"Senegal will be ready." This firm assurance comes as the countdown enters its final six months. The capital city, Dakar, is currently in the midst of intense preparations for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG), scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13. Originally set for 2022 but delayed due to the global pandemic, these 4th Summer YOG represent a monumental milestone: they are the first Olympic event ever to be hosted on African soil. This massive undertaking is a primary focus for Ahmadou al-Aminou Lo, who oversees the project’s strategic coordination.

The "Africa Forward" summit, a joint initiative by France and Kenya held in Nairobi, recently highlighted sports as a pillar for development. This theme resonates deeply with Senegal’s current mission. The Dakar 2026 games are expected to welcome 2,700 young international competitors, all of whom must be 17 years old or younger. The sports program is extensive, featuring 25 competitive disciplines and ten "engagement" sports for demonstration, totaling 153 events across masculine, feminine, and mixed categories.

A strategic committee for a continental challenge

Ahmadou al-Aminou Lo, who serves as a Minister of State and previously held a high-ranking position at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), leads a dedicated monitoring committee. This group meets twice monthly, bringing together state and local institutions to ensure the project stays on track. "Our mission is to mitigate all risks regarding the delivery of the YOG," Lo explained. He views himself as the "quality assurance" lead, emphasizing that the reputation of both Senegal and Africa is at stake. The pressure is high to prove the continent’s capacity to manage world-class sporting events.

Beyond logistics and security, a major goal for the authorities is urban improvement. Dakar aims to transform its image regarding cleanliness and waste management. "Our first victory must be one of hygiene," Lo stated, noting a plan inspired by the success of Kigali, which currently leads the continent in cleanliness rankings. Dakar, currently ranked 17th, is determined to close that gap.

The Franco-Senegalese partnership and infrastructure

The presence of the YOG is already visible throughout Dakar, from the Plateau district to the highway leading to Blaise-Diagne International Airport. Large-scale renovations are underway at Independence Square and other key locations. This effort is supported by a strong partnership with France, established in 2019 through the Alliance Dioko. This agreement facilitates the sharing of expertise between the Paris 2024 and Dakar 2026 organizing committees, covering everything from volunteer recruitment to venue security.

French Ambassador Christine Fages highlighted that around thirty experts from the Paris Games have joined the Dakar 2026 team. Furthermore, the Learning Academy has trained over 400 young people in sports event management. Financial backing includes an €80 million loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), which is funding the rehabilitation of the Iba-Mar-Diop Stadium and the Tour de l’Oeuf complex, home to the Olympic pool. Local sports facilities are also being developed to benefit the community.

Modernizing the Olympic pool and legacy goals

At the Tour de l’Oeuf complex in the Point E neighborhood, construction is moving forward. The site will host swimming, diving, 3×3 basketball, baseball, breaking, and skateboarding. Despite minor delays, the pools are equipped with modern water and energy-saving technologies. A full test of the basins is scheduled for mid-May, with the organizing committee expected to take control of the site by August 15.

The ultimate goal for Senegal is the long-term "legacy" of these facilities. With half of the population under the age of 19, the "Senegal 2050" agenda places the sports economy at its center. The government aims to significantly increase the sector’s contribution to the national GDP, leveraging the games to promote high-level competition and boost the business tourism industry (MICE).