The African continent is eagerly awaiting the first-ever Youth Olympic Games to be held on the continent, taking place in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. The event, initially scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, will gather the world’s top young athletes to compete in 35 different sports over 14 days.
Originally planned as the Dakar en Jeux festival in 2022, the annual celebration of sport and culture now takes place across the three host cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, serving as a precursor to Dakar 2026 and encouraging increased youth engagement in sports.
Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has expressed his support for Senegal’s hosting of the Youth Olympic Games, highlighting Africa’s unity and its rich sporting culture. During his visit to Senegal in 2022, Bach expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “We cannot wait for the moment to be back here and to enjoy this first Olympic event on African soil, an event for Africa, with Africa, that will welcome the youth of the world in Senegal.”
Sports analysts from various parts of Africa view the event as historically significant. Rufai Shuaib from Senegal noted, “The hosting of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar represents a major milestone in showcasing the immense talent and potential of our young athletes on a global platform.”
