The excitement is building as Dakar gears up to host the historic Youth Olympic Games in 2026, marking the first Olympic event held on African soil. With less than two years to go, the Dakar 2026 organizing committee recently presented its latest progress report at the 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 20, 2025.
This report highlighted the significant developments made in preparations, emphasizing venue construction and refurbishment, workforce training, and increasing youth engagement throughout Senegal. A key milestone was the successful completion of the Dakar en Jeux Festival in November 2024, where thousands of young people participated in sporting activities across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, including an international U16 3x3 basketball tournament and health workshops geared towards local children.
Looking ahead, plans are already in place for the next Dakar en Jeux Festival, scheduled for late 2025, coinciding with the “One Year to Go” milestone. This upcoming edition is expected to serve as a crucial testing opportunity for the Youth Olympic Games. Mamadou Ndiaye, the president of the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee (YOGOC), expressed his pride in the event, stating, “Senegal is honored, on behalf of Africa, to welcome the world to the first Olympic Games held on the continent. From the outset, our approach has been focused on inclusion and sharing.”
The COJOJ continues to strengthen its workforce by incorporating insights gained from the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, where many of its staff members experienced first-hand the planning and execution of a significant international sporting event. This team expansion is supported by the newly established Learning Academy, which aims to train up to 400 young professionals, equipping them with vital skills for the successful delivery of the Dakar 2026 Games. This initiative also aims to leave a long-standing legacy of skilled event organizers based in Senegal and across the African continent.
Infrastructure preparations are currently on track, with refurbishment work underway at critical urban venues in Dakar. Construction is also progressing at the equestrian center and the Youth Olympic Village located in Diamniadio. The finalized venue master plan incorporates a total of seven competition venues spread across the three host areas.
In addition to the infrastructure and workforce development, Dakar 2026 has recently announced its first domestic sponsorship deal with telecommunications company Sonatel, further strengthening its commercial program and community support.
Another element driving excitement for the Games is the mascot design process, which has incentivized participation from nearly 500 schoolchildren nationwide. This competition reflects a spirit of creativity and youth involvement as these schoolchildren take part in designing the official Games mascot, which is expected to be unveiled in June 2025, marking 500 days to go until the Olympics commence.
Dakar 2026 will welcome the world's top young athletes for two weeks beginning October 31, 2026. This momentous occasion not only aims to showcase sporting talents but also aspires to transform Senegal through the power of sports while setting a precedent for future Youth Olympic Games host countries.
In marking this historic commitment, Mamadou Ndiaye shared how the inclusive mission and the slogan, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,” will resonate through every aspect of the Games, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration among attendees and participants alike.
With each development, the optimism surrounding Dakar 2026 continues to grow, establishing the groundwork for what promises to be an unforgettable occasion not just for Senegal, but for all of Africa.
