Momentum builds for Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 as preparations gain pace

08 November 2024 – With less than two years to go until the start of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission met in Dakar to take stock of the ongoing preparations. This sixth meeting provided an opportunity to assess the significant progress made and to reaffirm the commitment of Senegal and the IOC to delivering a historic event on African soil.

At the meeting, the members of the Commission welcomed the pace of progress since their last visit. Visits to several venues, including the Tour de l’Œuf and the Stade Iba Mar Diop, confirmed the progress of the renovation work. These modernised facilities, designed to serve young Senegalese well beyond the Games, should be completed by the end of 2025.

The Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio, scheduled for completion in October 2025, will be ready to welcome young athletes from around the world. The venues in Diamniadio, with the Me Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and the Dakar Arena multi-sports hall, are ready for the event.

In the last few months, the Organising Committee (YOGOC) has been working across all key areas to adapt to the evolving sports programme for the Youth Olympic Games. This updated approach allows for a tailored competition that aligns with the local context, making Dakar 2026 the first to benefit from this model. The revised model will feature 25 sports in the competition programme and 10 in the engagement programme, ensuring diversity and relevance for both local and international audiences. In collaboration with the International Federations, the YOGOC has crafted a programme that emphasises gender equality and African participation. The IOC Executive Board (EB) will finalise the events, disciplines and athlete quotas in December.

The members of the Coordination Commission were also updated on progress in other essential aspects of the Games preparations. The official website, Dakar2026.com, has been launched, alongside dedicated social media channels, marking a new phase in outreach and engagement efforts. With the marketing and communication plan now finalised, the YOGOC is also rolling out its athlete education programme, designed to prepare young athletes for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. These initiatives underscore the steady progress being made as the YOGOC ramps up its visibility, strengthens its connection with audiences, and fosters excitement across Senegal and beyond.

The Dakar 2026 Games Academy: a human legacy project

One of the most striking legacy projects is the Dakar 2026 Games Academy. This initiative will train 400 young Senegalese and African professionals in sports and event management, creating a pool of talent that will benefit the organisation of future Olympic and sporting events.

It is truly exciting to witness the remarkable progress being made as we approach the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Nawal El Moutawakel, IOC Vice-President and member of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission

She added: “The creation of the Dakar 2026 Games Academy is a powerful legacy project, empowering future leaders with the skills to shape the future of sport. The enthusiasm and dedication seen throughout the preparations give me confidence that these Games will leave an indelible mark on Senegal and the broader African continent.”

The Dakar en Jeux festival, a vehicle for community involvement

The third edition of the Dakar en Jeux festival, taking place in the Senegalese capital from 8 to 10 November, will celebrate the diversity and energy of Senegal’s youth through sport, music and culture.

This year’s edition, for which thousands of participants are expected, will see the participation of four other African countries, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, in a basketball tournament, echoing the Games’ motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”.

The festival aims to bring communities together and cultivate popular enthusiasm for the 2026 YOG. This festive initiative is also helping to strengthen the cultural dimension of the Games by promoting Senegal’s dynamism and hospitality to local and international audiences.

The next steps towards Dakar 2026

As key milestones approach, the YOGOC is preparing for a significant expansion of its team to meet growing operational demands. Currently composed of 80 members, the YOGOC will increase to 330 staff by the end of 2025. From next year, the volunteer programme will be launched, and iconic elements of the Games, such as the poster, the official song, the mascot and the medal, will be unveiled. Ticketing will also open in 2025 to allow the public to join in the celebrations. This enhanced team will play a critical role in coordinating the event’s many logistical, promotional and infrastructural aspects.

The feedback from the Coordination Commission bears testament to the amount of effort that the YOGOC has put in over the last few years, and the progress that has been made in preparing for the Games.

Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee

He continued: “With two years to go before the Games, we will be stepping up the pace of our work as we enter the final stretch before Dakar 2026. The IOC’s very positive assessment of the work we have presented is a real source of satisfaction for the Dakar teams. But we also take it as encouragement to keep up the momentum.”

With strong support from the Senegalese government, close cooperation with African National Olympic Committees and strategic partnerships with past and future Olympic Games Organising Committees, Dakar 2026 is set to become a transformative event for Africa.

The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, to be held from 31 October to 13 November 2026, represent a crucial milestone for the Olympic Movement. They embody a strong commitment to sport and youth, and lay the foundations for an ambitious legacy for Senegal and the entire African continent.