The “Africa Forward” summit, a joint initiative by France and Kenya held in Nairobi, is currently exploring the intersection of sport and national development. This mission is a top priority for Senegal, as the nation prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar later this year. This milestone marks the very first time an Olympic event will take place on the African continent.
With the opening ceremony approaching, officials are projecting confidence. “Senegal will be ready,” asserts the leadership involved in the preparations. Originally slated for 2022 but delayed by the global pandemic, these 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games represent a transformative moment for both the country and the region.
(*) The Dakar 2026 Games are expected to welcome 2,700 international athletes, all aged 17 or younger. The program features 25 competitive sports and 10 demonstration events, totaling 153 separate competitions split between male, female, and mixed categories.
Ahmadou al-Aminou Lo, a high-ranking Minister of State responsible for the Senegal 2050 transformation agenda, also leads a dedicated monitoring committee. This group meets twice monthly to coordinate state and local efforts, ensuring that all infrastructure projects remain on track.
“Our mission is to mitigate any risks regarding the delivery of the Games,” Lo explained. “We are ensuring that Senegalese state institutions remain agile. This event carries the reputation of both Senegal and Africa; we have a profound responsibility to prove our capacity for hosting world-class sporting spectacles.”
A commitment to urban excellence
Beyond logistics and security, Dakar is focusing on environmental standards. Officials are aiming to significantly improve the city’s cleanliness and waste management systems. “Our first gold medal must be for cleanliness,” stated Minister Lo, citing the high standards set by Kigali, Rwanda, as the benchmark for the continent.
Promotional banners for the YOG already line the streets of Dakar and the highway leading to Blaise-Diagne International Airport. In the Plateau district, major rehabilitation work continues at Independence Square to ensure the city looks its best for international visitors.
Strategic collaboration with France
The French Embassy in Senegal is playing a supportive role through the Alliance Dioko. This partnership, established in 2019, allows the organizing committees of Paris 2024 and Dakar to share expertise on everything from volunteer recruitment to venue security. Recently, security experts from the Paris Games visited Dakar to help assess local requirements.
Ambassador Christine Fages highlighted that approximately thirty experts from the Paris 2024 team have been integrated into the Dakar 2026 staff. Furthermore, over 400 young people have participated in a Learning Academy to master sports event management. Financial support includes an €80 million loan from the AFD (French Development Agency) to renovate the Iba-Mar-Diop Stadium and the Tour de l’oeuf aquatic complex.
At the Tour de l’oeuf site in the Point E neighborhood, construction is moving forward on the Olympic pool and diving facilities. Managed by Sogea-Satom, the project involves over 450 workers. The facility will also host 3×3 basketball, breaking, skateboarding, and baseball. New water and energy-saving technologies are being implemented, with a final handover scheduled for mid-August.
Building a lasting legacy for Senegalese youth
The long-term maintenance of these facilities is a core component of the Senegal 2050 vision. With half the population under the age of 19, the government views the sports economy as a vital engine for growth. The goal is to significantly increase the sector’s contribution to the national GDP through professional training, high-level competition centers, and the expansion of business tourism (MICE).
By hosting the Youth Olympic Games, Senegal intends to create a sustainable heritage that empowers its young citizens and establishes the country as a premier destination for global sporting events.
