer their Akoin to a TAN and receive local currency from the agent.Peers to peet value exchange and lending is supported via the Akoin ecosystem.

Riding the Stellar rails, it is easy for Akoin holders to transfer between each other. It is also possible to exchange mobile numbers and/ or email addresses on the Akoin platform, providing opportunities for collaboration and interaction.

Through hosting integrated DApps in the Akoin Ecosystem, the platform will offer extensive benefits, such as providing access to lending, payments, and prepaid minutes capabilities across global third-party retail agents, mobile wallets, and banking systems.

Through DApps, third parties can convert Akoin into “Instant Digital Credit” to pay bills, purchase goods and services online, and to directly deposit funds to banks or mobile accounts.

By now we’re getting adjusted to life on lockdown. With many businesses closed and events cancelled, savvy entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to connect and keep it pushing. Tech pr agency EAK Digital is one of those savvy businesses, setting up BlockDown 2020, which is a virtual cryptocurrency conference featuring Akon as its headline speaker.

Currently “locked up” in Atlanta with his family during COVID-19 lockdown, Akon plans on spending his birthday attending the conference,, which kicks off on April 16th. Aside from live-streaming into a panel discussion, the Grammy-Nominated artist and crypto entrepreneur will make a big announcement about his crypto project, Akoin.

If you haven’t heard, Akoin aims to empower Africa with a single uniting currency on a secure platform that will give users the potential to build the businesses and lives of their dreams. Users of Akoin will be able to enjoy a wide array of benefits, like saving money and paying utilities and other users, plus it will give them the power to develop skills on educational applications, apply for jobs, request loans and market goods and services.

“I think that blockchain and crypto could be the savior 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 that enables people in Africa to advance themselves independent of the government.”

Akon intends for Akoin to power the economy of his futuristic $2 billion Akon Crypto City, an eco-tourism smart city currently under construction a few hours outside of Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Akon said that the city will be like a real-life Wakanda, running entirely on Akoin.

During BlockDown 2020, Akon will be live-streaming into a panel discussion and hosting a digital press conference and providing blockchain projects with the opportunity to pitch the Akoin team their project with the chance of being included in Akoin’s decentralized application ecosystem.

During the conference, attendees can also watch live illustrations, visit virtual exhibition booth areas, and network and share business ideas in dedicated online spaces, according to a statement.

“We decided to shift our focus to an online event as we knew that in these uncertain times, people will need a fun and sociable environment and we could use our network to bring the community together”, said EAK Digital’s founder Erhan Korhaliller.

So, stop sleeping when it comes to new tech. Register for BlockDown2020 at blockdownconf.com and get hip, the future is now.

#Blockchain, #Delchain, #Akoin

Akoin, a cryptocurrency project from famous singer Akon, has joined up with blockchain financial infrastructure company Delchain. 

“Bahamas-based digital asset management leader Delchain, an affiliate of Deltec, has provided strategic advisory services and expertise in connection with Akoin’s token generation event on a top tier exchange, scheduled for Q2 of 2020,” Akoin president and co-founder Jon Karas said in an email to Cointelegraph.

Delchain and Akoin contacted Cointelegraph, stating Delchain is part of Deltec International Group, not Deltec Bank and Trust Limited as was previously stated in this article before its update. 

A representative from Deltec International Group confirmed to Cointelegraph that Delchain is a subsidiary of Deltec International Group. Akoin helps people in asset maneuvers Constructed on Stellar’s blockchain, Akon’s crypto endeavor aims to provide utility tokens for atomic swaps, allowing parties to transition across various digital assets and fiat currencies, among other things, according to a copy of the project’s white paper shared with Cointelegraph. 

Akon described current monetary difficulties in Africa, including unstable and unstable currencies. The singer even said the country’s citizens often barter with cell phone minutes and credits in exchange for products and food. 

“Akoin is a blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency designed to fuel rising entrepreneurs in Africa and beyond,” Akoin Co-founder Lynn Liss told Cointelegraph in an email, adding:

“Akoin’s mission is to unlock the potential of the world’s largest growing economy by creating revenue- generating opportunities and stimulating innovation, entrepreneurship, economic stability, and growth across Africa and other lean economies.” 

