The 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will see Senegal play host to the world's sporting youth over several weeks. This sporting event, the first of its kind to be held in Africa, is very important to the continent. For Africa's young people, the YOG are a time of joy and pride, but also of humility.
Dakar’s selection as host was the result of several factors: a sporting tradition rooted in history, Senegal's special place in the international community and its status as a stable country, Africa's role in globalisation and the IOC's desire to make the organisation of its sporting events, particularly the YOG, accessible to all countries.
For the IOC, the issues and challenges facing the world only reinforce its desire to make sport universal and ethical. For Dakar 2026, this moral vision is paramount and must be in line with the transformation and renaissance of Africa.
This sporting event has to go hand in hand with our increasingly clear focus on economic development. As such, it should have a positive impact on our country in economic, social and environmental terms.
The YOG are set to be a real catalyst for a number of different sectors: tourism, the arts, culture, transport, sports and road infrastructure, the environment, sustainable development, and more. There will undoubtedly be a direct impact on the economy, particularly in the cities hosting the competitions, as well as an improvement in the quality of life. The indirect impact will be even more significant in terms of sustainable economic development, as the focus will be on the legacy of the Games.
Finally, sport should be a celebration, a way to bring people together, and a force for peace, closer ties and social cohesion. It is hoped that the impact of these YOG will help to consolidate the Olympic values and support the development of Senegal and the transformation of Africa.