Momentum is building for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as preparations gather pace

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

The Dakar en Jeux Festival, a vehicle for community involvement

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

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