Delchain delivers know-how
Delchain adds depth in a number of areas for Akoin. The outfit brings “Industry best practices, financial services and top tier relationships related to digital asset management, token generation events and token custody management and services,”

Karas explained. 
“We decided to partner with Delchain, Delchain being one of the most prolific financial facilities in the crypto world,” Akon said in a statement provided to Cointelegraph. 

He added:
“When we met with them it was more so about allowing them to understand what we are trying to do in Africa, the kind of challenges that they will be facing, that most banks and financial facilities aren’t willing to take at the moment.”

Since Bitcoin’s inception more than a decade ago, many famous personalities have jumped into the crypto space with ties to various products, including Johnny Depp’s partnership with crypto social platform TaTaTu, and 50 Cent’s allowance of Bitcoin in album sales. Some of these celebrity-involved crypto dealings have gone south, however, as was the case with Floyd Mayweather, who faced action from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for his ICO advertising.

#blockchain, #blockdown, #Akoin

BlockDown 2020 is a two-day blockchain/cryptocurrency virtual conference, running from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CET (Central European Time) each day on April 16th and 17th, 2020, with a rather impressive line-up of speakers:

The conference organizers say:

BlockDown is the new lockdown – and you’re invited. This digital spectacular promises to be the leading remote blockchain event of the year. Join us and take part in the new global digital revolution.

Investment

With the global economy set to experience testy times for the next few months at least, responsible investment in cryptocurrency is a topic that many will be wanting to explore in more detail.

Gaming

The gaming industry is certainly growing at an exponential rate and a look at how blockchain technology can support the new generation of game tech is sure to excite many of our audience.

DeFi

Decentralized finance is a gamechanger for businesses as more and more companies look to utilise smart contracts, protocols, and decentralized applications. Hear opinions from the biggest leaders in the space regarding what the future holds for DeFi.

Privacy

How does affect blockchain protect privacy? What’s the difference between public and private keys? How secure is blockchain really? We’re getting answers to your burning privacy questions right here, right now.

Social Impact

Blockchain technology has the power to change lives, which is why more and more projects are dedicating resources to making a difference; something many of our speakers at BlockDown are passionate about.

Trading

Trading can be intimidating, to say the least, which is why we’re bringing in experts and leaders to discuss the benefits of smart trading and what we should be mindful of in order to maximise our results.

Security

Security, blockchain and cryptocurrency – three words we often see together, and three topics that should always be spoken about together. Let all your security-related questions be answered here at BlockDown.

Enterprise

What enterprise blockchain trends can we expect to see throughout the rest of 2020, and will this year be the year that the corporate world and end-users are really ready to adopt and embrace blockchain?

The CoinTelegraph reports:

Blockchain and cryptocurrency enthusiasts have found new ways to come together amid the global coronavirus lockdown. A crypto conference called BlockDown 2020 is scheduled to take place in the virtual realm this month, with big name personalities from the blockchain community set to appear as digital 3D avatars.

Notable attendees on the docket include Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, Stellar co-founder Jed McCaleb, Akoin founder(Akon) and NEO founder Da Hongfei. Also appearing will be Roger Ver, executive chairman of Bitcoin.com, and Erik Voorhees, CEO and founder of Shapeshift.

Musician-turned-crypto-innovator Akon will headline the event…

The conference is set to last the entire day, and will include live fireside chats hosted in a virtual 3D space. Live AMAs and Q&As will take place, and attendees will be free to network with other people in virtual space. They’ll even have the opportunity to pitch business ideas to Akon directly.

The NewsBTC website reports:

Virtual crypto conference BlockDown 2020 will utilize cutting edge tech that puts its visitors inside a virtual 3D conference.

On April 16-17, BlockDown 2020 will be defying government lockdowns to keep the crypto community networking, and it will be using a bleeding edge software package to do so.

BlockDown attendees will be able to design and choose their own avatar before sending it into the virtual conference hall, which will feature booths, stands and keynote speakers from some of crypto’s most colorful characters and businesses. Attendees are also encouraged to watch the BlockDown mainstage and panels all within the 3D environment.

