Senegal Will Host The First Olympic Event In Africa

Africa is preparing to host the  first Youth Olympic Games of the continent in 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. The proposed event, rescheduled to take place between October 31 and November 13, 2026 will bring together the best young athletes of the world  to participate in 35 different sports across 14 days. The Dakar en Jeux (Dakar in Games) event was originally scheduled for Dakar 2022 with three host cities which are Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Dakar en Jeux has now evolved into an annual celebration of sport and culture, serving as a forerunner to Dakar 2026 while encouraging increasing youth participation in sports. President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach stated that they cannot wait to return to Senegal and enjoy the first Olympic event on African land, an event for Africa with Africa that will welcome the youth of the world in Senegal.

According to Rufai Shuaib of Senegal, sports commentators from several African countries consider the event to be historic.

He also stated that the staging of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar is a significant milestone in exposing the immense talent and potential of their young athletes on a global platform.