For the first time in history, Africa will host an Olympic sporting event as Senegal prepares to welcome the world to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026.
Scheduled to run from October 31 to mid-November, Dakar 2026 will bring together 2,700 young athletes from across the globe to compete in various sporting disciplines.
The Games will take place across three locations—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly—serving as a landmark moment for African sports and a catalyst for transformation in Senegal.
Under the theme “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” the event aims to showcase the spirit of Senegalese hospitality (Teranga) while inspiring youth across the continent.
Organizers emphasize that Dakar 2026 is not just a Senegalese event but one that represents all of Africa.
A total of 35 International Federations will be involved in the Games, with 25 sports making up the competition program, including athletics, swimming, boxing, football (futsal), basketball (3×3), wrestling, rugby sevens, and gymnastics.
Additionally, an engagement program will feature 10 more sports, such as golf, hockey, sport climbing, and surfing, allowing fans to interact with them through digital platforms and on-site activities.
A major milestone of Dakar 2026 is its commitment to full gender equality.
The Games will feature 151 events—72 for men, 72 for women, and seven mixed-gender competitions—ensuring equal representation across all sports.
With its historic significance and ambitious vision, Dakar 2026 is set to leave a lasting legacy for sports development in Africa, serving as a blueprint for future Olympic events on the continent.
