Dakar to Host First African Youth Olympics

2,700 young athletes from 206 countries will compete until November 13 in three regions: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

This event will host 2,700 young athletes from 206 countries, with competitions spread across three key regions of Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Georgiy Clotilde Coly, Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the Prime Minister personally reviewed the organizational preparations.

Renovations of existing facilities and the construction of new infrastructure have been completed, and close cooperation systems with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and international sports federations have also been established.

Dakar citizens face high prices and daily economic difficulties, leading to mixed views on hosting the Olympics.

While some citizens criticize that the budget allocated to Olympic infrastructure should be used for more urgent economic issues, such as job creation programs, artisans are anticipating economic ripple effects from the influx of foreign visitors.

Senegal aims to use the Olympics as an opportunity to overcome economic difficulties exacerbated by hidden debts from the previous administration, revealed in 2024.

The government plans to use the Olympics as a strategic opportunity to boost economic vitality, attract foreign investment, and elevate Senegal's status in the international community.

According to Georgiy Clotilde Coly, the current economic difficulties are due to international environmental influences. Emphasis was placed on utilizing the Olympics not merely as a sports event but as a national legacy.

The Minister added that the public should share the value of this event, focusing on its long-term development potential beyond sports.

These Olympics are expected to be a catalyst for establishing the foundation of a sports economy by building high-quality sports infrastructure in Senegal.

It will secure new growth engines, create jobs through sports economic growth, and serve as an opportunity to foster youth independence and strengthen leadership capabilities.

Public-private partnerships will be established for the sustainable utilization of sports facilities after the Olympics. This will contribute not only to infrastructure maintenance but also to diversifying revenue through facility operation and value enhancement.

A dedicated organization will also be operated to attract cultural and commercial events other than sports, making various efforts to ensure that the Olympic legacy contributes to long-term national development.

Building on the Olympic Committee's promotional activities since last year, efforts are being accelerated to nurture talent in less popular sports, moving away from a culture overly focused on soccer and basketball.

This initiative aims to cultivate new talent and encourage youth participation in sports through diversification of sports categories, and is an extension of the sport promotion activities led by the Olympic Committee since last year.

Through these Olympics, Senegal aims to show the world that Africa has the capability to successfully organize large-scale international events.

Furthermore, it plans to promote the creative and dynamic image of Senegalese youth to the world, combining sports economic models with cultural elements as a strategic opportunity to foster national and continental development.

Georgiy Clotilde Coly, Minister, announced that Senegal has completed its preparations to host the Olympics and is ready to welcome 2,700 athletes, over 1,500 delegates, and international visitors from around the world with Senegal's cultural hospitality (Teranga).