How Senegal Is Gearing Up for Africa’s First Olympic Event

From a nationwide torch relay to the mobilisation of 6,000 volunteers, Senegal is pulling out all the stops to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event ever held on the African continent.

Scheduled from October 31 to November 13, the Games will bring together an estimated 2,700 young athletes from 206 countries, competing across venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

The scale of preparation is visible across the capital. At Kër Ayo, a former French military base in Ouakam now serving as a hub for the Games, volunteers are collecting uniforms and accreditation before deploying to assist athletes, officials, and spectators.

For Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS), the goal goes beyond logistics; it is about offering an experience rooted in Téranga, the Senegalese tradition of hospitality.

“Senegal will not offer perfect Games, but authentic Games, warm Games,” Ndiaye said, describing sport as “the common language of the world.”

Addressing visiting delegations, he added, “You will not be our guests. You will be at home.”

A Nationwide Celebration

The Olympic flame has already carried the spirit of the Games across the country.

After being lit in Athens on September 10 and arriving in Dakar on September 14, the torch traveled 3,600 kilometers through all 14 of Senegal’s regions, carried by around 450 torchbearers.

The relay brought the event to communities far from the capital, transforming the Games into a national celebration.

Senegal’s own delegation is comprised of 69 girls and 67 boys who will compete in 23 of the 25 sports on the programme.

On October 26, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye handed the national flag to the athletes at the Presidential Palace, urging them to demonstrate discipline, courage, and solidarity.

Promoting Integrity

As the world descends on Dakar, two African Olympians are stepping up to guide the next generation.

Malian basketball Olympian Kady Kanouté Tounkara and South African athletics Olympian Khotso Mokoena are among six Believe in Sport ambassadors who will engage with athletes during the Games.

“Protecting sport is a shared responsibility, and every athlete has a role to play in preserving fairness and respect,” said Kanouté Tounkara.

“True victory cannot be bought, manipulated or shortcut. It comes from talent, dedication and honest effort.”

Mokoena, a four-time Olympian, emphasised that integrity shapes an athlete’s legacy.

“Integrity is not only about how you compete, but also about the kind of athlete and person you become along the journey,” he said.

Operational Readiness

Behind the scenes, the organising committee has identified 25 priority measures covering accommodation, transport, health, and telecommunications. Airport arrangements have been strengthened to receive delegations.

The Iba Mar Diop Stadium is completed, and operational tests have been conducted in sports like athletics, taekwondo, and cycling.

To inspire the young competitors, organisers have named Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal as ambassadors, bridging different generations and disciplines.

Beyond the competition, Senegal hopes the Games will stimulate the local economy and encourage youth participation in sports.

For Ndiaye, the event is a historic milestone. Africa, he said, will “enter Olympic history through the grandest of doors.”