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Two agreements to strengthen the partnership between France and the YOGOC were signed. The French Minister for Francophonie, Éléonore Caroit, was present in Dakar for the occasion.
In 2024, Paris hosted the latest edition of the Summer Olympic Games. This edition was marked by flawless organisation, spectacular competitions held in the heart of the capital's iconic historic sites, and attractive competitive sports that were popular with young audiences.
The success of these Games greatly contributed to the global reputation of Paris and France. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), ‘Paris 2024 put Paris in the global spotlight by embodying a new era of the Games, with historic reach and impact that brings sport closer to communities and creates a lasting legacy on a global scale.’
Building on this experience, the French government, through the French Embassy in Senegal, is supporting the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC). To this end, two agreements were signed between the COJOJ and the French Embassy in Senegal on Monday 26 January 2026 at the BEM Dakar premises.
Strengthening vocational training
These partnerships between the YOGOC, the Fonds Équipe France (FEF) and the Fonds d’études et d’aide au secteur privé (FASEP) will support vocational training, capacity building and project support related to the organisation of the Dakar 2026 YOG.
Specifically, the first agreement supports the Learning Academy, a vocational training programme for 419 young people from Senegal and other African countries. Once they have completed their training, they will have the opportunity to join the Dakar 2026 YOGOC teams. Ultimately, learners will also be able to consider working in the organisation of major international sporting events.
The second agreement supports the assistance provided by French companies KENEO and EVENTEAM to the Dakar 2026 YOGOC for the delivery of the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Saly and Diamniadio from 31 October to 13 November.
“Passing the torch”
Christine Fages, Ambassador of France to Senegal, Karim Ben Cheïkh, Member of Parliament representing French citizens living abroad, and Éléonore Caroit, French Minister for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Citizens Abroad, were present alongside Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, at the signing of the agreements.
These partnerships enable us to ‘pass the torch after Paris 2024’, stated Éléonore Caroit, adding that she was ‘honoured’ to have the opportunity to exchange with members of the Learning Academy.
Experts from the former Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee will be mobilised to support the YOGOC in the context of Dakar 2026.
