Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Senegal to host Africa’s first Olympic event with Dakar Youth Games
Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games from 31 October to 13 November, the first Olympic event held in Africa.
About 2,700 athletes, mainly aged 15 to 17, are expected to compete across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The Games bring Olympic competition to Africa for the first time, though the Youth Olympics are a separate event from the senior Olympic Games.
The event was originally scheduled for Dakar in 2022 but was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers hope the Games will create jobs and build skills through event work, tourism, volunteering and training; more than 400 young Africans have already received training for roles such as logistics and venue management.
Senegal is also hoping to showcase Dakar and leave a lasting sporting legacy, as residents face high living costs, unemployment and economic hardship.
Competition runs for 15 days, with the Games ending on 13 November.
Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games from 31 October to 13 November, marking the first Olympic event held in Africa.
About 2,700 athletes are expected to compete across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The Games were originally scheduled for 2022 but were postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers hope the event will promote sport, develop skills and bring longer-term benefits to Senegal and the continent.
Senegal is hosting amid economic hardship and concerns among residents about the cost of living and unemployment.
- Who
- Senegal is hosting the Games, with about 2,700 athletes expected to compete.
- What
- The Youth Olympic Games will bring together young athletes in 25 sports. It is the first Olympic event held in Africa.
- When
- From 31 October to 13 November 2026.
- Where
- Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, Senegal.
- Why
- The Games aim to inspire young people and promote Olympic values. Organisers also hope to develop skills and showcase Senegal as a destination.
Residents concerned about economic hardship
Games organisers
Economic priorities
Residents concerned about economic hardship
Some residents are more concerned about the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardship than the Games.
Games organisers
Organisers view the event as an investment in the future, including through training and skills development.
Potential benefits
Residents concerned about economic hardship
Some residents remain sceptical about the Games.
Games organisers
Organisers hope the event will create employment and tourism benefits and support skills development.
Dakar was due to host the Youth Olympic Games, but the event was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senegal’s president welcomed the Youth Olympic flame to Dakar, and it then toured all 14 regions of the country.
Baseball5 is scheduled to begin competition at the Games.
The Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to open in Senegal.
The 15 days of competition are scheduled to end.
- Host country
- Senegal
- Competition dates
- 31 October–13 November 2026
- Competition locations
- Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly
- Athletes expected
- About 2,700
- Sports
- 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports without medals
- Senegalese athletes
- 136
3 sources
What people are saying
Africa has hosted many international competitions but this is the first time we have anything labelled with the Olympic rings
We know we are going to be ambassadors for Africa
all of Africa’s youth is watching (you) with confidence and pride
after your victories -- and I’m sure there will be some -- the Russian anthem will be played and the Russian flag will be raised.