For the first time in Africa, the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, 2026. It's a challenge that the country of Teranga is determined to tackle with success.
As a vector of transformation in sports, social, cultural, educational, and economic spheres, the Youth Olympic Games bring new hope, opportunities, and renewed confidence for young people. Senegal aims to make this major sporting event a celebration, a key moment for promoting unity, and a driver of peace and social cohesion.
Dakar 2026 also stems from the desire to spread the Youth Olympic Games globally and make these Games a transformative force for Africa.
Sports and culture are deeply rooted in Senegal's history and society, especially among its youth. These Games aim to embody the symbiosis, exchange, joy, and pride, while instilling the essential humility for young people worldwide, particularly in Africa and Senegal.
In this regard, the Senegalese government is mobilizing all its resources to ensure that this sporting event takes place under the best conditions. In fact, during his recent visit to Dakar, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressed his "confidence" in the "great success of the Youth Olympic Games" to be held in Senegal in 2026.
"I can confirm that after receiving information and visiting several construction sites, we are all convinced that these Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will be a great success for Africa and by Africa," he told the press.
He also praised the remarkable work of the Organizing Committee, assuring that its members are up to the challenges ahead and that they have the full support of Senegalese authorities. According to him, this mobilization "promises a great celebration for Africa, a young continent gaining influence in the world of sports and the Olympic movement." "This will be an opportunity to showcase Africa's leadership through this extraordinary project led by Senegal and its authorities," added the IOC president.
During his stay, Thomas Bach, accompanied by IOC Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel and other IOC members in Africa, visited the Iba Mar Diop Stadium and the Olympic swimming pool in Dakar, as well as several ongoing sports construction projects. He also met with Senegalese athletes and attended fencing and taekwondo demonstrations. This visit allowed the IOC delegation to get updates on the progress of the Youth Olympic Games organization, particularly concerning volunteer work, the torch relay, and the engagement of the entire African continent.
The IOC President was also received by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. For the fourth edition of this event, Senegal will welcome young athletes aged 15 to 18 competing in 35 sports. Initially scheduled for 2022 but postponed to 2026, the Youth Olympic Games will take place in three Senegalese cities: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. After his visit to Dakar, Thomas Bach will travel to South Africa, Lesotho, Uganda, and Kenya.