Senegal’s Youth Olympics could strengthen Africa’s Games ambitions

Senegal will host the first Olympic event on African soil when the Youth Olympics begins at the end of October 2026. Around 2,700 young athletes are expected to compete in 153 events across 25 sports. Many qualified through the African Youth Games held the previous year.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said young people across Africa were watching the event with pride as the Olympic flame arrived. The Games are being presented as a significant test for the continent’s ability to host major international sporting events. Malick Diouf, head of a marketing agency and founder of the Dakar Sport Summit, said an Olympic Games in Africa would be a logical next step after Dakar.

He argued that the continent had Olympic champions, record holders and Olympians and should be considered capable of hosting the Summer Olympics. Senegal’s approach includes reusing and refurbishing existing facilities rather than building an entirely new infrastructure network. The Iba Mar Diop Stadium is expected to be used for athlete training before the 2028 Olympics.

Supporters also point to possible benefits for roads, hospitality, security and broadcasting, as well as for young athletes. Diouf said the resources created for the Games would need to be used after the event. The Youth Olympics’ future is uncertain.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said in May that the process for a 2030 edition had been paused while the organisation developed a broader youth strategy. The Dakar event will run from October 31 to November 13. Diouf said he hoped it would be memorable and encourage reconsideration of the decision not to host the Youth Olympics in 2030.