Senegal is set to make history by hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, becoming the first African nation to stage an Olympic event. The Games will open on October 31, marking a landmark moment for the continent, which has produced Olympic champions for decades but has never before hosted an Olympic competition.
Originally awarded to Dakar in 2018, the Games were scheduled for 2022 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving organisers additional time to prepare. Events will be held across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
Officials have described the event as a milestone for Africa. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the Games represent the continent’s first true Olympic moment, with organisers in Senegal saying they hope to demonstrate Africa’s ability to host a global sporting event to the highest standards.
Beyond sport, Dakar 2026 is expected to create opportunities for young people. With nearly 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under the age of 30, organisers view the Games as a platform to inspire youth and develop skills. The IOC has already trained more than 400 young Africans in event operations, logistics, and venue management, with volunteers representing over 30 countries.
The Games will feature around 2,700 athletes competing in 25 sports, alongside 10 non-competitive activities designed to engage local children. For the first time on African soil, a Youth Refugee Team will also compete, supported through the Olympic Refuge Foundation.
Rather than constructing numerous new venues, organisers have prioritised restoring existing sporting facilities to ensure a lasting legacy. The Youth Olympic Games will be overseen by IOC President Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, the first woman and first African to lead the organisation.