“Think of it like a crypto version of ‘The Sims,”” said Erhan Korhaliller, organizer and founder of crypto PR agency EAK Digital.

“ We want the networking to be as natural as it would be at a real life conference, where you met your best friend at the water cooler, at the afterparty or in the networking/lounge area. Imagine your usual crypto conference, with booths, stands, branded t-shirts, stages and networking areas. This will be exactly the same but will allow attendees to control and direct their avatars to whatever content, speakers and booths they’re interested in.”

The entire conference will be run on a white label use of the Sinespace platform. Tickets for the conference cost £20, and can be purchased online here. If you already have an existing account on Sinespace, you can attend BlockDown 2020 if you purchase your ticket using the same email address as your Sinespace avatar account.

See you there!

Akon, the grammy-award rapper and founder of the Akoin cryptocurrency for Africa, has revealed that cell phone prepaid minutes common in Africa, were the inspiration behind the Akoin cryptocurrency.

Akoin has partnered with BitMinutes in order to deliver their proposed Akoin cryptocurrency to the developed world of Africa.

Speaking in the interview, Akon said:

“We have a lot currencies in Africa and a lot of them are unstable, and most of them are untrusted. It got to a point where the day-to-day African people weren’t using their currencies anymore. They were using their cell phone minutes and credits as a way of currency trading for basic goods.

That came with a crazy idea on building what you call the atomic swap on the Akoin platform where you can utilize your cell phone credits and turn them into Akoins that you can use as real currency and spend them at the markets.”

When asked why he decided to deploy Akoin on the Stellar blockchain, he said:

‘I’ve always liked how Stellar system was set up since they conform to these under-developed markets, specifically in Africa. They’ve teamed up and partnered with thousands of banks and they always think outside the box and I always felt they would be a great partner for us to have.”

Akon believes the Akoin cryptocurrency is set up to empower young Africans and the way to do that is have a money that is set up right.

He also discussed his upcoming Akon City and updated the audiences on developments on this initiative mentioning it is expected to be done within 5 years.

Rapper Akon is launching the cryptocurrency, Akoin, that he says will financially power “Akon City” in West Africa.

His whitepaper indicates that Akoins will work as “atomic swaps” between cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and mobile phone credits on the Akoin network.

“The Akoin Utility Token is the exclusive currency of the Akoin ecosystem. Our proprietary Atomic Swap technology enables immediate trade between major cryptocurrencies, our partners’ alternative currencies, and fiat currencies — both on the platform and in the local market,” according to the whitepaper.

The plan is to make Akoin available in all 54 African countries, according to its website, https://www.akoin.io/ which also calls it a “uniting crypto-currency for Africa” and says it will “empower Africa.”

“We have so many currencies in Africa — a lot of them are unstable, and most of them are untrusted. It got to the point where the day-to-day African people don’t even use the currencies anymore, they’re using their cell phone minutes and credits as a way of trading for basic goods like produce, fish, fruits and things on the market,” Akon told Cointelegraph.

“Ultimately, outside of the villages, you really can’t trade cell phone minutes for anything,” he continued. “So we want to utilize that same mindset to take advantage of that mechanism outside of Africa — so even when they leave the continent, they can be able to utilize all of their credits and really be able to purchase real things,”

Akoin is a cryptocurrency designed to fuel rising entrepreneurs in Africa and beyond. Akoin will be used as a common medium of transfer between Africa’s 54 countries (each with its own volatile currency). Allowing African citizens and entrepreneurs to engage with the digital economy with only a mobile phone. Akoin has a focus on Africa, but with opportunities for anyone, no matter where they’re located. The Akoin platform will include tools, apps and services which any entrepreneur globally could benefit from.

Akoin will also be the central currency of Akon City, a sustainable and eco-tourism smart city in Senegal, Africa. Akon City blends leading smart city planning designs with a blank canvas for integrating blockchain into our daily human and business exchanges. All with the goal of inventing a radical new way of existence.

You can read more on the link below https://www.akoin.io/